If your water heater's warranty is nearing expiration or has already expired, it's time to consider purchasing a new one. Modern water heaters are more energy-efficient than ever, potentially saving you money on utility bills in the long run, despite a higher upfront cost. U.S. Craftmaster, a popular water heater manufacturer, offers a range of options, including gas, electric, hybrid, and tankless models.
This article reviews the current U.S. Craftmaster water heater line, considering factors such as type, price, features, and extras. Expert and buyer reviews are also taken into account to provide reliable information for your next water heater purchase.
This efficient gas heater is accessible to the average person, installing with the same venting, gas, and water connections as a traditional atmospheric model. It is Energy Star-certified and includes an eco-friendly burner that helps lower NOx emissions. Available in 40 or 50-gallon capacities with an energy factor of 0.70, it can save up to 25% compared to older models. The heater comes with a 12-year warranty on the tank and parts and a 1-year limited warranty on labor.
This hybrid water heater provides extreme energy efficiency by absorbing heat from the air to heat the water inside the tank. It offers four modes: Electric, Hybrid, Efficiency, and Vacation. The user-friendly display shows the mode, set point, and any service messages. It also operates with a SmartPort for connection to Smart Grid and home management mobile apps. Available in 50, 66, and 80-gallon options with a uniform energy factor between 3.52 and 2.73, depending on size.
This Energy Star-qualified gas water heater uses an automated flue damper with an electronic gas valve, making it more efficient than traditional models. Available in 40 and 50-gallon sizes 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.
This premium U.S. Craftmaster water heater is available in 40 and 50-gallon sizes with first-hour rates between 60 and 81. It features a 12-year warranty on parts and tank and a one-year guarantee on labor. The heater is 100% Smart Grid-ready and generates diagnostic reports for easy troubleshooting. The LCD screen allows for choosing various operating modes, including Energy Smart and Vacation modes.
U.S. Craftmaster's tankless water heater provides ultra-low NOx condensing technology for an energy factor of 0.93. Available in indoor and outdoor models, it includes advanced diagnostics and temperature control. These units can be powered by propane or natural gas, with a minimum gas consumption of 15,000 BTU and a maximum of 120,000 BTU. Safety features include air-fuel ratio sensors, overheat cut-off fuses, and exhaust and water temperature safety controls.
When choosing a water heater, consider factors such as tank capacity, water heater type, warranty, digital display, and drain valve materials. Upgrading to a modern, efficient water heater can cut utility bills while boosting efficiency.
Look at the first-hour rating for storage tank water heaters, which 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.
There are five major types of water heaters: storage tank, heat pump, tankless, solar, and condensing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, cost, and suitability for different environments.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage Tank | Most common type; includes an insulated tank where water is stored until needed |
| Tankless | Heats water as needed; super-efficient but limited hot water available at one time |
| Heat Pump | Uses traditional heating along with a heat pump; more efficient but not suitable for cold areas |
| Solar | Mounted on the roof; absorbs sun's heat to warm water; best for sunny regions |
| Condensing | For gas heaters with capacity over 55 gallons; uses exhaust gases to heat incoming cold water |
Most water heaters have warranties between three and 12 years. Longer warranties often indicate higher quality products with larger burners and better insulation.
A digital display allows for easier customization and monitoring of the water heater's operation, such as vacation mode for added efficiency when away from home.
Drain valves are typically made of plastic or brass. While plastic is cheaper, brass offers greater durability.
U.S. Craftmaster offers a wide selection of high-quality water heaters to suit various home needs. By considering factors such as tank capacity, heater type, warranty, and features, you can choose the best option for your household. Investing in a modern, efficient water heater can lead to long-term savings on your utility bills.
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