EmailBest Reviewed
Water Heaters
- Budget electric water heater Kenmore 32656 Power Miser 6 *Est. $290
- Energy-efficient gas water heater Kenmore 33159 HydroSense *Est. $600
- Energy-efficient electric water heater Rheem/Ruud Marathon MSR50245 *Est. $1100
- Heat pump add-on AirGenerate AirTap A7 *Est. $700
- Whole-house tankless water heater Takagi Flash T-H1 *Est. $2800
- Small point-of-use water heater Bosch Ariston GL4 *Est. $170
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Energy-efficient electric water heater
- Leak-proof tank for longer life
- 2.5 inches of insulation
- Rebates and incentives in some areas
- Light weight
- Price
- Tank warranty valid for original owner only
- Not much more efficient than other types
March 2009. While standard tank-style water heaters will eventually rust, the Rheem/Ruud Marathon heater avoids tank degradation with its plastic and fiberglass construction. This water heater is durable and efficient, and while this electric heater doesn't qualify for a federal tax credit, many municipalities do offer rebates to defray its initial cost. The leakproof tank means it can last much longer than the average 10-year lifetime of most electric water heaters. Reviews say it's a good investment if you plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years. According to professional contractors, Rheem/Ruud is one of the top-ranked water heater manufacturers. The main drawback is the price when no special incentives are available.
We found the best review of the Rheem/Ruud Marathon water heater in Jim Dulley's detailed review of electric water heaters. Many other reviews are available online from various local electricity companies, but they're based primarily on information from the Marathon website.
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Our Sources
1. Sensible HomeDetails/Subscribe
Jim Dulley is a mechanical engineer/home improvement specialist who writes a nationally syndicated column about energy use. He recommends investing in a Rheem/Ruud Marathon water heater if you plan on staying in your home for at least 10 years.
Review: Electric Waters Offer Never-Leak Warranty, More Hot Water, James Dulley, 2007
Rheem/Ruud ranks second only to Bradford White in this brand-comparison survey of almost 900 contractors and subcontractors. Seven satisfaction factors were measured, but it's interesting that warranty service and repairs are over twice as important to professional subcontractor as the product itself, which matches pretty well the owner-written reviews we find from homeowners at Sears.com. The actual product accounts for only 10 percent of the total satisfaction rating.
Review: HVAC and Water Heater/Boiler Subcontractor Satisfaction Study, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, Sept. 2006
This review published by an electrical utility company is typical of the many similar Marathon water heater reviews published at utility companies across the United States. The review is basically just information from the Marathon website, but it's somewhat impressive that so many local utility companies recommend this brand.
Review: Marathon Water Heater, Editors of ConsumersPower.org
4. Database of State Incentives for Renewals and Efficiency
This state by state database can tell you the incentives available in your area for buying a more energy-efficient water heater.
Review: State Incentives for Renewals and Efficiency, July 2007
