Reicherb
Member
I'm replacing a 10 year old 40 gallon traditional flu vent WH that has a slight leak in the pressure relief valve. I attempted to exercise it and its frozen solid. We also run out of hot water when the kids (little) take baths. Based on all of these factors, I assume it’s not worth fixing. We have a family of 4 and don’t have any large tubs
My questions are:
1. Should I go power vent. It’s in a basement near an outside wall where going power vent won’t be an issue but is it worth the extra cost? Is the efficiency increase enough to offset the cost if the unit?
2. What brand? I’ve got a Home Depot (GE, Rheem), Lowes (Whirlpool), and Sears (Kenmore) near me as well as a plumbing supply store that sells AO Smith.
3. What size tank should I go with? Are we running out of hot water because the current 40 gallon is failing or is it simply too small? Should we go 50 or 75 gallon?
4. How long of a warranty should we get? As far as I can tell, they all sell basically the same unit with 3 different warrantees. Am I reading that right? If so, I’m inclined to go with the shorter warranty.
Thanks!
Brad
My questions are:
1. Should I go power vent. It’s in a basement near an outside wall where going power vent won’t be an issue but is it worth the extra cost? Is the efficiency increase enough to offset the cost if the unit?
2. What brand? I’ve got a Home Depot (GE, Rheem), Lowes (Whirlpool), and Sears (Kenmore) near me as well as a plumbing supply store that sells AO Smith.
3. What size tank should I go with? Are we running out of hot water because the current 40 gallon is failing or is it simply too small? Should we go 50 or 75 gallon?
4. How long of a warranty should we get? As far as I can tell, they all sell basically the same unit with 3 different warrantees. Am I reading that right? If so, I’m inclined to go with the shorter warranty.
Thanks!
Brad