Water Heater Time

[Ah Pook]

My 1970 vintage gas (propane) water heater gave up the ghost today. [Rant2]

Options are "super insulated" electric or an off the shelf gas heater. A 40 gallon tank should do it. POU is not really an option as the water coming out of the well is too cold. Both options are beyond my skill ability, so our plumber will be doing the work.

Looking at pros/cons, yearly utility cost and longevity. Thoughts?

[buffalobo]

Some youtube research and assistance from a few plumbers here and you could change it out your self.

Take some pics and hcwt or some of the other plumbers can check what needs updated and start you down the right path. Could save some bucks.

[newracer]

I have heard that electric is always more expensive than propane or natural gas.

[buffalobo]

I have heard that electric is always more expensive than propane or natural gas.
Propane has been going up but is still cheaper IMO. The super insulated electric models can help by reducing the "reheat" cycles when not in use.

I would still stick with propane.

[Wulf202]

Electric are cheaper to buy and theres no conversion on efficiency. Electric is 100% efficient. But they have down sides.

You can order gas units at the box stores. Ng or propane. They will also install pretty cheap

I do atleast one water heater a week.

If you have the room and your well is that cold. Consider getting a holding tank ahead of the water heater. I did some calculations once and it can save a considerable amount of money over time.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you have the room and your well is that cold. Consider getting a holding tank ahead of the water heater. I did some calculations once and it can save a considerable amount of money over time.

^^ If the room possible a holding tank would help. PLUS, if your well pump went out you'd have some in reserve.

[Ah Pook]

I'm only considering electric because United Power has a rebate program of up to $400. No details yet.

The plumber was by today. He is buried in frozen pipes and has no time til next week. I'm still in TN, so I am of no use.

Not much room in the WC. Also, it's not a conditioned space. I put an electric heater in there when it gets this cold. I like the holding tank idea though.

Time to sit down and do some research.

[flogger]

1970's !!!! That was a good water heater and/or you did a great job maintaining it. Ditto the opinions on Gas vs Electric.

[68Charger]

I'm all electric- but then again, I have a Ground source heat pump (sometimes called geo-thermal)... I didn't spring for the (expensive) option to have the heat pump heat my hot water tank, but I did put in a desuperheater (it uses a non-powered hot water heater to cool the compressor & compressor output, which then feeds a powered water heater)

My pressurized holding tank is in the same semi-conditioned area (laundry/utility room, it's not as warm/cool as the rest of the house, but still has a vent)

Replacing the anode rod in your water heater periodically can go a long way to preserving it's life.

[MarkCO]

The high efficiency gas water heaters have commercial grade glass lining and 2 anodes. They are expensive, but pay for themselves. Plus, we have never run out of hot water as the recovery rate is better since they are about 3 times the BTUs.

[Gman]

I'd stick with the gas. Home Depot carries a GE branded unit made by Rheem that's very good. My gas bill took a significant dip after replacing the old WH.

[MED]

I have the joy of leaving shortly to change out the water heater in my rental. It sounds like the water line to the tank leaked, they didn't tell me, and it rusted out the fitting. I just replaced the damn thing five years ago.

Awesome!

[Ah Pook]

Well, it looks like the feeder line may have leaked a little during the first part of the cold snap. Just got back into town and there is no water leaking from the tank. Looks like the old gas hog might have one more season in her.

Thanks for all the input! [Beer]

[buffalobo]

Well, it looks like the feeder line may have leaked a little during the first part of the cold snap. Just got back into town and there is no water leaking from the tank. Looks like the old gas hog might have one more season in her.

Thanks for all the input! [Beer]
Cool, cheaper and easier to plan replacement.[emoji106]

[Hummer]

Personally, I'd stick with propane, much cheaper than electricity. The mountain spring water at our places north of Ned is very good, never mineral buildup and only a little iron which I filter with a simple sediment filter, so water heaters tend to last a long time. One I have is the original Montgomery Ward unit in continuous use since 1965. I prefer a heater with a pilot because it will keep the water warm during extended power outages. I leave the pilot on through the winter. It shouldn't cost much more for a plumber to install a pilot on an ignition fired unit.... just a thought.