Water Heaters Gas

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   I need prices for gas water heaters from big stores that get the tax credit?
   I am going to be buying a new water heater next month and I'm trying to find prices at major stores (Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc) for natural gas water heaters that qualify for the tax credit (Energy Factor >0.82 OR a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.) I want to see how much more they are compared to normal water heater. Anyone know pricing and/or can you provide links to them?

   • ANSWER:
     Most of the water heaters that qualify for this tax deduction are going to be Tankless Water Heaters. Some of the qualifying ones are:
     486-148 180k N Gas DV Indoor Tankless Water Heater
     486-265 180k LP Gas DV Indoor Tankless Water Heater
     486-311 180k N Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     486-487 180k LP Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658427 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 7.4 GPM Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658426 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 7.4 GPM LP Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658424 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 7.4 GPM Natural Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658420 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 7.4 GPM LP Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658428 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 5.3 GPM Natural Gas Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater
     100658422 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 5.3 GPM LP Gas Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater
     100658419 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 5.3 GPM Natural Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     100658425 Rheem EcoSense On Demand 5.3 GPM LP Gas Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
     538-827 50 Gallon Electric Heat Pump
     These products are made by Rheem & can be purchased @ Home Depot. If you would like to view the link explaining the tax credits, then go to: http://www6.homedepot.com/taxcredit/hvac.html?cm_sp=THD_Marketing-_-TaxCredit09-_-Home_HTML-_-Nav_hvac. Here, you'll find everything you need to know...Best of luck to ya!!!

2. QUESTION:
   Why do natural gas water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces have to be vented and a natural gas stove doesn’t?
   Why do natural gas water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces have to be vented and a natural gas stove doesn’t? They are on for several hours at a time just like the other appliances I mentioned.

   • ANSWER:
     An Excellent question!

     Mostly because heaters, furnaces and fireplaces run more hours and are much larger burners than a kitchen stove is. You probably run your stove for what? 2 hours a day tops? It is only little 10,000btu burners for the stovetop and a 15-25,000btu for the oven. That's pretty small. Yes there are products of combustion from that, but not a lot.

     A furnace on the other hand will run 8 hours or more out of a day in heating season. It is more on the tune of 70,000 btu's or more. A lot more nasty gases coming from that, that you don't want to be breathing!

     Any home with any fuel burning appliance or attached garage, should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.

3. QUESTION:
   Do gas water heaters normally make kind of a spitting sound when the flame is lit?
   Our gas water heater was just re-ignited and its making a spitting sound from the flame area? did we just not notice this before, or is it uncommon?

   • ANSWER:
     if it has been off for a while , yes it normal its dust thats settled in to it, it should quit after it heats up,

4. QUESTION:
   Can you tell me what brand of gas water heaters is best?
   My gas water heater has been rusting over the 5 years since I brought it, I have a AO Smith, can you tell me what brand is best for a 40 gallon gas wate heater? I might shower in cold water in a 20 F weather.

   • ANSWER:
     There are more important considerations than brand.

     Look for a long warranty. Most cover 6, 9, or 12 years. Heaters with the lowest and highest warranties differ by just to 0 for gas units. But there are much bigger differences inside.

     Most higher-warranty gas heaters have bigger burners and better heat transfer for faster water heating, along with more anode material and thicker insulation.

     Longer coverage is especially important considering that warranties typically cover only the heater, not the labor you’ll pay a pro to install a new one.

     You may have heard about tankless water heaters, which save energy by heating only the water you draw. Those savings can add up to some per year compared with conventional heaters. But even at that rate, it will take more than 25 years to recoup the extra ,300 or so those units cost.

5. QUESTION:
   Which is best electric or gas water heaters. How much do they cost to install?
   I have to buy a new water heater. I've got gas now. It will heat a family-owned two flat.

   • ANSWER:
     If you have gas, stick with it. You'd have to make changes in your wiring to make changes for a electric one. It would only add to the cost and, the differences wouldn't be worth it in a long run.

