Gas Water Heater?

Question

I need to replace my 30-gallon gas water heater...can anyone recommend an economical, energy-efficient brand & perhaps a good place to buy it?

Answer 1

I install Rheem and Bradford White heaters purchased from a plumbing supply store, not a local home center. They are more expensive but you get what you pay for. What you get in return is a product made for contractors and free advice from a professional parts supplier, not some teenage kid who doesn't know much about anything.

I also agree with some of your previous answers: If you do go back to a tank, get a bigger one if you have room. I have a tankless heater in my home, you should consider one.

Answer 2

It's hard to say what you'd actually save on the utilities, but you would save something. You'd also save some space. You'd never run out of hot water. And they last longer than a tank water heater. $900 is the absolute cheapest price for an installed tankless I've ever heard - it's a little less than the cost of a good unit by itself. Note that the better units are from Noritz, Takagi, or Rinnai.

Answer 3

You might also look into a tankless heater. It only heats water on demand, and not a tank. If you have a space issue, will fit into small area. Most energy efficient water heater available, high cost of unit and install tends to turn people off, but some states, municipalities, or gas companies offer rebates or cash incentives. Contact your gas provider for recommendations on units and installers.

Answer 4

All brands make good ones, cheap ones and efficient ones. You can tell the quality by the warranty, efficiency by the energy label required by law. Best prices are at home centers. If you want a very high quality, very high efficiency, plumbing suppliers sell the Bradford White sealed cumbustion unit which run at .62 energy factor. Expensive though. You might want to up size, 30 is pretty small.

Answer 5

Look for one with the Energy Star label. It'll save you $ in the long run. Check major hardware/home stores like Lowes and Home Depot. They have good selections. And, I'd definitely go with at least a 40 gallon heater. Even if you don't need it, if you ever want to sell your place, potential buyers might balk at such a tiny 30 gallon heater!

Answer 6

Go to Home Depot or Lowes for an all around heater that's both economical and good. You'll have a large choice of brands and prices, also they can install it for you through either place. Sears and some other stores have the same options.

Answer 7

What about a solar hot water heater, you cannot get more energy efficient than that! Governments are giving financial incentives for the use of renewable energy appliances these days!

Answer 8

if it doesnt have to be the exact same kind, invest in an upgrade that heats water very efficiently as as fast as you use it so youre never out of hot water cant remember the name of the unit but look up the website

Answer 9

go to lowes. i had to replace 2 of them over the winter . gas is the most energy efficient you can get .and they where reasonable

Answer 10

home depot,or Lowe's,the question is to buy one with a good warranty you can get one that will last 12 years.with electronic ignition,