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Rheem /Ruud Marathon MSR50245

*Est. $1,100

Rheem/Ruud Marathon MSR50245

Energy-efficient electric water heater

pros
  • Leak-proof tank for longer life
  • 2.5 inches of insulation
  • Rebates and incentives in some areas
  • Light weight
cons
  • Price
  • Tank warranty valid for original owner only
  • Not much more efficient than other types
 
 
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Average Customer Review

(1 customer review)

for $1074.60

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Great Water Heater / CHECK YOUR CHECK VALVE!!!, March 12, 2009

I would have given this electric water heater 5 full stars except for one small problem. Apparently, the earlier models have a defective air check valve on the cold water input (outside/above) which leak… (water). I have installed two of these: one in 2001 and the other in 2008. The 2008 installation has the new version of the check valve. It is brass, about 2" long, has air holes in the SIDES and not the end. IF YOU HAVE A MODEL THAT HAS THE OPENING/SCREEN AT THE END OF THE AIR CHECK VALVE, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU CONTACT RHEEM/MARATHON AND THEY WILL SEND YOU A REPLACEMENT OF THE NEW MODEL FOR FREE INCLUDING SHIPPING BEFORE IT BLOWS! Our 2001 air check valve failed which caused water and carpet damage. We purchased this model because it is not supposed to fail... Rheem customer service was great despite the opposite I have read on the web. This heater has a 6 year warranty on parts and the tank is lifetime. Even though the air check valve was 2 years out of warranty, they replaced it via Fed-x overnight at NO COST. I mentioned the ruined carpet to them, and they began a claim. All things considered, I am pleased with this. My plumber does not like anything with poly tanks, so I checked the web for recalls, class action lawsuits, etc., on this and found none. I am the only person I know of to mention the check valve problem above anywhere. They were so quick and friendly to replace the part, that I believe they know about it...

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Our Sources

1. Sensible Home

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

2. J.D. Power & Associates

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

3. ConsumersPower.org

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

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