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Review AO Smith high efficiency
water heater More complicated water heater, reduces energy consumption Requires properly-wired dedicated 120 volt electrical outlet within 10 feet of unit. Do not use extension cord. |
 Prior versionAO Smith Effex high efficiency Atmospheric Older versions high efficiency is different color, but same operation, same warranty, same control system, manual, troubleshoot, parts, EF rating, anode, installations, and older features Larger image Buy: 40 gallon AO Smith Effex 50 gallon AO Smith Effex 50 gallon Reliance high efficiency |
 Newer versionAO Smith high efficiency Atmospheric .... is simply called the AO Smith high efficiency heater. Also sold by Reliance, State, Craftmaster etc.  Larger image |
 AO Smith ordinary Atmospheric Buy: AO Smith at Amazon 50 gallon Gas water heaters at Amazon 40 gallon gas water heaters at Amazon 30 gallon 30 gallon LP |
| Compare
AO Smith
residential heaters |
Gallon rating of tank BTU per hour |
First hour delivery Usable hot from continuous draw |
Warranty:
for single family residential |
EF
rating and actual efficiency |
Electrical
requirement |
Pilot light | NOx | Digital interface | Anode rod |
Service
manual |
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| High efficiency | 40 and 50 40,000 BTU |
70 and 81 gallon 2019 spec sheet |
6 year tank and parts Warranty sheet |
.70 EF = Actual efficiency .63-.64% |
120 volt 6' cord supplied |
No pilot ... has electronic ignition |
Low NOx 20 PPM per BTU |
Yes Diagnostics on eye level control |
Power anode rod is best overall | Yes Resource |
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| Flue Damper Review flue damper |
40 and 50 40,000 BTU |
70 and 84 gallon 2019 spec sheet |
6 year tank and parts | EF.69-.70 Actual efficiency .62-.64% |
120 volt 10' cord supplied |
Has pilot light | Ultra Low NOx and Low NOX 14-20 PPM |
Status codes on gas valve |
Standard aluminum anode | No, but Manual has good resources Manual |
|
| Ordinary atmospheric Resource: Which is best gas heater |
30, 40 and 50 32,000-40,000 BTU |
70 and 80 gallon spec sheet |
6 year tank and parts | EF.62-.65 Actual efficiency .55-.58% |
No electric power needed | Has pilot light | Ultra Low NOx, Low NOx,
and ordinary 14-20-54 PPM |
Status codes on gas valve |
Standard aluminum anode How to replace anode |
General service resources Resource |
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| Typical power vent | 40,50 and 75 40,000-75,000 BTU |
72 to 119 spec sheet |
6 year tank and parts | EF.67-.72 Actual efficiency .61-.65% |
120 volt 6' cord supplied |
No pilot ... has electronic ignition |
Low NOx 20 PPM |
Status codes on gas valve |
Standard aluminum anode | Yes Resource Resource |
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| Vertex power vent Condensing heater | 50 and 75 gallon 75,000-100,000 BTU |
100 and 130 spec sheet |
6 year tank and parts | EF.86-.88 Actual efficiency .82-.84% |
120 volt 6' cord supplied |
No pilot ... has electronic ignition |
Ultra Low NOx 20 PPM | Yes Diagnostics on eye level control |
2 anodes, 1 aluminum and 1 magnesium | Yes Resource |
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 See larger image: photoshopped from original
for clarity/ See originalHigh efficiency Electronic Control Display Temperature adjustment located near top of tank at eye level using two buttons located below display screen. Buttons are raised, but buttons on actual control are same dark color as control, making it difficult for visually impaired to locate ... add yellow stick-on dots to assist.  Temperature range for the high efficiency is not specified. Typical heaters range from vacation 50°F to 140-150°F. Typical bath is 104-110°, and 120°F is generally considered correct temp for water heater. The control display is tamper resistant for changing temperature Hold down both “COOLER” and “HOTTER” buttons for one second. Indicators light up. Release buttons. Press hotter or cooler to change temperature. For example, set to 135° for wash day and then return to 120° for nighttime shower. After 30 seconds the control will go back to “Lock” mode ... to prevent accidently setting temperature too high. Diagnostic error codes will display if problem is encountered. For example if heater is exposed to flammable vapors, FV Sense will flash .... Conveniently, the high efficiency can recover from FV event with reset sequence. Resource: FVIR reset sequence. |