     A gas or electric water heater will run anywhere from 0.00 to as much as 0.00 for a thirty gallon heater. It is what you want. You can get a ten year or a twenty year, a forty gallon or a twenty gallon.

     See the man and talk to him, see what they tell you at Home Depot or Lowes.

6. QUESTION:
   How reliable are Kenmore Powervent Gas Water Heaters?
   My wife and I are looking to purchase a Kenmore water heater for our new home. It is a Power Vent water heater with a 6 year warranty on the tank. The heater runs on natural gas. Has anyone had experience with Kenmore water heaters to help persuade us to either buy Kenmore or look somewhere else?

   • ANSWER:
     As with most items, this unit is probably made by a reputable company and marketed by kenmore. Look closely at the tag and you will probably find the manufacturer.

     Pretty much all power vented appliances will have the same sort of issues. In your case with a h/w heater, if you lose power, you get no h/w once the tank supply has been exhausted.

     Typical issues that go wrong with all power vented equipment.

     succeptable to electric surges etc. (PC board)
     igniter will fail in a few years time.
     Inducer gets noisy over time

     Good luck with your decision!
     Newt

7. QUESTION:
   Do Natural Gas Water Heaters Use Electricity?
   Me and my girlfriend got into a little argument about whether gas water heaters use electricity. I think natural gas water heaters use a little electricity and my girlfriend thinks they don't. On our natural gas water heater there are little wires that lead to a turn-able nob that can turn the water heater on and off. I think this is where the electricity is used and she thinks gas runs through them.

   • ANSWER:
     Well, you are right and wrong. A matter of semantics,There is a little tube that is above the pilot. The heat from the pilot heats this tube (thermocouple) and it produces millivolts. The millivolts energize a small magnetic valve within the gas valve ( behind the knob you spoke about earlier) The magnetic valve is the safety device that allows the main gas valve to operate.If the pilot goes out the thermocouple cools and stops producing millivolts and deactivates the magnetic valve. Yes, there is electricity, but not wired to the main house system. It produces it's own power. The house could blow away and the tank will still produce hot water..It could be embarrassing to bath without the house, but it could be done..You girl is right in as much it is not reliant on the power company to operate. Now, be nice to each other. You are both right. Although I'm on her side...

8. QUESTION:
   are water/gas heaters dangerous when it smells like gas?
   I have this water/gas heater outside by my house and I went to check it, noticed it smells like it's leaking gas! is this like hazardous? what should I do?

   • ANSWER:
     First off, don't panic.

     1) Since the water heater is outside, the explosion risk is minimal, and the asphixiation risk is nearly non existent.

     2) Try to identify if the smell is constant, or if it comes and goes with the cycling of the water heater.

     3) If the smell is constant, turn off the gas valve to the water heater and see if the smell goes away. Most valves are intuitive as to whether they are on or off. On, the valve handle will be paralell with the pipe. Off, the valve handle will be perpendicular to the pipe. If the smell goes away after you turn it off, then you likely have a gas leak. Spray a little soapy water on all the pipe joints starting at the valve and working your way to the water heater. If you have a flexible gas hose, replace it with a new one. Those things leak often... I don't know how they can be code for permanent fixtures!

     4) If the smell only comes around when the heater fires up, then it is probably just some waste gas escaping before the ignition source ignites it. This is usually not something to worry about.

9. QUESTION:
   Is it safe to work on A/C units (compressors) or gas water heaters after dark?
   I would like to know if it is a liability for me to have my employee (a/c certified technician) work on an a/c unit or gas water heater after dark?

   • ANSWER:
     Unfortunately, when it's our turn to be on call for a week, that is exactly what we have to do, And what really sucks about it, Is generally the customers have no concern for us what-so-ever. Its all about them. And they just cant wait till the next day. I know its uncomfortable, but it wont kill em. So to answer your question, yes we can fix them at night too. We carry big flashlights and droplights if needed.

