Am needing to change also. Dad got an electric over ten years ago, he pulls the elements every six or eight months and cleans them and he's happy with it.

After much searching out information I intend to use the point of use type rather than one whole house unit and they will be gas. Each unit will provide hot water to a sink and a shower, another will provide for the kitchen sink and dishwasher, we don't use hot water in the clothes washer. Many manufacturers and some have replaceable modules I suppose for if your water has deposit issues then you can pull-out the coils easily and clean or replace.

These units start at under $200 and the water is hot at the fawcett immediately; no delay. I like that there is only cold water lines needed to run through the house to each point of use and split for hot/cold at the point of use

Bosch