Archives for June 2018

High-Efficiency Atmospheric Gas Water Heater

The first heater we’re going to look at is a gas heater that is exceptionally efficient while also being accessible to the average person. It can install with the same venting, gas and water connections as a traditional atmospheric model, so there’s no need to put money into converting to a condensing or tankless water heater. This water heater is Energy Star-certified and includes an eco-friendly burner that helps lower NOx emissions.

This water heater comes in 40 or 50-gallon capacities with an energy factor of 0.70, giving you a savings of up to 25% when compared to a water heater made a decade or more ago. The smaller option is best for a family of three or four, while the larger one is best for families of five or more. The electronic ignition is also safe, as it has no standing pilot or standard vent.

When it comes to user control, there are easy-to-read LCD controls for service diagnostics and temperature adjustments. The heater also comes with a 12-year warranty on the tank and parts and a 1-year limited warranty on labor. Since this is an Energy Star product, it may qualify for state or national government rebates to save money on the product.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

This is a hybrid water heater model, which means it can provide extreme energy efficiency. This type of heater absorbs heat from the air and uses that heat for the water inside the tank. This U.S. Craftmaster water heater has four different modes to choose from.

• Electric Mode – Operates as a typical electric water heater
• Hybrid Mode – Operates using the heat pump along with heating elements to increase efficiency and performance
• Efficiency Mode – Operates utilizing the heat pump for water, and will revert to heating elements if incoming water or air temperatures are outside of the ideal operating range
• Vacation Mode – For up to 99 days, maintains the tank temperature at 60 degrees Fahrenheit while on an extended vacation or absence

This water heater has an eye-level display that is user-friendly. The screen shows the mode of the heater, the set point and displays any service messages. It also operates with a SmartPort, which allows connection to Smart Grid and home management mobile apps. The heater is CSA-certified and has an ASME-rated relief valve for outstanding safety.

This hybrid heater can operate in hybrid mode for as little as $125 a year and is quiet at only 51 de compared to other models. It also includes 84-gallon first-hour delivery, which meets requirements for a home with six bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. It comes in 50, 66, and 80-gallon options with a uniform energy factor of between 3.52 and 2.73, depending on size.

Energy Efficient Gas Water Heater

This is the second gas water heater offered by U.S. Craftmaster and is a less expensive and efficient option than the first. The water heater is Energy Star-qualified, which means it provides more efficiency than a traditional gas water heater. The reason for this difference is that it uses an automated flue damper with an electronic gas valve. These components receive required energy through a power cord that will fit into a typical household outlet.

This water heater is available in 40 and 50-gallon iterations with an advanced electronic gas control valve for exceptional temperature control. It comes with a six-year warranty on the tank, nine years on parts, and one year limited on labor for work required on the water heater.

This option is best for a small family who needs an average water heater for their home. It offers a few excellent features, but mainly it just does precisely what it is supposed to do. The Energy Star rating may even give you the option of taking advantage of national or state discounts.

Energy Smart Electric Water Heater

The Energy Smart water heater is available in 40 and 50-gallon sizes with first hour rates between 60 and 81. As a premium U.S. Craftmaster water heater, it features a 12-year warranty on parts and tank and a one-year guarantee on labor. It is also 100% Smart Grid-ready for easier utility management through mobile apps.

Many diagnostic reports are automatically generated if anything goes wrong, making it much easier to determine the best course of action. The monitors include:

• Dry Fire Detection
• Energy Smart Module Defective
• Electronic Thermostat Failure
• Lower Element Failure
• Lower Thermistor Failure
• Upper Element Failure

All diagnostic codes are on the LCD screen that is part of the user interface. You can also choose from various operating modes, including Energy Smart mode. This mode becomes aware of typical water use patterns to avoid heat loss. There is also a vacation mode for when you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time.

Residential Gas Condensing High-Efficiency Tankless Water Heater

If what you need is a tankless water heater, U.S. Craftmaster also offers those. The chosen heater here provides ultra-low NOx condensing technology for an energy factor of 0.93. This unit comes in both indoor and outdoor models. Each of these includes advanced diagnostics and temperature control to troubleshoot the device easily. These units can be powered by propane or natural gas, depending on your need. Each has a minimum gas consumption of 15,000 BTU and a maximum of 120,000 BTU. They have safety features that include air-fuel ratio sensors, overheat cut-off fuses, and exhaust and water temperature safety controls. All indoor models also come with a power cord.

Tank Capacity

In most cases, when you look at water heaters, you will see a number associated with how many gallons it holds. For example, a family of four might run the dishwasher, do some laundry and take several showers a day, using up 100 gallons of hot water. You might think that means you need 100 gallons in your tank, but that’s not true.