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 Larger imageSpecs for 40 and 50 gallon: Introduced in 2010, Previously listed as residential water heater ... now listed as commercial-grade for residential since 2015, AO Smith says about the high efficiency: "patented air intake system, turbo charges the combustion process. By creating pressurized environment in combustion chamber, the air intake system allows the high efficiency heater to extract additional heat from exhaust gas as it passes through water heater. As a result, a higher percentage of heat is transferred into the water and less energy is wasted." The high efficiency heater has 2-5%+ better efficiency than ordinary atmospheric gas water heater of same gallonage and BTU, but is on equal footing with other types of heaters like the flue damper series ... except he high efficiency heater can replace ordinary atmospheric heater without alterations, while flue damper series requires shortening the length of flue pipe by a few inches. Review flue damper series The high efficiency 40 gallon: EF .70 = .64% thermal and standby efficiency, including electric use The high efficiency 50 gallon: EF .70 = .62% thermal and standby efficiency, including electric use First Hour/ The high efficiency 40-50 gallon 40,000 BTU heaters 40 gallon high efficiency Model GAHH-40 has first hour delivery 70 gallons (first hour is the amount of usable hot water from one continuous draw) 50 gallon high efficiency Model GAHH-50 has first hour delivery 80 gallons (family of 6 or large oversized tub requires first hour 80 gallon) For more than 80 gallons first hour, a condensing heater or two water heaters might be correct choice Resources: Two water heaters Review Polaris condensing heater Recovery/ standard for all 40,000 BTU heaters Recovery for both 40 and 50 gallon 40,000 BTU heaters is 43 gallons per hour: Recovery is when burner turns ON, the tank will heat around 43 gallons of water per hour at 60°F rise in temperature. Colder incoming water during winter, and higher thermostat setting will lower the recovery rate.  Resources:High efficiency 2019 spec sheet High efficiency 2014 spec sheet High efficiency Product manual Service manual Example High efficiency warranty Read about anode rods and power anode rods |
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 Air
intake located on side of water heater is easy to clean The high efficiency air intake is easy to clean. Plus air intake is higher off the ground and less likely to clog with floor dust. Regular maintenance calls for yearly air intake cleaning. Avoid dusty environments. Avoid exposure to chemicals. Resources Read manual page 11 Why clean the air intake More detail All gas water heaters have air intakes, and all brands of gas water heater require clean, unobstructed air intake to support full combustion, avoid overheated combustion chamber etc. The high efficiency has a pressure switch that responds to inadequate air supply, and shuts off heater before issuing error message on display. This prevents typical problems found with ordinary atmospheric heaters when inadequate air causes lazy flame, accumulation of unburned fuel, and other problems that can cause gassy odor, build-up of soot on top of heater, water dripping down the flue pipe and rusting out combustion chamber Other AO Smith heaters, such as the atmospheric models and flue damper series, have air intake located on bottom of water heater, and can be more difficult to clean. |
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6 year warranty
Warranty applies to: Single-family residential installation
only. 6 year full replacement for failed Tank, and 6-year replacement parts. Example high efficiency warranty Water heater must be installed and maintained as shown in manual for warranty coverage. Read product manual More detail For example, if the air intake is clogged with dust from sanding drywall during a remodeling project and pressure switch responds by shutting down heater, then the air intake must be cleaned and other parts possibly replaced ... this is required for the heater to operate in the environment where it is installed and is not covered by warranty. Install heater in clean environment, without any flammable vapors ... or chemicals such as bleach and chlorine, spray paint, etc .... turn heater off when using flammables .... and when remodeling or house cleaning or furniture moving stirs up dust, dirt etc. |
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 Yearly cost numbers are for comparison only and vary widely 1) Low NOx high efficiency heaters are rated EF .70 when new. 2) Ultra Low NOx Flue damper heaters are rated EF .69-.70 when new. 3) Several models of power vent heaters are rated EF .67-.72. 4) ^Ordinary 40,000 BTU atmospheric heaters are rated EF .62-.65 when new. 5) Typical condensing heaters that are used in high consumption homes when more hot water is required, have EF .86-.88 More detail -EF is not efficiency. It is a number used for comparing water heaters across brands and models. Guidelines for testing water heaters is set by the government and testing performed by each manufacturer. The test determines what EF value the manufacturer includes with heater. For the end user .... EF (also called EUF) is a formula for calculating efficiency where .0015 of tank volume (in gallons) is subtracted from the EF rating to find actual efficiency. So the high efficiency 50 gallon tank would subtract .075 from the EF rating of .70 ... yielding .625% actual efficiency. Efficiency is the overall performance, and includes thermal efficiency (the amount of combustion heat that is transferred into water), estimate of standby losses, plus estimate of electric consumption. -Real-world cost to operate any gas water heater depends on variables including: efficiency, BTU rating of burner, design of heater (flue damper, power vent, atmospheric, condensing, etc), type of fuel (natural gas or propane), thermal rating of local gas supply, elevation above sea level, hot water usage, thermostat setting, incoming cold water temperature, water quality, ambient air temperature, fresh air supply, flue installation, number of gallons inside tank, age and condition of heater etc |
