November 2007
| When it's time to replace your storage tank water heater A water heater isn't something you buy on impulse or upgrade as new features become available. Odds are, you don't think about it at all until it breaks or dies completely. That's when virtually all replacement purchases are made. Water heaters are fairly long-lived--most are warranted for a decade or more. When they do give out, it usually happens suddenly as water leaks out through corrosion in the tank. Most water heaters are gas or electric. Electric water heaters are far more efficient when it comes to keeping stored water hot. But because electricity is relatively expensive, gas heaters are cheaper to operate. Oil-fired water heaters are also available in locales such as the Northeast and Midwest, but they are comparatively expensive and represent a small fraction of the total number installed in homes. Solar- and heat-pump-operated water heaters make up a small part of the market. These use gas or electricity as a backup heat source. American, A.O. Smith, Bradford, Rheem, State, and White are among the major manufacturers of storage-type hot-water heaters. In major retail stores, you'll find brands such as GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore (Sears). There is some variety in the different models, though the brands compete mainly on warranty and price. Plumbers who buy direct from wholesale suppliers may offer to install water heaters branded by one of the manufacturers. Often, these are utilitarian, no-frills units, but they too offer a range of storage capacity and warranty options. If the until breaks or needs service, your only recourse is the plumber, who may refer you to the supplier or the manufacturer for satisfaction. That may not be a problem if you deal with the same plumber for all your home's needs. Service warranties for appliances are also available through third-party repair providers such as Sears Home Central--at a price. When you need to replace your water heater, start by determining whether your old unit is big enough for your needs now and in the future. A typical, 40-gallon until ranges from $175 to $350, depending on warranty and efficiency. That size may be fine for most families, but if yours may grow--or you're planning to install a hot tub or whirlpool bath--consider stepping up to a 50-gallon or an even larger model. While you'll pay more initially, a larger water heater costs about the same per year to operate as a smaller unit. Conversely, empty nesters probably don't need extra capacity. Opting for a smaller unit will only save a little on installation costs--and it may mean you'll run out of hot water. In areas where the water is corrosive or has high mineral content, choosing a model with a longer warranty may make sense (most warranties are divided between service, parts, and tank). And whichever heater you buy, ask if the service warranty includes in-home repairs. |
