Choosing a water heater

[CarlH]

Since my current water heater is 14 years old, I decided I would look into a replacement water heater before it becomes an urgent matter. Based upon the comments here I plan to go with a Bradford White. The problem is there are a few models to choose from. I am looking at replacing a 50 gallon natural gas atmospheric vent model. There are two models that I am looking at, the M2XR(maybe M1XR) and the M4.

Any thoughts on these models? Do those heat traps installed on the inlet and outlet ever cause any problems? Anything else I should consider?

No power vent models. I like reliable hot water even when the power is out.

[Redwood]

I have had no problems with Bradford White water heaters...
It just might be why I use them!

[wraujr]

Same thing as you Carl. 50 gallon Nat Gas with regular draft hood, no power vent.

Is the 101-B spec sheet series good?? Model # M-I-5036FBN
Residential Atmospheric Vent Energy Saver Gas Water Heater

What do you get by going to 10 year warranty?? Is mfgr process different?? This would be model M-I-50310FBN

Are there any BWs to avoid??

[nhmaster]

Going with Red here. BW makes quality stuff. But hey, if you like aggravation you can get a Whirlpool

[Redwood]

The difference between a 6yr & 10yr is the price!
You get the same water heater and pay more for it.
The supply house punches in a different number for guarantee purposes and you get the same water heater.
Buy the 6 it should make 10 easy.
Fool the bank!

[wraujr]

Thanks great advice on 6 vs 10

I was looking at the basic model for NG with Atmos Vent.

Any advantage to these fast recovery, etc. versions???

I assume FVIR is mandatory???

[CarlH]

wraujr,
I goofed when I was posting the model numbers. I was looking at the MI5036FBN and the M45036FBN. The M4 version is a high Energy Factor(EF) model. It think it is probably nothing more than some extra insulation over the MI and probably a higher price. The XR Extra recovery models look like they have a higher BTU per hour rating (larger burner?) and are able to get back to usable hot water faster than the other two model. I don't think I need the XR model since we generally do not run out of hot water that often. Most of the time we wash clothes with cold water and the all of the shower heads are 2gpm models. Either way it looks like there should not be any problems with either of these models.

nhmaster,
I'll pass on the Whirlpool Flamelock. I thought I said I wanted reliable hot water, not guaranteed aggravation.

[Cass]

Rheem Water Heaters would be a good choice also...

[Gary Swart]

I concur with the previous responders. Either the Bradford White or the GE/Rheem would be good choices. I would not pay for the extended warranty either. Those are never a good deal. Assume you go for 8 or 9 years and it fails. They will only pro rate the cost of a replacement, and you will get far less than the extra cost you paid.

[wraujr]

Description for M-4 EF is:
2" Non-CFC Foam Insulation—Covers the side and top, reducing the
amount of heat loss. This results in less energy consumption, improved
operation efficiencies and jacket rigidity.

While the M-I is only 1"

So your guess was right, its the insulation.

[hj]

They will only pro rate the cost of a replacement,

???????????Have you ever exchanged a water heater under warranty? If so, and they prorated it, you were cheated. EVERY company's warranty is a no-charge, except maybe for paperwork fees, replacement up until the day the warranty expires.

[MACPLUMB 777]

To correct the misconceptions about extended warranty on regular residental, water heaters,
#1 all extra warranty heaters have a extra anode rod, under the hot water nipple
#2 they have a brass drain valve, not plastic like the 6 year heaters

#3 the extra money is for the insurance policy to cover the extra years in case of failure,

if you have to replace a water heater under warranty either 6 yr. Or 12 yr.

You get the prorated warranty " not" a whole new warranty,
the property owner pays for shipping and handling charges, plus paying for the change out labor,parts, and any required permits

this is in writing in the small print as they say !

Nothing in life is for free don't you know !

[Redwood]

To correct the misconceptions about extended warranty on regular residental, water heaters,
#1 all extra warranty heaters have a extra anode rod, under the hot water nipple
#2 they have a brass drain valve, not plastic like the 6 year heaters

#3 the extra money is for the insurance policy to cover the extra years in case of failure,

if you have to replace a water heater under warranty either 6 yr. Or 12 yr.

You get the prorated warranty " not" a whole new warranty,
the property owner pays for shipping and handling charges, plus paying for the change out labor,parts, and any required permits

this is in writing in the small print as they say !

Nothing in life is for free don't you know !

Jerry Bradford White is the same water heater for 6 or 10!

[master plumber mark]

[quote=CarlH;178972]wraujr,
I goofed when I was posting the model numbers. I was looking at the MI5036FBN and the M45036FBN. The M4 version is a high Energy Factor(EF) model. It think it is probably nothing more than some extra insulation over the MI and probably a higher price. The XR Extra recovery models look like they have a higher BTU per hour rating (larger burner?)

we get asked for the energy effieicnt one all the time
because the stupid the gas company is giving away a whole $100 rebate if you get the better one... it has to have a .62 energy rateing..(none of them have it)

the normal 50 gal Brad white has a .59 rateing...

no one in town is carrying the higher rated water heater cause the price for the .62 unit is well over double plus what the normal one is.......

A water heater blanket cost 15 bucks..

and putting one on any brand of heater will probably still save you %25% on the gas bill and extend the life of the heater quite a while

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people dont like the pro rated thing with the heaters..

we go out and charge them a labor bill for the installation of a new heater but they are usually pissed that they dont get another full 6 year warranty

I ususally tell them that they are getting a brand new heater still in a box that would come with a 6 year warranty in going in any other home....just not for their warranty replacement


usually that makes them settle down somewhat
when they pay the change out bill

[Cass]

While I can't speak for Brad White... Rheem and A.O. Smith will give you another 6 yr. warranty if you are up grading from the old style to the VIFR style and pay a $70.00 up grade fee...so that is not to bad....another 6 yr. warranty for $70.00