Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
With all due respect, I don't understand your reasoning. You can buy a Rheem water heater with a 6-year warranty for a retail price of $449 or a Rheem water heater with a 12-year warranty for $649. The labor to install it is not covered by the warranty. What is wrong with a 6-year warranty for an item that costs less than $500? My car cost $35K and it only had a 3-year warranty. Also, if your 12-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, how long is it going to take to contact Rheem and enforced the warranty to save $249, while you are out of hot water? If your 6-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, a plumber will replace it the same day. To me, it is a no brainer that the water heater with a 6-year warranty is a better deal.
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AI agrees with you. Here’s what it says:
“The difference in quality between an electric hot water heater with a six-year warranty and one with a twelve-year warranty is often minimal, with the longer warranty primarily reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in the longevity of the product. While some manufacturers may include slightly better components like a thicker anode rod or a more robust tank lining in the 12-year models, the core construction is often the same. The longer warranty essentially acts as a form of insurance, offering more coverage in case of premature failure.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Warranty as Insurance:
The longer warranty doesn't necessarily guarantee a longer lifespan, but it does provide more coverage if the water heater fails within the warranty period. This can be particularly valuable if the unit fails in the later years of its expected lifespan.
Potential Component Differences:
While the core construction might be similar, manufacturers might use slightly better components in the 12-year models. For example, they might include a thicker or longer anode rod to protect the tank from corrosion for a longer period.
Read the Fine Print:
It's crucial to read the warranty details carefully. Some warranties are pro-rated, meaning you might only receive a partial credit towards a replacement if the unit fails in the later years.
Lifespan vs. Warranty:
Most tank water heaters are expected to last between 8 to 12 years, with proper maintenance. A 12-year warranty provides coverage for a significant portion of that lifespan, while a 6-year warranty might not cover the full expected lifespan.
Cost vs. Benefit:
A longer warranty will typically come at a higher upfront cost. Consider whether the additional cost is worth the increased coverage, especially if you are diligent about maintenance and understand the potential for pro-rated replacements.”
My garage door faces east, the side wall faces south, and there is no insulation above the ceiling, so it gets really hot in the garage in the summer. I wonder if that slows the dissipation of heat through the water heater walls.