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What are the good makes for new water heaters? I may need to get a new one. I have a 14 YO gas water heater and would like to get in front of it to avoid problems.
This, I would like to know. From what I have read, you are supposed try to find ones for which the user can replace the rods.
A warranty and a corporation that will still be around in 2-10 years
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Guard
What are the good makes for new water heaters? I may need to get a new one. I have a 14 YO gas water heater and would like to get in front of it to avoid problems.
Look for a reputable (non-zombie) brand with a long warranty.
My water heater is at least 13 years old. Sorry I don't know the capacity.
Does a water heater give you a 'hint' that's it's going? or on its last legs?
I declare I think my heater isn't keeping my water hot as long as it used to. Not even long enough for a shower.
When it's cold outside, does that (should it) affect water heaters?
(I never felt those effects before. but thought I'd ask)
Also, can they be 'serviced' or rehabbed?
I suppose if I call a repairman -- just because of the units age??? I should expect them to say it's old replace it?
Water heaters are relatively simple devices. If they are not leaking from the tank they can generally be repaired by replacing the parts that are not functioning. There are NO expensive parts on an electric water heater. The lower element on an electric water heater is the typical offender when you have minimal hot water. It is a $10-$15 dollar part that can be changed out rather quickly by a qualified plumber. Don't be talked into replacement of the entire unit unless it is actively leaking. I see water heaters more than 20 years of age and functioning properly on a regular basis. My own unit is 24 years old, on hard well water and functioning fine. The only repair has been been replacement of an element. Other than an occasional draining, no other maintenance has been performed on the unit.
I still think whole house tank-less water heaters is a waste of money if you have more than 2 bathrooms with showers. It is nice to have a small tankless system for upstairs washrooms but it is too expensive to get a tankless and not much savings given that the lifespan of tankless system is only 25% more than water tanks yet they cost about 3-4x, difficult to recuperate. The only plus side is that you can have near unlimited hot water if you like to take long hot showers.
Whole-house tankless electric is never a great idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vision33r
I still think whole house tank-less water heaters is a waste of money if you have more than 2 bathrooms with showers. It is nice to have a small tankless system for upstairs washrooms but it is too expensive to get a tankless and not much savings given that the lifespan of tankless system is only 25% more than water tanks yet they cost about 3-4x, difficult to recuperate. The only plus side is that you can have near unlimited hot water if you like to take long hot showers.
If you're talking about tankless electric, then I agree with you 100% -- they only make sense as Point of Use (POU) heaters.
I still think whole house tank-less water heaters is a waste of money if you have more than 2 bathrooms with showers. It is nice to have a small tankless system for upstairs washrooms but it is too expensive to get a tankless and not much savings given that the lifespan of tankless system is only 25% more than water tanks yet they cost about 3-4x, difficult to recuperate. The only plus side is that you can have near unlimited hot water if you like to take long hot showers.
My house was built with a tankless water heater. If it ever needs replacing, I'm sticking with tankless. I like that I don't have a big tank and its 18 inch stand taking up valuable garage space.
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A warranty and a corporation that will still be around in 2-10 years
Whole-house tankless electric is never a great idea.