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 The AO Smith high efficiency can
save
energy Buying The AO Smith high efficiency might cost $400 more than simple box-store water heater. Offsetting the length of time it takes to achieve payback, the high efficiency has additional benefits: -Service manual is available. Product Manual shows maintenance and basic troubleshoot plus part replacement. Product manual -The high efficiency heater has powered anode rod that stops tank from rusting, reduces maintenance, and helps solve common odor problems ... plus error code shows if power anode is malfunction. -The high efficiency heater has eye level LCD readout with error codes, diagnostics to simplify troubleshoot, and easy temperature control at eye level. |
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 Standard Installation:40 gallon: 157 lbs, Height 60-5/8" x width 20" 50 gallon: 171 lbs, Height to 61-3/4" x Width 22" -Requires 12" space above water heater, 5" clearance front, 0'" clearance sides and back. -Can use 3" or 4" vent/ Single-wall vent pipe requires minimum 6" clearance between vent pipe and combustible materials double wall requires no clearance -The high efficiency heater is FVIR protected ... meaning it is flammable vapor ignition resistant. 2017 ... " FVIR certified gas water heaters can be installed on a residential garage floor without use of 18-inch stand in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1, unless otherwise directed by State and Local code requirements." .... Unknown if The high efficiency heater is FVIR certified.
In any case, no FVIR heater is 100% foolproof ... the FVIR
system is resistant ... it reduces risk, but doesn't eliminate
possibility of explosion ... why? because flammable vapors can still be
sucked into heater where ignition can cause internal damage ...
requiring part replacement or irreparable damage to heater.
Risk of internal damage to heater is reduced with a 18" stand ... why? because gasoline is the most common cause of water heater related fires .... and gasoline vapors are heavy and will hug the floor. -Gas water heaters (and all gas appliances) cannot be installed in dusty dirty environment ... or exposed to chemicals. -Drip pan recommended to prevent water damage. Maximum depth of drip pan 1-3/4". Set water heater on bricks if pan is too deep.  -
1/2" gas line. Can use flexible yellow gas line. Sediment trap
required on all gas water heaters. More detail -Water pressure should be 40-60 psi. Typical city pressure is 60 psi. Rural pressure tanks are typically set at 60 psi, but lower pressure can improve life of pump, equipment and fixtures. -Pressure over 80 psi can damage any water heater ... and shorten life of pipes, fixtures, appliances: check household pressure using pressure gauge on water heater drain valve. For high pressure, install pressure reducing valve and expansion tank to protect heater and plumbing. Buy: Water pressure gauges |
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 Power requirementRequires 120 volt outlet within 6' of outlet. The high efficiency heater is powered by 24 volt transformer ... or power supply. Transformer is located adjacent to the gas control thermostat valve, inside the transformer box that sits behind the metal cover located on front of heater. Transformer must be plugged directly into 115-125 volt 3-prong outlet/ 15 or 20 amp breaker. Cannot use extension cord. Extension cords, plug-in monitors, surge modules, plug-in wifi controls do not provide 100% reliable connection, and cause failed ignition. Unplug The high efficiency heater to reset.  Use circuit analyzer to check outlet polarity and grounding. Outlet MUST have correct polarity and be grounded. Surge protection is recommended for all electronic devices including the high efficiency water heater. A surge protection outlet is recommended vs a plug-in surge module ... surge outlet is correct choice for reliable electrical connection. Buy: Surge outlet  Circuits can have multiple surge protection devices. The closer the surge protection is located to the electronics, the better it protects. No amount of surge protection can protect from direct lightning strike. Simple power outage and power resumption can destroy electronics. Additional action can include unplugging heater and use on-off switch located on gas control during power outage or severe lightning storm. Do not use GFCI, it can cause malfunctions, it is not necessary and not required by code. GFCI can interfere with operation of all power vented, and flue dampered water heaters, both residential and commercial. |
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 The gas control valve thermostat
has a “On/Off Switch” and needs to be turned
on before water heater is operational. How to light the high efficiency heaterPower to heater can be turned off by unplugging unit from 120 volt outlet, or using the On-Off switch located on right side of gas valve, as illustration from product manual shows.  The thermostat probe
contains a thermistor and ECO (energy cut off).
