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    #1

    Water heaters

    I have an electric water heater that I am about to replace. It has a small leak in the bottom. I have been looking at Home Depot and Lowes for a replacement. The water heater I have is considered a "Tall" water heater. Is there a difference in efficiency between a "Tall" and a "Medium" water heater? The "Medium" is about $100 cheaper. These are both 50 gallon water heaters. The tall has a smaller foot print than the medium.

    Is there a better/cheaper place to shop than Depot and Lowes?


    Also, I have a second water heater that the output temperature varies from time to time. It never gets colder, but days like today, it comes out boiling hot. It will probably be back to normal tomorrow.
    Last edited by stinkbelly; 04-13-2011, 06:20 AM.
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    #2
    I can't answer about the footprint but I want to warn against a "smart heater". I went through THREE Whirlpool "smart" water heaters. The module on top would constantly have problems, particularly with spikes in electric service. I finally got a 4th warranty replacement WITHOUT the smart module and haven't had another problem.

    Comment

      #3
      What is the smart heater supposed to do?

      Comment

        #4
        Have you considered a tankless electric? Also, the "tall" is designed to work the same, just take up less space. I would shop around and find the best price because Lowes will price match. I have sold many State water heaters over other brands and that would be the Brand i would recommend for a tank type water heater.


        Sent from my Wolf Pack using Stacked Exhaust.
        Last edited by bsimm78; 04-13-2011, 06:22 AM.

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          #5
          Yes, I considered the tankless. I was going to buy one, but I read the reiviews and it said if there is much minerals in your water it would scale up and you would loose pressure within a week. Our well water is full of minerals.

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by stinkbelly View Post
            What is the smart heater supposed to do?
            Run less often to conserve energy. Its a POC.

            Comment

              #7
              I modified earlier post. As far as buildup goes, that will happen with any heater, tank or tankless. I would also recommend a home filtration system for you as well. Most cities will test a water sample for you. Take that information to find out the exact type of home filter you would need. That will save wear and tear on water heater and in-home plumbing.


              Sent from my Wolf Pack using Stacked Exhaust.

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                #8
                I own a plumbing company so take it for whatever it's worth, first of all home depot and lowes water heaters are garbage. Find a State or Bradford/White dealer. STAY AWAY from Electric tankless water heaters. WAY too many negatives to even begin to list. Yes they're that bad. If you're in Weatherford, go to Ft Worth to a plumbing supply house called "Economy Supply". I believe it is on Montgomery Dr just north of I-30 on the left hand side. The cost will be fairly comparable to lowes and home depot and honestly maybe even slightly higher in price but they're worth it.

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                  #9
                  Marathon, best tank water heater out there. Lifetime warr. on the tank and most energy efficient on the market

                  Comment

                    #10
                    From my experience a hot water heater is a hot water heater. Some have more bells and whistles, but they all do the same thing, heat water. Buy from Home Depot or Lowes or even a plumbing supply, they will mostly be the same quality and last about the same amount of time.
                    Foot prints will only matter if they are in the attic or a small area. Size one depending on how many folks are going to be using it. You don't want to run out of hot water.
                    To keep a water heater going longer start off on a new heater by flushing or running water from the bottom valve to drain out the minerals that drop out of the water and settle in the bottom of the tank every 6 months. Once a water heater has some age on it you will not be able to remove the deposits.
                    Here in Deer Park our water is hard and a water heater lasts about 10 years.
                    Unless you have a new home built, installing a tankless water heater is cost prohibitive for most folks since it will take a new breaker, new wiring, new installation, etc.....you can purchase many water heaters for the initial cost of a tankless model.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Mike Murphey View Post
                      From my experience a hot water heater is a hot water heater.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Mike Murphey View Post
                        From my experience a hot water heater is a hot water heater. .

                        How does one go about heating water that is already hot?

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Smart View Post
                          How does one go about heating water that is already hot?
                          I thought he meant a stolen water heater. Ya, know? So it doesn't cost so much.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Smart View Post
                            How does one go about heating water that is already hot?
                            With a hot water heater! Duh!

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Smart View Post
                              How does one go about heating water that is already hot?
                              Those are Booster heaters. Unless you own a restaurant, you will not be needing a "hot water heater"!


                              I have given up long ago trying to educate people on the difference as long as they pay the bill.

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