10. QUESTION:
    Do gas water heaters have pumps that supply the water pressure?
    We have very poor pressure on our hot water in our house, but very good pressure on cold water. Does the heater have a pump on it or does the cold water pushing into the heater supply the pressure for the hot water?
    If the cold water does supply the pressure what keeps the heater from sending out new cold water as well?

    • ANSWER:
      water pressure line to heater is low or not fully open. piping to heater is smaller than cold water piping. scale build up inside tank. each could be a factor.

11. QUESTION:
    Where to buy scratch and dent gas water heaters?
    I was looking for a wholesaler that would sell me some water heaters (30-50 gal) in Houston TX. I was wanting to purchase about 40 a month. Anything helps.

    • ANSWER:
      SALVEX AUCTIONS

      CRAIGSLIST

      EBAY COMMERCIAL LOTS

      SURPLUS

      BEST AMERICAN EAGLE RECYCLING

12. QUESTION:
    Are there any Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters that don't require a Stainless Steel Exhaust?
    I need to replace my water heater and am considering a tankless model. My greatest concern is that they all require special all-stainless steel exhaust ventilation. Not only is this impractical for my installation environment, but it suggests that the appliance generates so much waste heat that it's not so energy efficient after all. Are there any natural gas tankless water heaters that can use an existing galvanized steel exhaust vent?

    • ANSWER:
      Actually, it's because they are so efficient that you need stainless.
      Bear with me.
      All exhaust gases contain some amount of water and some acidic properties.
      Most exhaust gases are so hot that they will travel through a normal flue and not condense until they reach the outside.
      Exhaust gases from a tankless will condense on a flue pipe, depositing acid which will eat through galvanized steel. It will also eat concrete, mortar and brick, so you can't send it up a chimney either.

      Of course, you can move the water heater to an exterior wall and vent it through the wall. That way, you only need a few pieces.
      Or get an outside (no venting required) model. I've seen them advertised as "good to -30deg. f.".

13. QUESTION:
    what brands of gas water heaters is best and under 50 inches tall?
    Current configuration is two 40 gallon hot water tanks in atic and I'm considering replacing them with one 50 gallon tank, but the location requires it to be under 50 inches in height. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Gsw brands make all kinds of models...bear in mind though that the height will also depend on the size of heater.

14. QUESTION:
    what is the difference between manufactured home and home gas water heaters?
    is there something in the water heater that make them different. they look exactly the same except the hole on the bottom on manufactured home water heater. hook up is same as well.

    • ANSWER:
      Some water heaters are NOT meant to be put on top of combustible flooring (meaning; wood or vinyl tile or anything that can burn). They are only meant to be used on a concrete floor such as on a slab house floor or house with the water heater in the basement on a concrete floor. No matter which heater you decide to get, whether it's gas or electric, you need to make sure that it is "approved for installation on combustible flooring" if it is going in a manufactured home or mobile trailer home.

15. QUESTION:
    Assume electric water heaters and gas water heaters are interchangeable, and assume the price of natural gas r?
    Assume electric water heaters and gas water heaters are interchangeable, and assume the price of natural gas rises sharply relative to the price of electricity. The demand curve for gas water heaters should shift to the left. true or false

    • ANSWER:

16. QUESTION:
    Are natural gas water heaters more inefficient with age?
    Somebody said a layer of oxide forms over the heater, thus the flame has to heat the oxide before getting to the water? My heater is 10 years old.

    • ANSWER:
      Any 'oxide build-up' on the outside will be relatively trivial.
      Calcium buildup on the 'water' side of the heater is the
      main culprit.
      This does slow down the heat transfer from the flame to
      the water and decreases efficiency.
      How fast it happens depends on the 'haredness' of the water supplied.
      If the heater is otherwise in good shape, an acid flush can reverse the problem.