''Thermistors are thermally (heat) sensitive variable resistors. A change in water temperature changes the resistance (measured in ohms) of the thermistor. The gas control valve interprets change in resistance as a change in temperature and uses information to activate and deactivate call for heat."  ECO will trip if water inside the high efficiency tank exceeds 185°F high limit, or the electronic system malfunctions and detects high temperature. This will cause thermostat to shut off gas to burner. The display monitor will blink ECO error. Reset ECO error on display by disconnecting power, and then reconnecting, but if ECO error returns because water inside tank is reaching the high limit, then the tripped ECO for the high efficiency heater is single-use (as with most heaters), and indicates the gas valve thermostat is non-functioning ... gas valve must be replaced. the high efficiency heater will automatically shut-off in the event of the following: 1. The burner flame is extinguished for any reason. 2. The water temperature exceeds 185°F. 3. Excessive build up of dust on the louvers of the air intake chamber triggers the pressure switch that shuts down heater. High limit of 185°F means the high efficiency heater cannot be used to store solar heat that can reach 180°F, or higher given the issue of global warming. Use a solar storage tank from AO Smith instead of the high efficiency heater. |
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AO Smith high efficiency heater
has a powered anode rod A
power anode rod solves problem of odors that ordinary anode can cause
.. and permanently solves problem of rusted tank ... this reduces
maintenance and gives long life to product.The built in power anode is not independent of the heater, and cannot be moved to another water heater, but the anode is monitored and the high efficiency heater issues error message if anode stops functioning ... so customer is certain that anode is working and tank protected. Resource: Read page 24 of the high efficiency heater manual More detail You can buy add-on powered anode rod and install in most water heaters* ... and later if the powered anode is still working, it can be removed and used again on next water heater since add-on power anodes come with their own plug-in power supply. In real-world, if you buy power anode rod separately it might cost $100+, so the high efficiency heater offers immediate gain vs other heaters. *Add-on powered
anode can replace magnesium or aluminum hex head anode
rod ... requires nearby electric outlet ... and might require space on
top of heater.
-Bradford White: most models have unserviceable combo anode rod, that is integral with the hot outlet ... with a short nipple that cannot be removed from tank ... so add on power anode is not possible except on some models like their flue damper series. -Power vented heaters: most models, the blower motor on top of heater covers anode port so there is no space for wire. -Add on power anode can be installed on AO Smith flue damper heaters and ordinary atmospheric heaters Buy: Powered anode rod Resource: Apcom power anode rod Installation manual AO Smith add on power anode rod .pdf Add on power anodes might not have indicator that signals if the anode is working ... which means tank could be unprotected from rusting and customer would not know.  Background: Steel-tank water heaters must have anode rod to prevent tank from rusting. Copper water heaters, cement-lined, stainless heaters, polybutylene etc generally do not have anode. Almost all residential heaters have steel tank and sacrificial anode rod ... but not powered anode. The sacrificial anode depletes over time. As the chemical process depletes the anode, it protects tank from rusting. Sacrificial anode rod is generally inspected and replaced each 2-4 years. Power anode rod is different than sacrificial anode rod. Both types of anodes protect tank from rusting. Power anode rod uses small electrical current to prevent tank from rusting. In theory, power anode will not deplete, and will protect tank indefinitely. Resources: Buy separate powered anode rod with LCD readout for water heaters up to 75 gallons Read about anode rods |
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| AO
Smith/ American/ State/ Lochinvar/ ... all carry the
high efficiency heater GSW, Kenmore and Reliance and other brands ... carry AO Smith heaters, but apparently not the high efficiency Resources: Sell sheet State high efficiency Manual |
 Example flame rod and flame sensor |
The high efficiency
heater does not have pilot light Hot surface igniter saves fuel cost over standing pilot light. This is one reason the high efficiency heater has .7 EF Hot surface igniter, or flame rod, is common in water heaters and other household gas appliances. Simple maintenance can include using sandpaper and sanding carbon off flame rod, replacing flame rod assembly, and checking X and Y distances between burner and flame sensor. End of flame sensor has to sit directly in front of burner port. Do not touch flame rod. Resource: How to light the high efficiency water heater |
High
efficiency operational sequence |
Does
