I have a old gas water heater that is in need of replacement, its about 19 years old. I wanted to see if anyone had any advise on which one to get. I know they make newer models that are more energy efficient. With gas being almost $ 4.00 a gallon, I would like to get the best bang for my buck. Any advise would be helpful.
Tankless would be the most efficient but the most initial investment. I would stay away from GE,whirlpool, and american water heaters. They are the same heater with a different label but have had lots of issues with the gas valves. I prefer a bradford white tank heater. If I was you and had the funds, tankless would be a no brainer.
if you're gonna go with gas, i'd go AO Smith
A.O. Smith is the stuff, but you do pay for it.
Our gas water heater flaked out about 2 weeks ago. It was 16 years old so I guess I was overdue. I got a 50 gallon Rheem Fury 22v50f1 from the local plumbing supply house for right at $420 (they are open to the public). I compared the unit ratings as this had the best 1st hour delivery and recovery for the price. I was replacing a 1995 model Rheem 40 gallon.
Very nice unit for the price. Came with brass drain valve and the isolation nipples already installed. Great fit and finish too. If you get one from the home stores you have plastic drain valve and have to buy the nipples. The ones at HD and Lowes also would have cost me more.
And comparing their yearly energy estimate the difference between getting another 40 gallon vs a 50 gallon was only about $4 more a year. I recently had a shift change and I'm showering after the wife again in the morning. With the 50 gallon I have not had any issues with not having enough hot water so I'm very happy with the upgrade.
If you have a Rheem dealer who will sell to the public I do recommend you look at the 22V50F1 (if you want to stay with a tank type gas water heater).
I sell to plumbing wholesalers and have talked to them about tankless vs. tank water heater. Depending on how much hot water you are actually going to use, I have always been told you're better off getting an efficient water heater vs. a tankless. In many cases you are not going to save the difference between the two throughout the life of the tankless. There is also a lot of maintenance with tankless every year.
Now I'm not saying that tankless doesn't have its place. But this is what I have been told by guys that sell them for a living.
GO DAWGS
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