17. QUESTION:
    Are there any good webpages for installation of proper exhaust ventilation from natural gas hot water heaters?
    I am referring to gas hot water heaters with tanks and not the tankless models.

    • ANSWER:
      There are different types of vented gas water heaters. You should follow the manufactures instructions for your particular heater. If you don't have the instructions that should come with the heater. Go to the web site for the manufacturer and download it.

18. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had experience with power vented gas water heaters? I'm wondering about noise from the blower.?
    I have heard these type of water heaters can be noisy. Perhaps the newer models are more quiet? I'm trying to decide on the direct vent type and power vented type considering the options for placement.
    Like my question says.....I'm wondering about the noise of the blower. I've heard they can be noisy enough to keep people awake.

    • ANSWER:
      If direct vent is an option to you go with that. Why mess around with the other?

19. QUESTION:
    How do gas hot water heaters function?
    Do you use more natural gas if you empty the tank? Or is it just the same flame all the time? I'm trying to save money but I'm not sure if watching the hot water heater will change anything.
    Of course I do not try to empty the water tank as that is another bill I'm keeping tabs on.

    • ANSWER:
      it will blow up if you empty the tank! it heats the air and explodes. don't touch it-lower the temp to use less gas, but it won't save much.

20. QUESTION:
    Do gas water heaters suddenly burst, or do they start leaking gradually?

    • ANSWER:
      Most of the time it starts with a very slow leak but not always. If you are on the verge of a leak and there is a pressure surge then you can get a instantaneous failure. This doesn't happen often but it did recently in our area. Several of my neighbors had leaks develop "over night."

21. QUESTION:
    do thermal blankets really work for gas water heaters in trailers in the winter? are they worth buying?

    diane B there is nothing wrong with my question. it's not my problem you didn't understand it. maybe that's why you got all the thumbs down.

    • ANSWER:
      If your water heater is in small room behind a closet or just somehow inside the home itself, it shouldn't need anything on it, that is if it's a model built within the last 10 years. If it's older than that or is in a cavity that has to be entered from the outside, the door will most likely not be very well insulated. I would put my insulation there rather than around the heater itself.

22. QUESTION:
    Are electric water heaters better than natural gas water heaters?
    We have an electric water heater that supplies on-demand water heating. I know on-demand is good but I need to know which is better, electric or natural gas?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't think your question is which is cheapest to use, I sense you are inquiring about ecological effects.

      Using gas at home burns fossil fuel and pollutes the air.

      Using electricity at home usually means that a power plant somewhere is burning coal, oil or natural gas and polluting the air.

      I am advised that heating water at home with gas is more efficient in the consumption of natural gas than having a power company burn natural gas to create electricity and then having electricity transmission losses along the way to my home.

      Electric is probably better from an air pollution standpoint if you obtain your electricity from a nuclear power, wind power or solar power generating station.

23. QUESTION:
    What are the pros/cons of tank-less gas water heaters (vs. traditional heaters)?
    I have to order a water heater within the next week. I've heard that tank-less water heaters aren't as efficient as the claims.

    Any answers are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      The tankless ones cost about 3 times what a regular water heater does.

24. QUESTION:
    If a gas water heaters pilot light keeps going out what could be wrong with it? Thermocouple?
    I thought originally it was due to it being windy and it was getting blown out, however the past few days have been nice. So that can not be the problem. I am lighting it everyday. It lights up just fine.... it's just not staying lit

    • ANSWER:
      Most likely the thermocouple but it could be a low pilot flame due to dirty pilot orfice or pilot hood.
      The thermocouple cannot do its job if the flame is weak and not directly on the thermocouple.
      Recommend having someone qualified to clean and replace thermocouple at the same time.

25. QUESTION:
    What are some reliable Gas Water Heaters for homes?
    I have been looking at A.O Smith, Bradford White, Rheem and State. Any problems that we need to be aware of?

