High efficient vs non-efficient water tank?
I have two options for upgrading my gas water tank to these Bradford White:
- 50 gallon RG250S6N and it is not power vented (non-energy star) for $1449
- 40 gallon RG1PV40S6N (energy star) and power vented for $2957.
Obviously the difference is ~$1500 and 10 gallons which 40 is more than enough for my household anyways. I don’t really understand the efficiency ratings of water tanks and how that entails to significant or minor cost savings.
I also researched how gas pilot light could potentially cost me $200-300/year? I don’t know if that’s true or not either. The 50 gallon model uses a pilot light whereas the energy star rating one spark ignition instead.
I don’t know if it’s even worth going up or just keeping the non-energy rated for much less.
Please help a noob out. Much appreciated you awesome people
Posted Mar 23, 2022, 3:11 PM UTC
12
Is that installed price? I ask because the two options have very different venting requirements. I assume you have a natural draft vent that is made of metal currently. The non-power vent option could reuse your exiting vent. The high efficiency model will need new vent, probably in plastic. Often when installing the high-efficiency equipment the installer will go with a side-wall installation rather than through the roof. This may or may not factor into your choice as well.
The cost of your pilot light will be determined by your NG costs, but a pilot light is just a burning flame 24/7 so it does have a cost associated with it. That said, pilot lights are extremely reliable. Spark ignitions aren't necessarily unreliable but they are more complicated and more maintenance & replacement parts will be required over the life of the unit as well.
Yes, this is the installed price. I do have a natural metal vent. I do understand the piping on the side because they had to do that when I upgraded my old furnace to the high efficient one.
I’m getting AC installed so they have to drill on the side of the house anyways. I’m getting both upgrades done at the same time. But I just don’t know if I’ll be returning my savings effectively if I opt for the more expensive option.