Looking for input on a new natural gas water heater

[Doonbuggy]

My natural gas water heater still works great, but her best days are well behind her so I'm looking at getting a new one.

I'm aware of the Kenmore brand at Sears and Rheem/Richmond which I is available at Home Depot and/or Menards.

Any other brands or places to consider? I'll be getting a 40 gallon tank that runs on natural gas.

(The current one is a 30 gallon and is more than adequate, but for home resale value a 40 gallon makes sense. Plenty of room for a 40 gallon).

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

DB

[Wave Runner]

Most of the major brands make a good product. Rheem, Ruud, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, etc. I'd suggest not buying the cheapest model in any brand and with coming natural gas prices I'd consider going with a high efficiency model. Usually a high efficiency model will require a combustion air line to be run outside.

Sometimes you can a decent deal from your natural gas provider...

[IFallsRon]

Take a look at models that also allow for hookup to solar power. The price of solar collectors may come down in the future and you'll be set.

[bigdog]

I've used Rheem and had no complaints.

[backlash 1]

Doonbuggy,

When picking out a water heater, pay close attention to the energy guide sticker on them. They are rated in terms of efficiency for an average family. Do the math on the different heaters and figure out which one is better for the long run. CHEAPER IS NOT BETTER!

If you are replacing a power vent model, stay away from the brand that starts with A O. I do lots and lots of service on them.

Good idea to replace the unit before it goes TU. No hot water is the next worse thing to no water at all, especially if there are women in the household, good luck.

[tomfromblaine]

you mentioned a 30 gallon? was good enough, if thats the case I'd certainly consider a electric water heater set up to get off peak rates I havent done the math just yet but I'm thinkin your gonna come out way ahead, just because the gas prices have dropped alittle doesent mean the utility companys are gonna, their next in line to make record profits. Maybe one of the local F.M. number crunchers can figure it out, I'd like to see how it would wash out.

[Phred52]

doonbuggy, 3 weeks ago I replaced my own (40 gal/ nat gas). A friend of mine (a plumber) told me that there are 4 or 5 manufactures of water heaters and all they do is put on different labels on them at the factory. (JUST LIKE they do at the cheese factory where I work). My previous heater lasted 1 year short of 3 times it's warranty (17 yrs)!! It was a "6 year" warranty! I put in the SAME thing I had ( blame me??). We have VERY !! hard water where I live and a water heater that lasts its' warranty period is exceptional! I bought at Menards. They handle the name brand of the major builders of water heaters for this area. My next electric (@cabin)will also come from there!! IMHO Phred52