    • ANSWER:
      A.O Smith is an excellent choice. They sells to Sears and other places where they put their names on it. I have one and never had any problems.

26. QUESTION:
    more energy efficient gas or electric water heaters?
    Need to replace water heater. I have gas now but I think electric may be more efficient.

    • ANSWER:
      although rather oxymoronic electric is more efficient but typically cost more to run.

      Why? In most areas gas is cheaper.

      If you are looking at it from a green perspective if your Utility burns coal then gas is greener

      If your Utility is hydro electric is greener

      If your Utility is Nuclear electric is greener

      If your utility is gas electric is greener

      Solar Thermal is the greenest of all and will have a payback and then provide free hot water for a number of years

      additional details

      AO smith FPSE-40-230e 40 gallon gas water heater

      Input 40.000 BTU per hour

      Energy Factor .65

      Recovery Efficiency .08

      AO Smith PEC-66 66 Gallon electric water heater

      Input 15,358 BTU

      Energy Factor .84

      Recovery Efficiency .98

      Above are two standard water heater form the same company.

      The gas heater which is 16 gallons smaller has an energy factor of 19% more energy needed

      ( energy factor the larger the number the better same with recovery efficiency)

      The gas heater has recovery efficiency of 18 percent less recovery.

      The larger electric uses less energy to heat water than the gas.

      Almost 3 times the BTU and almost 20% across the board.

      The gas unit has a huge hole in the middle that when not convection heating is convection cooling. You cannot completely encapsulate a gas fired unit.

      The electric element is completely immersed heater transferring all its heat energy directly to the water. It can be completely encapsulated there by losing less standby heat.

      Electric wins hands down and not by a little. As we know energy is neither lost nor gained simply transferred from one state to another.

      Electric Water Heaters transfers less energy for the same workload

      So why is gas the choice? Economic Efficiency.

      In my area a therm is about $ 1.20 (100,000 BTU)

      a KwH runs about 26 cents (this is due to are tiered system I have never seen a household with an electric water heater that is not in the top tier. this figure has been averaged out by tier four customers in my area. It includes transmission and all other charges that my utility bills.

      So from our btu factor above I pay 3.99 for one hour in our more efficient electric model. (15.38 *.26)

      From our BTU I pay 48 cents for one hour in our less efficient gas model (.4 * 0)

      but lets be fair the electric unit is heating 40% more water so we pay 67.2 cents for the same amount of water or almost 600 percent more

      Depending on which efficiency we are talking about depends on which heater we choose. Your mileage might vary. In an area where gas is available it is usually because it is much cheaper to run

27. QUESTION:
    My home built in 1986 has original gas water heaters, how long will they last?
    They are also on the second level, so I'm concerned that they may leak water if they (there are 2) were to go bad

    • ANSWER:
      Like everyone says, it varies depending on the quality, the type of water you have, how often it has to fire up. We just had to replace ours because it started leaking, but fortunately ours is an unfinished basement. We weren't exactly thrilled with the expense, but it was 20 years old and was only rated for 10 years. With yours being 24 years old, I'd start thinking about replacing it since it could actually cause some water damage if it leaked.

28. QUESTION:
    tankless water heaters- gas or electric?
    i live and maintain apartments in SoCal. have to replace a water heater and want to go tankless. any help appreciated

    • ANSWER:
      gas,faster , better heat, less problems,

29. QUESTION:
    Are 19 gallon gas water heaters still made? If so, does anyone know where I can get one?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi
      I Will give you the # Of a company
      (707)584-1551 Ask for Joe.
      Tell him whats you need and the problem.
      And im sure you will get what you need.
      If there is a problem drop me a line at
      kos101@yahoo.com

30. QUESTION:
    gas water heaters. What causes the hot water to turn brown?

    • ANSWER:
      you have some iron buildup in your water heater, typically caused by rust/oxidation getting into your water tank. Try purging the tank. If you have a water softener, switch to the light green bag of crystals, it removes the rust

31. QUESTION:
    Tankless vs converntional water heater, gas or electric?
    I have an electric water heater that is due for replacement. My range, and central heat is gas. There is no gas line piped to the location of the water heater.

