We will be needing one soon. Decided against the Bosch/tankless kind.
Do you have any experience with different brands? what to avoid, what is best?
We're going to stick with gas vs. electric.
Thanks!
Full Version: What's a good brand of hot water heater?
We have had a Ruud electric for over 20 years. We do have to replace the element (it's electric) about every 4 years ($19 @ Menard's), due to our extremely hard water...DK if they make gas models...
If you are venting the traditional way, often tied in with a gas furnace, a high efficiency unit will require more plumbling work. Instead of a flue stack up through the roof, the venting can be done with PVC plastic pipe through a side wall. Often city hall permits a homeowner to get a permit and do an install; otherwise, a license plumber is involved and will sign off on the paperwork. One challenge you won't have to deal with, is the removal of an old tank half filled with sediment out of a basement.
It's a Rheem 50 gallon. We just replaced the gas furnace with a Trane XL19i heat pump, so the hot water heater is the only thing gas in the house now. I figure it will be great to have hot water during power outages, plus electricity is such a rip.
I googled and see Rheem, Ruud are supposed to be good.
I googled and see Rheem, Ruud are supposed to be good.
QUOTE
The following companies make water heater: State, A.O. Smith, American Water Heater Company, Rheem ( I think there is one more...)
Any WH "brand" you see is made by one of these guys. For example, Rheem Manufacturing Co, produces under the following brands: Rheem, Ruud, Richmond,GE and possibly others.
Most brand will offer a range of warranties, possibly some different BTU ratings, and a few bells and whistles such as self-cleaning.
Any WH "brand" you see is made by one of these guys. For example, Rheem Manufacturing Co, produces under the following brands: Rheem, Ruud, Richmond,GE and possibly others.
Most brand will offer a range of warranties, possibly some different BTU ratings, and a few bells and whistles such as self-cleaning.
QUOTE (dejavu @ 7-14-08, 10:19am) 
It's a Rheem 50 gallon. We just replaced the gas furnace with a Trane XL18i heatpump, so the hot water heater is the only thing gas in the house now. I figure it will be great to have hot water during power outages, plus electricity is such a rip.
Just make sure it doesn't depend on an electric ignition...
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