Archives for September 2018

There are three major water heater types – conventional, on-demand and heat pump combination. Conventional heaters store enough water to supply short-term needs and quickly replenish the amount used. On-demand water heaters supply hot water in a specific location. The unit is smaller and installed close to the dispensing faucet. You may have a number of them servicing your bathrooms and kitchen. The heat pump combination uses ambient air heat to warm water stored in the tank. It is more efficient than the other two types but costs more and requires a relatively warm location for placement. Reliance offers all three water heater types, but we will focus on the conventional gas and electric models, specifically the 606 line.

You may be reading this review because your unit failed and you need to find a replacement quickly. It is tempting to rush through the decision – your house does not have hot water! We recommend you take the time to understand key features in your purchase since you will own the unit for many years. Your living circumstances may have changed since you bought your current water heater, or it may have been in the house when you moved in. Regulations affecting water heater dimensions may have changed since you installed your current unit. We will cover these topics to assist you with your decision and recommend you consult your local water heater installation expert.

The Reliance 606 water heater line provides many models to meet your needs. Electric water heaters range from 30 to 119-gallon capacities in medium, tall and tabletop models to fit your space. Gas heaters come in short and tall sizes with 30 to 100-gallon capacities. We will use the 50-gallon tall electric model for this review as a point of comparison with other manufacturers.

Be aware of changes to water heater standards and sizing effective April 16, 2015, due to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. Most likely, your current heater is older than this date. Water heater producers must meet stricter energy standards and add thicker insulation.  The changes increase the unit height and width so new heaters may be larger than your existing unit. Reliance water heaters produced after the effective date meet these standards. You may see changes in the last four alpha characters of the previous model numbers in the 606 line designating the upgrade. Older models may still be on the market. We recommend you confirm you are buying the latest model. Alternatively, you may find discounts on earlier models based on availability. Water heaters built before April 16, 2015, can still be used.

Water heater types, capacities and sizes vary with the Reliance 606 water heater line.  The Model 6 50 EORT is a good representative for comparison purposes. The model is an electric type sized for the typical home. Here are the key features and specifications.

A.O. Smith manufactures Reliance water heaters and supports them as a separate brand. A.O. Smith has over 80 years of experience in water heater design and manufacturing. They market some units under their name. The Reliance Model 6 50 EORT supports a typical three bedroom, three bath home with its 62-gallon First Hour Rating. The 50-gallon capacity tank fits a space supporting its 23-inch diameter, 60.5-inch height.

The Uniform Energy Factor or UEF is a measurement of efficiency. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act changed the metric in 2015 from the Energy Factor or EF. The change provides a more accurate comparison metric applied to different water heater types. Water heater testing involves simulated home hot water use. Government testers use a standard calculation comparing the amount of energy needed to run the water heater to the energy expended by the unit. The higher the number, the better. A perfect energy factor of 1.00 is impossible to achieve due to cool air conditions around the unit, heat loss from the tank and related factors. The Reliance 606 water heater used in this review has a 0.93 uniform energy factor. You may still see some energy factors, or EF, listed for units built before the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act went into effect.

Energy Guide labels, administered by the Federal Trade Commission, help consumers understand estimated energy costs when they shop for major appliances. The Model 6 50 EORT costs $419 annually to operate according to energy guide estimates.

Reliance water heater construction supports energy savings, safety and environmental factors. The tank has non-CFC polyurethane foam for insulation, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency. CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons contribute to ozone depletion and harm the environment. Two 4,500-watt heat elements covered in copper heat the water. The copper prevents contamination when the water remains in the tank for long time periods. The glass-lined tank protects against corrosion. The temperature and pressure relief valves are key safety features. The valves release excessive water caused by high-temperature settings. Water can expand by over one-half gallon in a 50-gallon tank when exposed to high temperatures.