You should also look at the first-hour rating for storage tank water heaters. This tells you the amount of hot water it can deliver in an hour. Once you reach that number, the water will begin to cool down.

Water Heater Type

There are five major types of water heaters: storage tank, heat pump, tankless, solar and condensing. Some are excellent for offering lower utility bills, but others might cost less up front instead. We’ll look at the basics of each so that you can get an idea of the option best for you.

Storage Tank Water Heater

The tank type is the most common and includes an insulated tank where water is stored until needed. It also features a pressure-relief and temperature valve, which open if either hits a certain level. Choosing a gas water heater can mean lower energy bills, but electric water heaters tend to be less expensive upfront.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless heater doesn’t store water; it heats is as needed. These are super-efficient but have a very limited amount of water available at any one time. You might consider this type if you rarely find yourself drawing water for two things at once (such as running the washer and taking a shower). These are also best for those who use natural gas, as electric models can be pricey to upgrade to.

Heat Pump Water Heater

This type of water heater is also called a hybrid because it uses traditional heating along with a heat pump that transfers heat from the air to the water. This option is known to use much less energy than a typical electric model. They often cost more upfront, but payback time is relatively short, and installation isn’t any more difficult. The only real issue is that they don’t do well in cold areas and should work best where the temperature is usually between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solar Water Heater

This is a less common type of water heater that is mounted to the roof of your home or office. It absorbs the sun’s heat and uses it as a fluid that runs into the water tank. This can provide cheap water heating in areas that are sunny but is less useful in cloudy or cold regions. In most cases, there will be a backup heater to use when needed.

Condensing Water Heater

A condensing water heater is an option for those who need a capacity of more than 55 gallons and prefer to heat with gas. These use a tank like a traditional gas water heater, but they also hold onto exhaust gases, which release through a coil in the base. The incoming cold water then absorbs most of the heat.

Warranty

Most water heaters will have a warranty for somewhere between three and 12 years. The more extended warranties can be indicative of a higher quality product. They typically have larger burners, which speed up the heating of water, as well as insulation, resulting in less heat loss. It’s always a good idea to choose a water heater with a more extended warranty.

Digital Display

It’s a matter of taste whether a digital display is something that interests you. These do make it easier to customize the operation of the heater and monitor levels. One thing that many people will make use of is a customizable vacation mode. This adds extra efficiency to the heater when you are not home. If you are using a solar heater, you will see things like tank temperature and pressure readings.

Drain Valve Materials

Most drain valves are going to be made of either plastic or brass. These valves sit at the base of the water to drain excess water. If you are interested in durability, it’s best to choose brass over plastic. Plastic is cheaper but has no distinguishing features beyond that.
Wrapping Up

U.S. Craftmaster offers a selection of water heaters in various types. It offers hybrid, electric, gas and tankless water heaters for homes and businesses. Its products are of high quality, and there are plenty of options to appeal to everyone. If you aren’t sure which water heater to choose, our buyer’s guide should provide more information to help you decide. Depending on your home’s needs, one of these options is likely to work for you.

Type of Water Heater

The first thing to consider is whether you prefer a tank water heater or a tankless option. The tank type is less expensive than the tankless, and you can find them in gas, electric and hybrid options. The more-costly options tend to be tankless, but there is a good reason for that. These heaters create a continuous stream of hot water so there is no limit on the water you can use. These use heat exchangers and often a gas burner for extra on-demand heating needs.

Most water heaters for RVs with tanks will hold six or 10 gallons. In some cases you may find four-gallon tanks or larger tanks of up to 16 gallons. If you’re a family of four who is on the road together and showering one after another, you may find that a six-gallon tank simply isn’t large enough for your needs. That may mean it’s time to consider a 10-gallon option or switch to a tankless heater instead. If it’s just you on the road, six gallons may well be enough to sustain you.

Choice of Fuels

The first type of fuel used for many RV water heaters is propane. Some of these heaters offer a standard pilot light which must be re-lit when needed. Others provide a direct-spark or electric ignition. The latter is typically considered higher quality than the former option.

Your second option is electric. These require a power outlet connected to an electrical grid or a generator. These are traditionally equipped with a single heating element. This is often considered the most convenient but it cannot always be used.

Some water heaters, especially those for boats and RVs, use motor-aided water heating. This is an efficient option, but it has a significant disadvantage in that it can’t be used when the engine of your vehicle is turned off. The heat from the engine will be there anyway which is a perk, but after the engine is off for a while the water will become cooler over time.

