Windows, plumbing & mechanical
Gas vs Electric appliances
speaking, gas appliances tend to be cheaper to run than electric ones — but there are many important caveats. Here’Generallys a breakdown of the factors and what you should check for your own situation.
✅ Why gas often costs less to operate
- In many regions, the cost per unit of energy from natural gas is lower than the cost per unit of electricity. For example: “The average cost for residential natural gas is the cheapest form of energy … costing homes $12.09 per MMBtu versus $41.79 per MMBtu for electricity.” For heating-intensive uses (water heaters, dryers, ranges) gas often wins on operating cost if everything else is equal. For example: One Canadian comparison found that in the Toronto market a gas dryer might cost ~$0.15-0.25 per load while an electric might cost ~$0.30-0.50. JK Appliances Another U.S. study suggests typical homes with standard gas appliances cost less than all-electric homes. Efficiency of conversion isn’t the only story: Even if electric appliances are more efficient (less “waste” energy), if the electricity rate is much higher, the operating cost can still be higher.
⚠️ Why the answer isn’t always “gas is better”
Up-front: Gas appliances often cost more to install (gas line hookup, venting, safety inspections) especially if your dwelling isn’t already set up for them.
Efficiency: For some electric appliances (especially newer tech like induction cooking, high-efficiency heat pumps) electric may be competitive. For example: In Alberta, Canada: although natural gas priced very low, the efficiency of the electric appliance affects whether electric or gas is “cheaper” after all.
Local utility rates matter a lot: The difference between gas vs electric cost depends heavily on what your local electric and gas rates are, and how much you use the appliance.
Maintenance & safety: Gas appliances can require more safety checks, venting, etc, which adds cost.
Environmental/regulatory considerations: Electric may offer benefits in some jurisdictions or with certain building codes (especially if the electricity is from renewable sources).
If your electric comes from very low cost / renewable sources, the equation may tilt the other way.
🎯 My summary recommendation
If I were advising someone in your situation (you’re in Toronto, Ontario), I’d say:
If you already have a gas line and gas-hookups, and you do heavy usage (lots of cooking, hot water, drying), then gas appliances are likely cheaper to operate over the long term.
If you currently only have electric and either switching to gas would require major installation, then electric might make more sense despite a potentially higher operating cost, because the upfront cost and hassle might outweigh savings.
Check your local rates: What is your cost per kWh of electricity? What is your cost per cubic metre or therm of gas? How much will you use the appliance?
Consider appliance efficiency: A newer high-eff electric model (or induction cooktop) might change the calculus versus older models.
Think long term: If you’re going to stay in the home a long time, the operating cost matters. If you may move soon, the upfront cost and installation matter more.