Electric vs. gas appliances: What’s best for Alberta homes?

When it comes to choosing home appliances, Albertans have more options than ever. From water heaters and stoves to fireplaces and dryers, many of these appliances are available in both electric and natural gas models.

The choice you make doesn’t just affect how the appliance runs. It also impacts your monthly bills, environmental footprint, convenience and safety. In this article, we’ll compare electric and gas appliances across six key areas:

Energy efficiency;
Operating costs;
Upfront costs;
Environmental impact;
Convenience; and
Safety.

Energy efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, it all comes down to the appliance:

Electric water heaters are much more energy efficient1 than their natural gas counterparts, since they don’t keep the unit hot at all times.

Induction cooktops can be up to three times more efficient than gas stoves2, converting most of their energy directly into heating the cookware.

Although electric furnaces are technically more efficient (most modern electric furnaces operate at almost 100% AFUE3), they just don’t stand up to Alberta winters. Gas-powered furnaces heat faster than electric furnaces, and that means a lot when it’s -25 degrees.

Regardless of whether they’re gas or electric, ENERGY STAR® certified dryers use 20% less energy4, on average, than a standard model.

Gas fireplaces tend to have more power and a steadier and consistent heat. Electric fireplaces may have lower heat output, but they can convert nearly all input energy to heat, making them highly energy efficient5.

In Canada, the EnerGuide label6 helps homeowners compare efficiency across appliances and models, making it easier to see how much energy each appliance will use and how that translates into operating costs.

Operating costs

In Alberta, natural gas typically costs less than electricity, but by how much?

Electricity and gas are measured in different units: electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and natural gas in gigajoules (GJ). To compare them, you need to put them on the same scale:

1 GJ = about 278 kWh
At a natural gas fixed price of $4.39/GJ (Encor’s current rates), that’s roughly the equivalent of 1.58¢/kWh.

By comparison, electricity through Encor current rates (as of September 2025):

Fixed rate: 8.63¢/kWh
Floating rate: 4.62¢/kWh

Although natural gas costs significantly less than electricity, appliance efficiency affects the bottom line. In practice, gas appliances are generally cheaper to run for large energy needs like heating and hot water, while electricity can be competitive for smaller loads or in cases where high-efficiency electric technology (like induction cooking) is used.

Build a custom energy plan with electricity, natural gas or both with Encor and start saving today. Sign up now.

Upfront costs

Initial purchase and installation costs depend on the appliance, as well as your home.

Electric appliances are typically less expensive to buy and simpler to install since no gas line or venting is required. However, older homes may need electrical panel upgrades to support multiple high-demand appliances, which can add costs.
Gas appliances may cost more upfront and usually require professional installation for venting or new gas lines. On the other hand, if a gas line is already in place, adding another gas appliance can be straightforward (but still should be done by a professional!)

Environmental impact

When burned, natural gas produces greenhouse gas emissions. That means gas appliances, like furnaces and water heaters, contribute to a home’s overall carbon footprint.

Alberta’s electricity is mostly made from natural gas, but more wind and solar power are being added each year. This means that while electric appliances may not always be “green” today, they have the potential to get cleaner over time as more renewable energy is added to the grid.

Convenience

Convenience comes down to daily use and lifestyle fit. Electric appliances win points for simplicity, while gas appliances often win for speed and control.

Electric water heaters are simple to install and require less ongoing maintenance. However, they typically take longer to heat a full tank of water compared to gas, which can be noticeable in busy households with higher hot water demands.

Gas stoves offer an instant flame that can be adjusted up or down in real time, great for precision cooking. Electric stoves are easier to clean (especially smooth-top surfaces, like ceramic or induction).

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: gas furnaces stand up more reliably to Alberta winters.

Electric dryers are more widely available and are easy to install but have longer drying times per load of laundry. Gas dryers have shorter drying cycles, but more upkeep is needed. Plus, they require a gas line and a proper vent, which can limit where it’s placed in the home.

Gas fireplaces are great at heating larger areas in the home and provide a realistic flame, while electric fireplaces are great for heating small areas. Gas fireplaces typically need more space because of their firebox and venting systems, while electric fireplaces are compact and can fit in smaller rooms.

Safety

Both gas and electric appliances are safe when installed and maintained properly, but each carries different risks.

The primary concern with electric appliances is fire risk from faulty wiring or overloading circuits.

Concerns with gas appliances are leaks, carbon monoxide buildup and ensuring proper ventilation.

Working with qualified contractors and following Alberta’s Safety Codes Council and Municipal Affairs guidelines helps ensure both types of appliances are safe to use.

Key takeaways for Albertans

There’s no universal “best” choice between electric and gas. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your household’s lifestyle, budget and values. For many Alberta households, the right answer is a mix: having a gas furnace for reliable winter heating and an electric stove for convenience.

Sources:
¹ Electric vs Gas water heaters

² Pros and Cons of induction cooktops and ranges

³ Electric vs. Gas Furnace: Which Is Best for Albertans

⁴ Clothes dryers

⁵ Gas vs Electric Fireplace: Comparison Guide

⁶ The EnerGuide label

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Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).