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smarteee2009 · Nov 10, 2008, 08:48 PM

I'm shopping for a hot water heater, and was just wondering if there's anything special I should be looking for--(efficiency,price,brandname), and if gas or electric is better, or more efficient. Also just wondering if there are any surprises in installing, or if it goes right in. It looks simple to me, but I have never done it-(it's a gas unit currently). Thanks I appreciate your time.

mygirlsdad77 · Nov 10, 2008, 09:16 PM

All depends on where you live. Some places gas is cheaper, some places electric is cheaper. Change outs of water heaters are never as easy as they look, unless your water heater is less than one or two years old, there will most likely be a height difference. May require soldering. I could recommend a certain brand, but the truth is ,they are all about the same. I would look at warranty, and purchase price. Switching from gas to electric will requires capping off existing gas, capping off existiing vent, and having proper electrical run to electric water heater. Will most likely require an electrician to make sure you have space in your breaker box to properly power the water heater with 240v. There are definitely a few things to consider. Hope my input helps. Please let me know what you come up with.

KISS · Nov 10, 2008, 09:59 PM

Check space.

Gas hookups can be quite tricky. There is no standard size. So be prepared for water, gas and vent changes. Code determines whether you can use flex gas lines.

If the water heater is power vented, then it may have to be replaced by another power vented one.

Milo Dolezal · Nov 10, 2008, 10:15 PM

If you have gas set up now, I would advise to stick with gas w/h.

Usually, plumbing supply houses that cater to professionals carry better made heaters than Big Box Stores (... like: AO Smith, Bradford White, Rheem / Ruud... ) I would buy R-16 insulated, rapid recovery w/h. Buy extra Thermal Blanket that will add few Thermal Points to your insulation. If you buy from Home Depot or Lowe's than get the one with longest warranty. Sears/Kenmore are not bad water heaters.

As far as cost of running gas heater goes: in my area, gas is lot cheaper than electricity.

Installation should be easy if you swapping one unit for another one. I recommend that you replace both hot 'n' cold water supply lines. Use copper corrugated flexible lines. Don't use s.s. braided ones: they only look good but hot water side will kink easily. Replace gas supply if you don't have gas flex already and new T&P valve. If heater stands inside garage or shop, put it on 18" pedestal ( you buy pre-made steel pedestal at the same supply house ). I would highly recommend to install 2 w/h straps - no matter whether you live in area with seismic activity or not.

And you are all set to enjoy you new heater for many years...

mygirlsdad77 · Nov 17, 2008, 04:46 PM

Smart, I think you accidentilly gave kiss a disagree, please repost an agree, if you truly liked his input. It was good advice.

By the way, what have you decided? Interested to know how it all works out.

afaroo · Nov 17, 2008, 05:27 PM

I would go with Milo advice to stick with the gas water heater, the reason why I have a 50 gal. Gas water heater and my next door neighbor have the same 50 gal. Electric Heater we are four in the family and they 3 his monthly bill is almost double than mine, good luck.

John

KISS · Nov 17, 2008, 05:33 PM

Mygirlsdad:

You can't change reputations. Blame I on the software.

mygirlsdad77 · Nov 17, 2008, 05:54 PM

I agree kiss. But if some one is looking at your profile, and they see a red, and then see that the person also gave you a green(on the same answer), they will be more likely to take your advice. I understand it really doesn't amount too much, but makes a guy feel better to get an agree, than a disagree.

I haven't been here long, but I definitely see some need of upgrade of the software. Great site. But I'm betting it could be better.

KISS · Nov 17, 2008, 06:17 PM

You can ask for a "balance" from one of the mods or do it yourself like you did. Thanks.

Milo Dolezal · Nov 17, 2008, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by mygirlsdad77

i agree kiss. but if some one is looking at your profile, and they see a red, and then see that the person also gave you a green(on the same answer), they will be more likely to take your advice. I understand it really doesnt amount to much, but makes a guy feel better to get an agree, than a disagree.

I havent been here long, but i definately see some need of upgrade of the software. Great site. But im betting it could be better.

I think the ".... you have to have spread some reputation first ..." is a safe game some of the moderators on this site play to protect themselves from receiving negative feedbacks.

It is sad that this BS politics have reached such a wonderful Help website like this one without a doubt is. There is absolutely no reason why somebody could not leave feedback, any feedback, to anybody's answer, at any time, and as many times as conversation generates...

If you have to protect your answers with blocking the feedback line - then, perhaps, you should not be answering poster's questions at all.

mygirlsdad77 · Nov 17, 2008, 07:20 PM

I wish I could control who leaves me positive or negative feedback, I want to hear everyone's thoughts about my advice. Why is it that I can't find how to accept comments.

Obama, can you fix this problem please.

massplumber2008 · Nov 17, 2008, 07:34 PM

Milo...

This is wrong here... "I think the ".... you have to have spread some reputation first ..." is a safe game some of the moderators on this site play to protect themselves from receiving negative feedbacks."

This has nothing to do with moderators or anyone else.. it is to do with the site program.

Speedball gets as many negatives as anyone else here... mostly mistaken... ;)

And be clear here that I think we would all like to get rid of mistaken negatives... MAY BE that that can be fixed..someday...;)

Just FYI guys...

And Smartee... recovery rate for electric VS natural gas is not even close. Stick with natural gas as Milo suggested. You would not be happy with an electric water heater.

Good night all...

MARK

PS... water heater insulation blanket will not add much "thermal points" to your total... but insulating the first 10 feet of hot water pipe out of the heater will! Further, including a HEAT TRAP will also help here (check installation instructions and see what I mean)... just rare to see!