The Reliance 606 water heater has a self-cleaning feature to increase tank life and reduce water leak risk. Sediment from water impurity can build up over time and cause corrosion and leaks. Cold water travels to the bottom of the tank for heating using a dip tube. An upward curve in the tube causes water circulation in the self-cleaning water heater. The flowing water disperses the impurities avoiding sediment gathering on the bottom. Water heaters without this feature require more maintenance and have a higher failure risk.

The Reliance 606 model series has a six-year warranty on the tank and parts and one year for labor. Reliance maintains a service department and parts catalog supporting repairs.

The Reliance Model 6 50 EORT is the medium sized unit in the 606 model series. Prices vary based on the model chosen using your sizing calculations. It sells for $430 at ACE Hardware. The Reliance website lists other places to purchase the model including True Value, Grover and other stores.

You can choose from some other brands offering water heaters similar to the Reliance 606 water heater line. You can make a comparison based on price, product dimensions and key features.

Here are some models comparable to the Reliance 6 50 EORT. Manufacturers offer a similar range of products to the 606 line. We chose the 50-gallon tall electric model from each brand.

Water heaters are “out of sight, out of mind” so you typically do not see the appliance until it needs repair or replacement. Consider pricing, features and warranty provisions when evaluating your purchase.

Water heater technology continues to advance, and the new model you purchase will most likely be more energy efficient and perform better than your old unit. Take time to compare key features such as first hour delivery and the uniform energy factor. Water heaters typically last around 12 years, and your household could have changed during that time. Your family may have grown, or maybe you became empty nesters. How long do you plan to stay in your home? Evaluate the current and projected water usage based on these factors. We focused on electric storage heaters in this review, but you may need to replace a gas or propane unit. Gas units tend to be less expensive to operate than electric water heaters but may cost more to purchase. You may even consider the cost of converting an existing electric water heater to a gas model. It may cost more to extend a gas line, assuming your home is not all-electric, but you may save money over time.

We focused on the Model 6 50 EORT for comparison purposes, but your actual needs will most likely require a different model with the same features. The Reliance 606 water heater product line offers a broad range of electric, gas and propane units of various sizes and capacities. You can find the best model based on available literature and help from your local water heater installation expert.

Few basic amenities are as appreciated as consistent hot water. If your hot water heater is too small or broken, you understand how uncomfortable showering, washing dishes and other tasks can be with cold water. While all water heaters may look similar, there are a surprising number of options available. Whether you need to replace a broken water heater or are looking for an upgrade, consider an HTP water heater.

This guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your next water heater. There are a large variety of water heaters available from HTP, so this guide will give you a broad range of options. Then, we’ll look specifically at one highly rated electric water heater. You’ll also see a helpful comparison with other, highly-rated water heaters. With an HTP water heater, you’ll appreciate consistent, inexpensive hot water throughout your entire home.

HTP is a highly rated company that provides water heaters and space heaters for commercial and residential use. They offer an incredibly diverse product range. You might be more familiar with Phoenix or Everlast water heaters. These lines are their most popular water heaters and provide nearly every type of gas or electric water heaters you could need for your home or business. Everlast water heaters are particularly well-rated and popular, so this guide will give you all the information you need to consider the Everlast 40-gallon water heater.

There are plenty of options for water heaters. These workhorses all look deceptively similar, but you have a few major considerations to make before choosing the right water heater for your home. When you determine the design, heat source and capacity, you’ll be on your way to choosing the best brand to meet your needs. Take a look at each of these sections before reviewing the Everlast water heater.

While most homes use a storage tank water heater, there are other convenient options to explore. Storage tank heaters keep a large amount of water hot, so you can have plenty of water for showers, washing clothes and any other household needs. They store the water in an insulated tank, which uses one or two heating elements or rods to keep the water at your desired temperature. This is the most common home unit, but you can also try a tankless water heater.

There are three popular ways to heat your water. Choose between electric, propane or natural gas, depending on what’s available at your house. Natural gas is the most cost-effective in terms of your heating bill, but it’s usually the most expensive water heater. Not all homes have natural gas available, so this may not be an option for you. If you have propane, this is another great way to heat your water while saving on your electricity bill. However, depending on your area, propane can also be quite expensive. Electric water heaters are the least expensive to purchase and install. Consider how much you will be using your water heater and what size you’ve chosen, because an electric water bill can add a significant amount to your electric bill. Some homeowners use solar power or other means of generating electricity, which can save on your energy bill.