    I am considering a tankless water heater. I am considering electric, because the house is already wired for it. If I go with gas, then I will have to run a pipe to it. What do you think?

    What do you think of hybrid (gas/electric) water heaters?

    Is a tankless water heater really better than a conventional water heater with a timer attached?

    • ANSWER:
      Stick with wut works.replace the electric heater.

32. QUESTION:
    Why use an electric and gas water heater in tandem?
    We're looking to buy a new house and found one we like. It has a whirlpool tub so they have two water heaters in tandem. One is a 50gal electric and the other is a 40gal LP gas. What's the logic in having both electric and gas versus two gas heaters? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      That's pretty stupid. Even if one heater is just for the pool, it's still going to use energy 24/7 to keep the water how.

      Furthermore, electricity is a HORRIBLE heat source. It's not very efficient compared to gas (LP, natural...)

      Sounds like their contractor pulled a fast one on them.

      Besides you could replace both water heaters with a tankless heater which would save you even more money on energy costs AND you'll never run out of hot water.

33. QUESTION:
    What are pros and cons of tankless water heaters (gas only)?
    I am replacing a gas water heater that is 12 years old. It's time to replace it. I see that there are tankless water heaters out there now. My questions are as follows:

    1) Is tankless water heater technology mature?

    2) How does a tankless water heater work to supply hot water for a shower or filling a bathtub? In such a scenario, cold water (possibly 35-50F) must be heated very quickly by a hundred degrees or more in real time in order to supply hot water fast enough. How does such a water heater accomplish this?

    3) My specific needs are for a shower or two at a time, lasting in total 10-20 minutes, and then intermittent daily use in faucets and the like. Would a tankless fill needs?

    4) Any specific brands to seek out/avoid?

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Tankless waterheaters are becoming popular in some circumstances. The benefit is that if you're not using any hot water it's not costing anything. But when you are using hot water the tankless is using about 200,000 btu's compared to a 40 gal waterheater that uses about 40,000. Households with large families are not as happy or save much with them as smaller 1-3 person households. Some people complain about not having as much water pressure as they like for a shower. The reason for this is that with a standard water heater the temperature is hot enough that you mix both hot and cold together. With a tnakless often you need to use straight hot water and since no cold is mixed in you end up with less pressure. Although there's pros and cons most people who have installed them are satisfied with them. Have seen quite a few Rini tankless heaters.

34. QUESTION:
    are tankless gas water heater any good?
    is Nat. Gas heaters for a 2 person familly effective enough for adequate hot water?

    • ANSWER:
      A tankless water heater should be adequate for a 2 person family. Make sure the heater has a sufficient capacity (in gallons per minute) for showering and other tasks. If your house has 2 baths, the heater must deliver sufficient hot water for both showers running at the same time. For a 2 person family, a tankless heater will probably be more energy-efficient than a conventional tank heater, since it heats water only as it is used, rather than a tank heater that keeps unused water heated all the time.

35. QUESTION:
    My water heater just went out. Should I buy one of those electronic ignition gas heaters or a tankless?
    I had one of those old water heaters that still used a pilot light.

    • ANSWER:
      === Ms. Fox ... it is easier to replace the exact water heater [[ size being the same and no changing of pipes and connectors ]] the pilot light still exists in those tankless heaters and the electronic pilot style ignition heaters do require an electric hook-up .... so ..... for the best all around cure you will have the least expense by replacing same size and height -- there are lots of piloted water heaters in use and it is only a space issue to change away from the regular ....

