Bradford White Water Heater Review

Water Heater Review

Bradford White Water Heater Review

Water heaters have to meet certain minimum standards for safety and energy efficiency, and pricing for most water heaters varies regionally. Covering all the basic water heater types, including tankless, solar and tank-style water heaters and various combinations thereof. With many utility rates at an all-time high, interest in energy-efficient water heaters is increasing. New Energy Star ratings for water heaters kicked in on Jan. 1, 2009, so you'll now find Energy Star-rated gas storage and tankless water heaters. That same month, GE announced the first hybrid electric water heater, which builds a heat pump right into the tank-style water heater.

Federal tax credits for installing energy-efficient water heaters have been extended. Credits for up to 30 percent of the cost (up to $1,500) are also available for Energy Star-rated gas or propane tankless water waters as well as electric heat pump water heaters. A few storage-tank gas-fueled water heaters qualify, but they must exceed Energy Star efficiency quite a bit, with an energy factor (EF) rating of 0.82 (Energy Star guidelines require gas storage water heaters to have an EF rating of 0.62).

Our Useful Links section contains many links to more information about solar hot water heater designs and options.

We found many hair-raising complaints from owners of water heaters with 12-year warranties. One of the largest water heater manufacturers, A.O. Smith, makes some very energy-efficient water heaters under its own brand name, as well as Kenmore, Whirlpool and several other water-heater brands. However, contractors rank A.O. Smith water heaters well below average, and owners reviewing Kenmore and Whirlpool water heaters agree.

Some energy-efficient water heaters use circuit boards that are easily damaged but require replacement, making these water heaters very costly to repair. 

Highly Efficient Water Heaters

These days there is a lot of talk about replacing regular water heaters with the high efficiency tankless water heaters. When searching for more efficient models to buy, you will discover that there are essentially two different kinds. High efficiency models are the ones that save you money immediately on gas utility or electric bills. 

An efficient water heater that has a tank will be such that is adequately insulated, in which water temperature is maintained for long periods without kicking back on every now and then repeatedly within 24 hours. On the other hand, a highly efficient tankless water heater is such that will only start to heat the much needed water required when hot water taps are switched on. However, before this savings benefit can be realized, one must first consider upfront the heater's cost including installation cost, which may not come cheap.

A tankless water heater with high efficiency is what you need in your home, with a big family, where a lot of water is made use of on a daily basis. Even homes with just the husband and his wife including possibly one pet or more can benefit or take advantage of cost-saving appliances such as high efficiency tankless water heating systems. To ensure adequate supply of hot water some families even provide smaller units in each bathroom as well as by the sink in the kitchen.

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