On Apr 10, 8:45 am, " wrote:
On Apr 10, 6:38�am, "Craig M" wrote:

Ok, well having accidentally ignited what apparently is a chronic and
highly thermal debate on tank vs. tankless, let's say for the moment that
I am sold on the tank option.

Please review carefully as you have gotten both good and bad
information.
These are examples of good information
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/a...ater/overview/
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/ho...rs/review.html

For a gas supplied house (from town, not a propane tank), are there any
particularly good brands suggested in the 60 to 80 gal range?

Be aware that you will pay almost double for a 75 gallon tank as
opposed to a 40. That will put you within a few hundred dollars of a
tankless. I know - you asked about a tank heater, but you need to
check numbers before making your decision as that will drive your
decision.

Any brands to stay away from is also appreciated information.

See links above.

the gook is in your water anyway, and some areas are much worse than
others.

Sears is probably the last place to buy from, they charge more for
everything, espically service.

having gone thru this in the past the best prices are likely home
depot or lowes...... if you have them install you know they will be
there if theres a problem

This is an example of bad advice. Home Depot installations are almost
synonymous with horror story. Check online and see for yourself. My
plumber has been in business for thirty years and he's there when I
need him. Most pros are like that.

and again your better off buying a HIGH BTU tank. 75,000 BTU makes a
tremendous difference.

compare the FIRST HOUR RATINGS. buy the largest you can.

This is another example of bad advice. A larger tank is less
efficient and has a lower efficiency factor. Smaller tanks have an EF
of ~.63 so you're ****ing away a third of your dollars. A larger
tank's EF can be in the neighborhood of .50 Oversizing a system so
you can waste more money is the exact opposite of good advice.

the big thing is check dimensions, so the one you buy will fit........

and dont worry about the tank vs tankless flame war, its a regular
feature here and nothing in comparison to knob and tube wiring causes
homeowners insurance issues. thats far worse...

You should read the helmet flame wars in rec.bicycling.* Those get
_really_ nasty!

R