When buying a new hot water tank, one of the main questions homeowners ask is “which brand is the best?” Unfortunately, no major consumer publication (such as Consumer Reports) or surveying organization (such as JD Power) conducts brand reliability surveys. Consumer Reports just recommends to install a tank with a longer warranty, because “sawing open a cross-section of gas and electric storage-tank models in our lab confirmed that paying a little more typically buys a better water heater. Those with longer warranties tended to have larger heating elements, thicker insulation, and thicker or longer corrosion-fighting metal anodes. ” However, most tanks available in BC have a 6-year warranty against leakage.
2006 JD Power Water Heater Subcontractor Satisfaction Study. Reliability, product quality, and warranty fulfillment were among the factors considered.
The closest thing to a reliability test ever performed was a 2006 Subcontractor Satisfaction Study performed by JD Power. Some of the most important factors surveyed included reliability, product quality, and warranty fulfillment. Of the three major manufacturer’s, Bradford White finished first an Rheem finished a close second. Incidentally, these are the two brands we install (we install Rheem Energy Star gas hot water tanks and Bradford White tanks for other purposes). We have found both brands to be relatively reliable.
Learn more about the hot water tank models we install on our water heaters page.
To schedule a hot water tank replacement or repair, call 604 GOOD GUY (604 466 3489) or use our online form.