If you choose an electric water heater, you can purchase either a 4500-watt or 5500-watt water heater. Typical residential electric water heaters use 4500 watts. Depending on the model, you can expect roughly 18 to 25 gallons-per-minute of hot water with a 4500-watt water heater. A 5500-watt heater, on the other hand, can heat up to 23 to 35 gallons-per-minute. If you have a large family and need to take multiple showers in the morning, a 5500-watt heater can be a great way to keep up a steady amount of hot water. However, 5500-watt heaters are more expensive and have a higher electric bill.

All storage tank water heaters are advertised based on the size of their tank. Most water heaters fall between 30 and 50 gallons, but you can purchase tanks as small as 5 gallons or as large as 80 gallons. While this is an important factor to consider, the most important number to use as a comparison is the first-hour rate or FHR. The FHR tells you how much hot water you’ll receive in the first hour. Not only does this take the size of the tank into consideration, it also factors in how quickly your water heater can heat more water. A smaller tank that heats efficiently may give you more continuous hot water than a larger, less efficient water heater.

Most water heaters will advertise other convenient features. Some have a digital display, which allows you to monitor and control the temperature easily. Others have the ability to connect to your smart device and allow you to wirelessly change the temperature settings. It’s great if you are away on a vacation and need to reduce the temperature while you are gone. Consider the warranty, insulation and other features as well when determining the best water heater for your home.

There is a wide range of water heaters available, and the price can vary quite dramatically. For electric water heaters, you can pay as little as $300 or as much as $2,000. This list offers mid-range and budget-friendly models, from $348.00 to $1,299.00. The largest difference between each water heater is the warranty. Another factor to consider is the FHR. Choose the water heater that best matches your budget and hot water use. Keep in mind that more expensive water heaters may be more energy efficient, so you’ll save more after years of use.

Choosing an HTP water heater can be a challenge. With the wide variety of options available, it can be difficult to narrow it down to one model. This pros and cons list will help you determine whether the Everlast 40-gallon electric water heater is the right choice for your household. If you need a larger tank, higher wattage or a different heating source, HTP has all the options you need.

For a durable, effective electric water heater, the Everlast 40-gallon 4500-watt water heater receives 4 out of 5 stars. This is just one popular option out of the vast HTP water heater brand. If you prefer a natural gas, tankless or 5500-watt water heater, look for these great products from HTP. HTP provides an excellent warranty for all the products offered, so you’ll have peace of mind and stress-free operation. Be sure to choose the correct tank size for your household. Choose the most energy-efficient water heater with a great warranty, and you’ll never have to worry about on-demand hot water again.

Looking for an easy way to beat the heat this summer? Centralized air conditioning has been the answer for people in hot climates everywhere for decades. When you live in a house or unit that has air conditioning capability, there are a multitude of brand options available. Maytag is one of the world’s most popular air conditioning brands, and there are several models available. This article will cover the Maytag PSA1BG iQ Drive™ M1200 20-SEER Air Conditioner, including its features, specifications, pricing, pros and cons, and comparison to the competition.

The Maytag PSA1BG iQ Drive™ M1200 20-SEER Air Conditioner is known for its energy-saving performance and iQ Drive® complete comfort system. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the standard that most air conditioning units are judged by. It controls the interior temperature of your home and can also maintain consistent levels of humidity, ventilation, and air quality. The air conditioner works by circulating air through your home by mixing the air from the floor to the ceiling. You’ll be able to enjoy stable temperatures throughout your home due to the Maytag’s variable-speed technology.