Hybrid models take two or more of the fuel types above which run together to provide a higher rate of recovery for hot water. Most often these will consist of gas and electric where the electric is used for on-demand hot water when required.

BTU and Recovery Rate

When you look at the BTU number listed for a water heater, it defines how effective and robust the heater is. However, the higher the BTU number, the more expensive the Atwood water heater will be. While the BTU rating is essential, recovery rate can be just as essential. This number relates to how many gallons of hot water can be made in an hour. It’s an excellent idea to consider both of these things alongside your own needs to be sure the heater is capable of handling whatever you throw at it.

Wrapping Up

Atwood is one of the biggest names in water heaters for RVs and marine vehicles, and it shows. They offer innovative features and high-tech options that provide convenience and performance not seen in other brands. Whether you are looking for a natural gas-powered water heater, electric-powered heater or a hybrid, we believe you will find an option that fits your needs. We hope this article takes you further on your journey toward the best water heater for your boat or RV.

Air Conditioner Compressors

Ruud is well-known for the astounding quality of their compressors. This is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner, and some companies are known to skimp a bit. Ruud uses scroll compressors, which are known for being highly reliable and durable. What makes a scroll compressor unique is that it engages a smaller amount of friction than a conventional compressor, which makes them quieter and more consistent than other brands.

Home Air Conditioner Pricing

Another place that Ruud excels is with the pricing of their air conditioners. You might think that an air conditioner with an exceptional compressor would cost a bundle, but Ruud makes its products more affordable than the competition. While this isn’t going to be the least expensive air conditioner on the market, it’s going to offer value as far as features and price. As an example, an 18 SEER Ruud Ultra Series costs only about $2,000 while a competitor with largely the same product prices its unit at nearly $2,700. That’s a huge difference, no matter what your budget is.

Air Conditioner Efficiency

When you pay for an air conditioner, you want to purchase the one that is most efficient. An efficient unit keeps your utility bills low and can offset the actual purchase price of an air conditioner. Efficiency is indicated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER). The larger the number is, the more efficient it is going to be. With SEER ratings of up to 18, Ruud is doing well on this front.

Classic Series Two-Stage RA17

The RA17 is a two-stage air conditioner from the Classic series. It features a modern aesthetic that is sleek and visually appealing. The two-stage scroll compressor ensures precision of temperature control, as well as higher efficiency than single stage compressors. There is a diagnostic service window that gives access to low and high pressure, as well as triple service access to make repairs and carry out inspections. The removal of nearly a third of the standard cabinet fasteners also aids in that aspect.

This unit has an efficiency of up to 17 SEER. It can also be operated through the EcoNet application from Ruud. The app supports many cooling, heating, and water heating products on a single network. This unit comes in nominal sizes of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-ton units and has a cooling capacity of between 17.3 and 60.5 kBTUs. It also includes a ten-year conditional unit replacement along with a 10-year warranty on parts.

Achiever Plus Series Two-Stage UA17

This is another two-stage unit that can connect to the EcoNet Smart Home System. This Achiever Plus unit is both efficient and quiet due to the two-stage compressor within. This also leads to lower humidity levels and a higher degree of comfort. The fan is also optimized for the best airflow, highest performance, and quiet operation. On top of that, it has the durability of other Ruud air conditioner units.

The UA17 unit has an efficiency that can reach up to 17 SEER and comes in nominal sizes of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-ton units. It features a single-row condenser coil, making the unit lighter and easier to keep the coils clean for the best performance. It has cooling capabilities of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and each unit is leak tested before sale. It also carries an impressive 10-year warranty on most parts.

Achiever Series Single Stage RA14

The first two units were beasts, but this option is a little less powerful. That said, it still has everything you could want from an air conditioning unit. It has up to 16 SEER and comes in sizes from 1.5 to 5 tons with cooling capacity from 17.3 to 60.5 kBTUs. It also has a 10-year warranty on many parts if something goes wrong while using it. It was designed with modern cabinet aesthetic and has curved lower panels which ensure cabinet strength and rigidity while providing protection to the coils.

Some of the small details shine with this unit, such as the rust-resistant screws and service trays to hold fasteners. The fan motor harness has long wires, so the fan doesn’t need to be disconnected before the unit top can be removed. The triple service access also makes repairs a breeze as components can be reached without much effort.

Achiever Series Single Stage RA13

The RA13 is the baby brother of the RA14, and it shows. They have the same look and many of the same features. The only real difference is the SEER efficiency can only reach 15.5 with this option, depending on the size of the unit you choose. It comes in nominal sizes from 1.5 to 5 tons and has the standard cooling capacity of 17.3 to 60.5 kBTUs. It also features a 10-year warranty on various parts and components.

