Steve wrote in message ...

The recommeded setting is 120 degrees. If set there, the water
temperature measures within a few degrees of 120. I increased
my setting to the 130 mark. At that setting, the temperature measures
within a few degrees of 130. That is not the issue. The issue is how
fast the water temperature recovers after being drawn down.
If the input to the heater is 25% lower at altitude, then the
recovery rate will also be 25% lower at altitude. Thus, 30 gal/hr
rather than 40 gal/hr. If all heaters are de-rated at altitude,
its not a big deal. It means the one I have before was only
recovering at 30 gal/hr (because it was also a 40,000btu and
40gal/hr unit) and I was satisfied with that rate.
What I can not handle is American Water Heaters response to my
question. Which is (and I am quoting)"The recovery rate will be the same
40 gal/hr but will be slower with the 20% loss at a high altitude".
Recovery rate is a time related unit of measure. If its slower,
its not 40gal/hr! Unless they have also de-rate time at altitude.
Maybe they do know something I don't.



In article ,
(Derek Toeppen) wrote:

(Bern M) wrote in message
. com...

I installed a Whirlpool. The Whirlpool is made by American Water
Heater. They have a web page so run a search on the American Water
Heater name.

But, I have to say I am having seconded thoughts about the unit.
My complains maybe common to all water heaters. But until I sort
through them I am a little uncomfortable recommending them.

The two problems are,
1. The unit is degraded 4% per 1K feet in altitude. Thus, at
6500 feet I ended up with a 50 gal unit with 30gal/hr recovery rate
when the unit is specified at 40gal/hr. It maybe all water heaters
do this. Furnances do not.
2. The burner is the noisiest I have ever owned. The low frequency
rumble can be heard every where in the house. This maybe a result of
the new flame control burner laws on the books.

Good luck



I just installed a Whirlpool Gas Hot Water Heater 2 days ago.

I don't have the noise you have, and it sounds about the same as any
water heater I've owned, and I'm now on my 3rd in this house.

Everyone in the house thinks the water is hotter, even though the
thermostat on the water heater is set lower than the recommended setting.

I hve no complaints with it. I just got it from Lowe's and they had a
$99 installation, so it's price was about $150 less than Home Depot's or
Sears for the same size/type water heater.

All in all, I'm very satisfied. (As I said, it's only been 2 days, but
no complaints so far.)

Steve