GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Recommendation for Reliable Electric Tank HWH

cbut8995 | Posted in General Questions on

We are purchasing 8 new electric water heaters for a multifamily project and we prefer them to be all tank versions. Any recommendations on super reliable ones as the units will be rented and are in a luxury rental building. 

Will need 7 of them to be at least 50 gallon and then 1 that would be 70+ gallon. We typically had good experience with Rheem and AO smith from the big box stores but this is our first high end build and dont want any problems. 

Also any specific ad ons than the traditional new construction install to make them more durable etc?

Thanks

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. PLIERS | | #1

    Any particular reason you want tank versions? When my tank busted a few years ago I got a instant electric water heater and it was much cheaper, only heated water when I needed it instead of staying on all day. That is just one, you are running 8. I suppose tenants could run hot water more often though because they would never run out. Not sure how much power you would need for 8, or maybe you just need less instant water heaters if each tenant doesn’t have a separate unit.

    1. cbut8995 | | #2

      I feel the tankless arent as reliable long term. its a small building and each apt gets their own water heater since they pay for it.

      I was going to go with either rheem or AO smith but not sure which is better for tenant usage for those that dont care as much.

    2. kvng | | #5

      What kind of GPM were you running out of your installation and what were the power requirements? I've been evaluating the needs of our household, and it's intimidating to consider how much power might get used if we were silly enough to run dishwasher, washing machine, sink, and shower at the same time (a stretch, but not completely unheard of). And that's assuming we'd sized everything well enough to still get hot water at half of those devices.

  2. mtsolar | | #3

    I really like Marathon water heaters. Made in the US by Rheem, they are super-insulated (3") and non-metallic with a lifetime warranty. They are light (easy to maneuver), look great and they don't cost that much more than a cheapo glass-lined tank. As a contractor, I will not install a standard electric tank again. They make several sizes (up to 105 gals) including a stubby 50g. On-demand electrics are great too ( I like Steibel Tempras) but often the power requirements for on-demand electrics are too high - especially on older homes. Another good option (perhaps not in this case) are Stiebel PSH 20 or 30 gallon wall mounted units. The ports are on the bottom (less heat loss) and they have an accessible, intuitive dial setpoint control that goes all the way up to 160F (mixing valve required) so you can get more gals of hot water out of a small tank.

    1. Expert Member
      MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #4

      I agree about the Marathon. They have so little standby loss it's not really worth g0ing to a tankless.

  3. cbut8995 | | #6

    We were thinking the hybrid water heaters

    smaller units: https://www.lowes.com/pd/A-O-Smith-Signature-Premier-50-Gallon-Tall-10-year-Limited-4500-Watt-Double-Element-Electric-Water-Heater-with-Hybrid-Heat-Pump/1000213655
    larger units: https://www.lowes.com/pd/A-O-Smith-Signature-Premier-80-Gallon-Tall-10-year-Limited-4500-Watt-Double-Element-Electric-Water-Heater-with-Hybrid-Heat-Pump/1000213657

    Is there a reason why hybrid HWH heater wasnt compared to like the rheem marathons?

    I like rheem marathon as the idea of a lifetime warranty sounds good but overall usual dont we need to change them every 10-20 years or so?

    In terms of a cost perspective they are similar in pricing but the mechanical room where these are held will always be neglected as overtime after 1o years or so, we can easily replace them and the time and cost to keep them up to date and in good condition is not worth it in terms of rentals and would rather just find one that is super durable long lasting, no need to bother with it for 10 years etc.

  4. mtsolar | | #7

    no. time. to reply online now but feel free to call if you want...we could chat for a few: 406 five 81 19seven2

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |