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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsAre water heaters with longer warranties better made or is it the same plus an extended warranty?
On looking at water heater pricing, at least at Menard's : http://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/water-heaters/residential/c-8690.htm?criteria3_facet=Natural+Gas&criteria5_facet=Up+to+2+People&criteria1_facet=Tank+Type
Warranties are 6 years, 9 years, and 12 years ... and for the same specs in other ways, the 9 year ones cost about 20% more than the 6 year ones, and the 12 year ones cost about 20% more than the 9 year ones. So going from 6 years to 12 years is about a 40% cost increase (looking at 38 and 40 gallon ones).
My question is: are the longer warranty ones actually made better, or are they the exact same water heater but just with different warranty lengths -- meaning one is essentially buying an extended warranty (always uneconomical for every kind of product, according to Consumer Reports -- at least I've never seen C.R. recommend an extended warranty on anything)
If they are the same heater but with different warranty periods, I'd prefer to go with the 6 year one. But if 12 year ones are made to last double (or even a third longer) than 6 year ones, I'd go with the 12 year one, as the cost / year savings plus avoiding the hassle of having to replace sooner (and installation charged) would make it worthwhile to me.
The only thing I've seen on this is from Consumer Reports June 2013, in response to a letter:
"Our experts say .... the warranty period is just an estimate of the heater's life span."
IF that's true, then I'd go with a 12 year...
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
progree
(10,924 posts)http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2-wants-to-know/2015/04/10/water-heater-cost-energy-department-new-efficiency-standards-national-appliance-energy-conservation-act-money/25594049/
In essence, this NAECA update means that it will be mandatory for manufacturers to have new efficiency standards on all residential water heaters made after April 16, 2015. Those changes to gas water heaters will include additional insulation, new flue baffling technologies and the incorporation of electronic ignition in lieu of a pilot light, or any combination of these changes.
... "Industry consensus is that prices will go up hundreds on gas water heaters under 55 gallons," Kronk said.
From another article:
dembotoz
(16,860 posts)If it is the only place in town...
I won't shop there
progree
(10,924 posts)I plan to actually get it from the local gas utility, but unfortunately they don't have prices on their website, so I'll have to call for prices. But just wanted to know about these warranty things before I call.
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)in an ideal world, you would be paying more for better-built equipment, which would then be warranted for longer.
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-heaters/buying-guide.htm
progree
(10,924 posts)PassingFair
(22,434 posts)The guy from the heating & cooling place i use is downstairs installing a new one right now.
The owner of the company is a personal friend...so I haven't even asked the price yet.
Standard water heater...no bells, now whistles.
mnhtnbb
(31,408 posts)(that had been functioning for 13 years) for the tenant in our garage apartment.
We bought another one with a 6 year warranty and hope it lasts for 13 years, too!
progree
(10,924 posts)I don't know what the warranty on it is/was.
mnhtnbb
(31,408 posts)DamnYankeeInHouston
(1,365 posts)Pluses: Never run out of hot water.
Beautiful gas bills.
Minuses: Expensive.
Need to be serviced/cleaned every year.