The unit has an optimized fan area that helps reduce sound and heighten air flow. It also comes with powder coated paint that is long-lasting, so there’s no need for touch-ups. The base pan of this model is new and helps prevent corrosion, drops the number of needed fasteners, and keeps the sound down. On top of that, it’s easy to find all the technical information you want courtesy of the QR code on the unit.

Achiever Series Single Stage RA14**W

When what matters most is staying comfortable and cool, you can’t beat the RA14**W by Ruud. It has an well-organized design that ensures the best temperatures while providing extreme efficiency of up to 16 SEER. The unit comes in nominal sizes of 1.5 to 3.5 tons and has a ten-year warranty on many parts. The unit itself can range from 157 pounds to 225 pounds, depending on the size of the unit you choose.

The RA14**W has an expanded valve space that is intended to make service calls easier. The triple service access will make maintenance painless for the average homeowner. It’s easy to take apart the cabinet, make repairs, and put it all back together. The number of fasteners is also less than in earlier models. The compressor uses fewer parts to offer less noise and provide higher reliability.

Price Considerations

One of the most important things for most people will be finding the best air conditioner you can while paying the lowest price. There is nothing wrong with that, but you do need to consider the value of quality when considering price. The least expensive Ruud air conditioner may not be the best one for your needs. The same may be true for the most costly. When choosing your best option for an air conditioner, you want to consider what matters to you, what size your house is, and more.

It is also worth determining if you might qualify for any tax credits for purchasing a high-efficiency air conditioner. The additional money can expand your budget and get you the best possible air conditioner.

Size Matters

When you think about size, you will be looking at BTU (British thermal units per hour). 12,000 BTU is a ton of cooling, so it’s not always the best idea to choose the air conditioner with the highest number. Instead, you want to consider the size of your home and determine what BTU will fill it. Here are some examples:

• 500 Square Foot Home – 12,000 BTU
• 1,000 Square Foot Home – 18,000 BTU
• 1,500 Square Foot Home – 24,000 BTU
• 2,000 Square Foot Home – 34,000 BTU

You also may want to make adjustments based on the amount of sun that reaches your home, where the unit will be installed, and how many people are regularly in the area being cooled.

Maintenance

You may want to consider negotiating a service plan that includes discounted labor and repairs when hiring a technician to install the AC unit. Often you can get a deal when doing so. Prices can vary to a significant degree depending on your location, but it’s always worth looking into the option. You’re going to need maintenance and repairs later on, so why not reduce the price while you can.

Thermostat Choice

If your Ruud air conditioner comes with a programmable thermostat, using it properly can reduce your costs of cooling by 10% on average. You can also utilize box or ceiling fans to make a room feel a few degrees cooler.

Upgrading A System

Those who are upgrading their system should make sure to have a load calculation done beforehand. While you can base your new unit on the old one’s specifications, this isn’t always accurate. If you’ve made any changes to energy efficiency, whether by installing better windows or adding insulation, you may have different cooling needs than you did last time you bought a unit. However, if you’ve expanded the home, you may need a stronger unit this time around.

When the contractor does calculations, he or she should look at whether your ducts need to be insulated, sealed, replaced, or resized. Also, your indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser need to be purchased from the same brand to get the best efficiency, performance, and capacity.

A new system is likely to be anywhere from 15 to 40 percent more efficient than a model from a decade in the past. This might mean the air conditioner itself is a bit pricier than before. Just remember that the additional efficiency will help keep utility prices down and save you money in the long run. Efficiency differences could also mean buying a slightly more expensive option would actually save money over a cheaper model.

Installation

On top of what you spend for your Ruud air conditioner, you’ll also end up paying money to have the unit installed. It’s important to choose a contractor who can do so professionally and who has proven experience. If this isn’t the case, the installation could suffer, and this can lead to problems with the unit later down the road. Consider looking into referrals from family or friends, and make sure to do your research on the contractor’s background and any certifications. You don’t want to leave a substantial job like this to just anyone, so take the time to find and hire the best.

Before hiring a service contractor, make sure to get a bid on the job from a few companies. This will give you an idea of what the choices are and how each contractor calculates things. Make sure to ask for a copy of the calculations with your quote. If the estimate is based solely on house size, you may want to choose a different professional for your installation.

Wrapping Up

This review should provide information on what to expect from Ruud air conditioners, along with which are the best on the market today. We believe any of the listed units will meet the needs of most people, depending on their home size and number of inhabitants. It’s up to you to determine which speaks to you and offers the performance you need.