Maytag claims that thanks to the iQ Drive® comfort system’s sound levels and rotary compressor, this air conditioner runs so quietly that users may forget they even have one installed in their home. The quietness is contributed to the Maytag’s use of sound-reducing bases, swept-wing fan blades, and compressor blankets. Additionally, the rotary compressor runs at about 900 rpm on average, while most standard air conditioner compressors operate at a much louder 3,600 rpm. The Maytag’s minimal use of power is what provides a consistent temperature at all times.

Maytag’s PSA1BG iQ Drive™ M1200 20-SEER Air Conditioner has multiple specifications worth knowing about. The iQ Drive® air conditioner system, for example, features a Samsung rotary compressor that provides five capacities from a two-stage thermostat. It also features an interface control board with a two-digit LED display that can provide the status of your machine and troubleshooting steps if necessary. The Maytag also features a service port with compressor and component access to make servicing the machine easier for contractors, high and low-pressure switches, and aluminum micro-channel coils designed to increase the machine’s reliability, durability, and heat transfer capabilities.

More specifications include:

Maytag air conditioners vary in price according to model. These days, the average air conditioning unit costs about $5,000 to install with cost factors affected by the machine’s size, performance, efficiency, and overall brand quality. On average, the Maytag PSA1BG iQ Drive™ M1200 20-SEER Air Conditioner costs between $2,875 and $3,625 for the machine only and between $4,075 and $5,625 for the machine and installation.

Central air conditioning has been around long enough for numerous brands to claim to have the world’s best heating and cooling unit, so we put some of those brands to the test along with Maytag. To accurately compare Maytag to other brands, we selected three of the market’s other current frontrunners and ran a comparison based on price, quality, and other important factors.

The Armstrong-brand air conditioner features a thermostat designed for optimizing indoor comfort in the quietest manner possible. This brand is widely known and praised for lasting throughout multiple hot summers, as it can last through temperatures up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The energy efficiency of this machine also goes up to 18-SEER.

Price

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The current price range of the Armstrong air conditioner is $2,600 to $3,500, not including installation fees. These prices are slightly below the national average and about on par with the price range of the Maytag air conditioner brand, although the Maytag is slightly more expensive.

Ease of Use

The Rheem air conditioner offers a minimum of 20-SEER energy efficiency and features a composite-base fan that dampens sounds and eliminates corrosion while reducing the number of fasteners needed. The modern design of this appliance also gives it an increased amount of curb appeal.

Price

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Depending on the Rheem model you choose, this unit can cost anywhere between approximately $2,530 and $6,560, depending on if you opt for professional installation or for installing it yourself, though most people get HVAC units installed professionally. This price range is pretty standard with most HVAC units.

Ease of Use

The Goodman brand is an up-and-comer in the HVAC world, but it’s still hugely popular in homes across North America, especially since all Goodman heating and cooling systems are built in the United States. This central air conditioning unit features an energy-efficient compressor, a factory-installed filter dryer, and a single-speed PSC condenser fan motor to keep things as quiet as possible while your home is being heated or cooled.

Price

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Depending on the model size you’re looking for, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $3,200 for a Goodman-brand air conditioning unit. These prices put the Goodman at an average price point compared to other brands. If you’re looking to save as much money as you can, the Goodman or Armstrong HVAC unit models will probably be your best bet, but if money isn’t an issue the Rheem air conditioner is also a viable choice.

Ease of Use

The Maytag is a commendable air conditioning unit, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect in every way. Despite its sales, enough people have had bad experiences with the product to warrant a list of upsides and downsides to the Maytag air conditioner. Some users and reviewers have spoken up about their compliments and dissatisfaction with the product, and based on our research of this model and competitive versions, we were able to create a pros and cons list of our own.

The Maytag PSA1BG iQ Drive™ M1200 20-SEER Air Conditioner is an all-around dependable air conditioning unit, complete with total temperature control and heating system for when the days get a little colder. They are built to last at least 20 years, which makes them a dependable appliance in our book. Although the competing brands are impressive, we believe the Maytag is just as high-quality and dependable as the other air conditioning units in our article. If you want to cool down your home this summer and keep it warm in the winter, the Maytag air conditioner really isn’t a bad way to go.