Water Heater (should I get this, or something else) [Archive]

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George W. Bush

Mar 21st, 2005, 11:01 AM

My water heater is being replaced tomorrow. They are bringing in a GSW 5G50NVH-02 water heater (if I got that information correct). The water heater may be user or new. I will then have the option of purchasing this, or continue renting it.

I asked about the cost of me purchasing it, but I was told it is all dependent on the age of the water heater. I am wondering, would it be safe for me to go with this water heater, or purchase my own one from Home Depot, or Rona, or Sears? The installation of the water heater if I purchase from these places is about $200.

Now, Union Energy may ask for a very large cost for their GSW 5G50NVH-02 water heater (which may be new or old, once they bring it in).

I am not sure what is the best way to deal with this. I am paying about $25 per month in water heater rental, and decided to purchase my own.

peroxide8888

Mar 21st, 2005, 12:08 PM

I would suggest that you NOT get a used water heater! Water heaters have a maximum life expectancy of 15 years (usually less). Simply put, they wear out from usage. The constant heating up and cooling down causes fatigue, and it's not a question of "if" it will fail, but "when" it will fail. You can't be sure how old the used one is; so get a new one, write the date of installation on it, and replace it again after ~10 years.

I've had the "broken water heater flood" in my apartment, and don't recommend it to anyone.

P.S. I'd just buy my own from Home Depot. Ballpark the cost of renting one for 10 years, and compare that to buying a new one which could last 10 years.

Ripcat

Mar 21st, 2005, 12:09 PM

Purchase your water heater.

I own a Rheem water heater and it came with a 10 year warranty. You can get up to 12 years. Here is a link:http://rheem.com/consumer/default.asp

George W. Bush

Mar 21st, 2005, 10:25 PM

Interesting. I will then purchase one. Would the Rheem brandname be best of all? I have a gas based system, and need one with a motor at the top. This is a gas based heating. I am wondering - what about implementing a solar heating feature with the gas heater - so that during spring or whenever there is sun, I can run this instead of basing it on solar power.

Anyone done any solar heating projects that are saving you money now?

matkokubko

Nov 4th, 2007, 05:29 PM

bump, what did you end up buying?

JWL

Nov 4th, 2007, 07:49 PM

I was in similar circumstances to the Op. I actually had Reliance install a water heater and purchased it immediately. It was the same price as having the same water heater installed by an independent contractor (actually it was cheaper because they misquoted).

Bottom line is to get quotes from the company you are with and independent contractors.

Tjalfe

Nov 5th, 2007, 09:53 AM

If going with owning the water heater, how easy / costly is it to get enbridge to come pick up their old water heater, which is currently a rental?

Drthorne

Nov 5th, 2007, 10:20 AM

[QUOTE=George W. Bush;1454182]Interesting. I will then purchase one. Would the Rheem brandname be best of all? I have a gas based system, and need one with a motor at the top.QUOTE]

If you need one with the fan on top, then you need a power vent model, which cost around $800-$1000.

telman

Nov 5th, 2007, 12:33 PM

Anyone considering replacing should think about a tankless one, it is the future. See http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/273491

patrob

Nov 5th, 2007, 01:03 PM

Anyone considering replacing should think about a tankless one, it is the future. See http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/273491

Agree...;)

We have just installed a tankless gas water heater back in June & I am very happy with it & I can see my gas & water consumption is lower...

Plus it frees up a lot of space in the basement vs. the huge big traditional water heaters, since the unit is very small & it hangs nicely on the wall.

royaljelly

Nov 5th, 2007, 05:44 PM

matkokubko

Nov 5th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Also, can anyone install these tankless systems, or must it be a specialty installer?

IMHO, anyone who is certified to install gas devices is just enough.

patrob

Nov 5th, 2007, 08:19 PM

Any ideas on what the initial costs are to install a tankless hot water system?

I'm moving to a new home soon which has 2 hot water tanks, both of which are rentals... I'm hoping the savings will be worth the install.

Also, can anyone install these tankless systems, or must it be a specialty installer?

It really depends on which unit you get. There are small models & large ones. Ours is the largest size from Waiwela & cost us $2,300 (incl. tax) for the unit alone with all the vent kits & expensive water valves which were crucial for the installation & future maintenance.

For installation you need a plumber & a gas fitter.

If you have specific questions, call Chris at http://www.tanklesswaterheaters.ca/residential.html & he will advise you on your particular setup & which unit you should get. That's where I bought mine & they shipped it to me...very good service!

Macros the Black

Nov 6th, 2007, 05:22 AM

patrob

Nov 6th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Looks like tanklesswaterheaters.ca is ripping off Canadians. The Paloma ph20rifs is $1300 cad on their site but is available for $699 here.

http://www.besthotwaterheaters.com/catalogue_product.php?Id=309

Just make sure both units come with the same accessories...some items in US are base models, remote, valves, vent kits are extra $$ where as CAD models will have that included.