Energy Efficient Eco Friendly Water Heater

Looking for a new water heater?  Ours is getting old and with the Federal Tax Rebates, it was time to look into the area.

AO Smith makes the Vertex 100 water heater that is very efficient at 96% thermal efficiency. The 50-gallon Vertex delivers hot water output that exceeds a 75-gallon atmospheric gas water heater. The Vertex can deliver continuous hot water flow of over 4 gallons per minute. It has a LCD display allowing precise temperature control. Dimensions are similar to a standard 50-gallon power-vent water heater. 100,000 BTU input per hour. Jay Leno and Ed Begly Jr have these units.

Vertex 100 does requires PVC, CPVC or ABS pipe venting not traditional metal venting. The unit requires AC power to run its fan. Vertex 100 water heaters cost $2000+ minus the 30% Federal rebate = $1400.

How does it compare to a ‘normal’ energy saving water heater. AO Smith’s Conservationist series 50 Gallon model has an Energy Factor of 0.62. and 40,000 BTU input per hour. Approximately 80% efficient. It costs about $1300.

An entry level model, ProMax 50 Gallon Water Heater costs about $600 and has an Energy Factor of 0.58. Approximately <80% efficient.

It it worth spending $800 more for the Vertex 100? Will you recoup the price difference over the unit’s six year lifespan?

Clearly without the rebate, the price difference is a huge $1400.  A rough estimate of saving $10 a month in gas x 6 year lifespan = $720.  If it lasts longer than six years, then you are in the right zone. If you need to install a new PVC exhaust pipe, there goes the savings. Consumer Reports states “..high cost offsets much of the roughly $70 per year the Vertex will save you.”

Phoenix Evolution is a 96% efficient, 135,000 BTU water heater that can provide hot water for the domestic system, radiant heating, hydro air and even solar assist all in one appliance that qualifies for the Federal rebate.  55-119 Gallons. It also needs PVC Venting. The catch, the Phoenix costs several thousand dollars.

Related posts:

1. Federal Tax Credit on Energy Efficient Water Heaters
2. Reduce Water Heater Energy Use
3. New California Solar Water Heater Rebate
4. Hybrid Water Heaters
5. Solar Water Heater

Posted on November 11th, 2009
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