36. QUESTION:
    Can two gas water heaters share one vent through the chimney?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes. If these are standard hot water heaters, you can tie them together with a "Y" as long as it is big enough. like two 3 inch flues "Y" together and become a 6 inch flue, and the 6 inch extends all the way up the chimney. Be very careful to no restrict the flue pipe(s) to cause flue gas to spill into the basement.

      There are very specific codes on how this is to all be done.

      You can have the flue(s) inspected by your gas supplier for free.

37. QUESTION:
    What are the top brands of natural gas hot water heaters?
    Heard A.O. Smith is not that great anymore because there's a piece that breaks often on the new ones and you have to replace the entire assembly unit along with the piece each time. What would be good value for the money?

    • ANSWER:
      there are two

      either state/a o smith (made in same factory)

      or

      bradford white/lochinvar (made in same factory)

38. QUESTION:
    Discount stores for gas water heaters in Chicago, prefer sw suburb?
    I'm looking scratch and dent units

    Thanks,
    There is not much of anything available in Craig's list, specially new ones

    • ANSWER:
      i would checkout craiglists. u can find a lot of stuff here.

      http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mat/767837875.html

39. QUESTION:
    Where I can find reliability ratings for different models of on-demand tankless water heaters (natural gas)?
    Or can anyone make recommendations for what I should buy or avoid?

    • ANSWER:
      Check with your local plumbing suppliers in you area, and they'll give you specs on the models they stock, and the cut-sheets will have all the specs you'll need to make comparisons.
      My only advice would be to choose a model that has a certified service tech in your area for any repairs that may be needed on the unit in the future- nothing is more frustrating than having a unit no one knows how to fix.

40. QUESTION:
    gas smell from water heater, furnace making buzzing sound?
    The furnace has been making quite a loud buzzing sound before it kicks on. It has worried me, so I went into the laundry room (where gas heater / gas water heater are) to move stuff away from the heater. When I was bent over picking up something I smelled gas near the hot water heater. Help! My roommate isn't home, I don't know what to do. I turned the heat down to like 55 degrees so the heat won't kick on as often.
    The heat does come on eventually. That wouldn't happen if the pilot light was out right?

    • ANSWER:
      You should take this seriously. Normally there is NO smell of gas from either heater and/or water heater. There can be a small release of unburned gas (which you would smell) just before the burner comes on...but this is not normal or consistent...if the burner does come on then yes, the pilot light is working...but there may be a delay between the thermostat telling the burner to come on and it actually doing it...during this slight delay there is gas being released and you can smell it...getyour gas company down to check it out !

41. QUESTION:
    Are there timers for gas water heaters?

    • ANSWER:
      Is there a particular reason why?

      Natural gas water heaters are really efficient.

      They kick on at night, a lot less than electrics water heaters, when keeping the water hot for use.

      Anyway, the thermostat probe is inside the tank, and the safety works on millivolts. You don't want to fool with the thermocouple and the solinoid, because you'd have the relight each time you need hot water.
      There is no real way to put it on a timer.

42. QUESTION:
    Water Heaters: Gas or Electric?
    We are in need of a new water heater. We currently have a gas heater. What are the pros and cons are of both. Has anyone got any suggestions? Is the transformation hard? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      According to the Department of Energy, the figures below make up residential energy sources by the average dollar cost per million Btus of heat produced:

      •natural gas, .18
      •electricity, .21
      •heating oil, .01
      •propane, .47

      This makes having a water heater fueled by natural gas by far, the cheapest when it comes to operating costs. Other than being a cheaper option, gas also heats water faster. Though kerosene, oil, and propane can heat water as fast, they’re use poses a less convenient and more expensive choice.

43. QUESTION:
    can i install a timer on my GAS water heater to save money?
    I have a gas water heater, and have done some searching for water heater timers. It appears they're only available for electric water heaters. Is this true or does anyone know of a model that works on gas water heaters?

    • ANSWER:
      Unfortunately, my research indicates that the timers are only available for electric water heaters. It makes sense though, considering how they work. If a device that did the same type of thing for a gas water heater was available, it would probably end up costing about as much as a new water heater, only because you would most likely need to have it professionally installed. Gas pipes would need to be cut & re-attached etc.
      For more information & some tips on how to save energy & money, you can look at this site.
      Also, check out the items below. People have told me that they have saved a lot using one.

44. QUESTION:
    Does the flame of a gas water heater always burn outside the tank?
    Or are there any varieties of gas water heaters where the flame burns inside the tank? It might be more efficient that way, because the tank could be better insulated. The gas exhaust could go through a coiled pipe in the tank, to cool the exhaust before it gets pumped out past the insulation.

    • ANSWER:
      There are gas-powered point-of use systems that will do as you say.

      Whereever heat is applied, calcification occurs. So getting more efficient heat transfer, has the penalty of more frequent tank replacement. At least an electric element can be easily replaced (even if you pay more for the electricity).

45. QUESTION:
    Can a direct vent gas water heater switch to a regular vent one?
    I currently have a direct vent water heater in my house (which uses gas). Since direct-vent water heaters are slowly disappearing, how difficult will it be for me to convert to using a regular vent? What are some of the requirements of a regular vent?

    Please provide me with any information that you may have.

    Thanks,

    • ANSWER:
      Your direct vent water heater draws it's combustion air from the outside atmosphere.
      If you go to a regular water heater, you may be able to use the same building penetration for the flue, but chances are, you'll pull combustion air from the attic space through one or two 4" duct or single wall pipe.

      Shouldn't be hard to go to a regular heater, but direct vent water heaters are still available. Pricey but still around.
      http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=65056-135-DVG62-40S38-NV&lpage=none

46. QUESTION:
    How much could I save yearly by switching to a tankless gas water heater?
    I have heard that tankless water heaters are more effecient, therefore cheaper on utility costs. How much would I save in a year on my gas bill? 50%? 30% 75%? Would it be worth switching? My water heater is only about two years old.

    • ANSWER:
      First you need to figure out what size of tankless water heater, because they need to be right capacity for your home, They have gotten cheaper over the last few years, as they are becoming more common, and the cost of the unit and installation will help you determine if it is worth it to you

47. QUESTION:
    Should I remove the plastic sleeve on my water heater gas valve thermostat?
    Should I remove the plastic sleeve on my water heater gas valve thermostat? Its a tight, clear plastic surrounding the full length of the copper sensor / rod. The instructions don't mention a thing. Nice!

    • ANSWER:
      No that stays on there and will protect the copper element from corrosion.
      Put it in just like it is.

48. QUESTION:
    Is my gas water heater dying?
    We have a 50 gal 40,000 BTU gas water heater. Lately we are only able to get about 35 minutes of hot water out of it for showers. It is 10 years old and the warranty is expired. I've only ever dealt with electric water heaters. What can I do?

    • ANSWER:
      If no one has ever flushed the tank I doubt that it would do any good.
      The sediment builds up and just the water flushing through it wont dislodge it to come out the drain valve.
      You could try it but the valve may leak when you get done.
      Its old enough you need to think about replacing as soon as you can afford to.

49. QUESTION:
    Do natural gas tankless water heaters work when there is a power failure?

    • ANSWER:
      you must find out if you have a pilot or an electronic ignition if you have a pilot you are in the clear

50. QUESTION:
    locate steam sauna and tankless hot water heaters lp gas and electric?
    steam sauna can be small for a bath tub enclosure or that will heat a room 6ft x 8ft x 7 or 8 ft high hot water heater that could be used on a houseboat or an RV -must be able to use lp gas but could be both LP + electric

    • ANSWER:
      tankless water heaters can be bought at most plumbing outlets. lowes can get them too. i have used them in many house we built and they work great. match the btu's to the output that u guess u will use and that will size the heater. they have a chart for u to scale the size u will need

      lic. gen. contractor