the high efficiency heater require more maintenance? NO. All gas water heaters today require yearly maintenance outlined in manual. AO Smith manual is complete. AO Smith burner can be removed without needing replacement gasket. Resource: Typical high efficiency heater manual shows maintenance starting page 24 Adequate, unobstructed air supply and proper venting is required by all gas water heaters. Maintenance protocol for the high efficiency heater is same-similar as box-store gas water heaters. READ manual, and follow advisories and maintenance schedule to avoid problems. Is the high efficiency heater more reliable than typical box store water heater? Probably the same. All brands of water heater are good. All brands have a lemon now and then. The key for longer product life is reading installation manual, observing product advisories and following recommended maintenance. Product manual Electrical outlet must have correct polarity and be grounded. Use surge protector. AO Smith offers good warranty service, and major brand name. |
 Can
you repair the high efficiency heater yourself?Probably yes. The manual has very good instructions for replacing parts + troubleshoot section. Resource: Typical high efficiency heater manual page 27 High efficiency heater parts list with costs 2011 Error codes are handy start-point for repairs. High efficiency heater offers LCD error code display. Plus AO Smith posts service manuals. Typical High efficiency heater Service Manual (large 11 Mb file) Some companies do not post service manuals. Advantage of service manual is in-depth troubleshoot and parts list. Service manuals are big advantage for both homeowner and professional repairman. |
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 Is the high efficiency heater
more expensive to repair
than typical box store
water heater?Maybe There are more parts, but diagnosis might be easier since the heater is monitored by electronic control system ... except if the electronic system that monitors diagnosis goes bad. Electronic systems add extra layer of repair consideration, and possible expense, but electronics can be reset quickly by disconnecting power briefly. Parts are not too numerous or require high-tech skills to work with. Parts can be replaced DIY, and ordered directly from AO Smith. The service manual gives good instructions. Resources: Service manual High efficiency heater parts list with costs 2011 More detail Avoid problems by installing heater as shown in manual ... get supply of fresh air to heater via louvered door etc ... connect directly to dedicated outlet (no extension cord or plug in module) ... perform periodic inspection for leaks ... use nose and eyes to inspect for odors, condensate on top of heater, sooting (which indicate poor venting) ... do the maintenance shown in manual ... especially keeping the air intake clean. Resources: Product manual How to install gas water heater How to troubleshoot gas water heater Offsetting possible higher cost of repair parts is (a) the power anode rod prevents rusted tank, and does not cause odor or need to be replaced or inspected as with ordinary heater. (b) incoming air supply enters half way up side of tank and is easy to inspect and clean. (c) The high efficiency heater can be reset following FV lockout, while many heaters require gas control valve replacement, or other maintenance steps. Resources: Typical high efficiency heater parts list Typical high efficiency heater service manual |
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 Can
the high efficiency heater recover from FV event without replacing
water heater?
Generally yes. Open
the FV compartment located on front of heater. Test and replace
the FV sensor first. It might be faulty.The FV sensor will trip if it senses gasoline vapors in the air. It does not respond to other types of flammable vapors. Research shows that gasoline is the most common cause of fire or explosion caused by water heater. Note: FV Sensor does not prevent the ignition of flammable vapors, the FVIR System is designed to reduce the risk of flammable vapor-related fires. Buy: Flammable sensor kit Resource: How FV sensor works "System must be manually reset by entering a special FVS reset sequence into the Electronic Control Display. Contact a service agency to determine the cause and instructions on the reset sequence." -- or preform following steps: Resource: How to reset the high efficiency FV sensor |
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AO
Smith high efficiency
has Brass drain valve Some versions of this water heater, sold by under other brand names, might have plastic drain valve. Professional plumbers and homeowners who maintain water heater prefer brass drain valve. More durable, and will not crack or break off during removal like plastic drain valve If drain valve is dripping, stop the leak using garden hose cap. Resource: How to replace drain valve |
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AO
Smith water heaters have 'Dynaclean' inlet tube or dip tube Most water heaters today have same or similar dip tube feature. AO Smith inlet tube 'features water jets that create turbulence which reduces lime build up' Note ... does not say the dip tube prevents sediment build-up. Avoid sediment build up by using water softener or by flushing each 6 months All water heaters should be protected from sediment .... if home does not have softener, then tank can fail due to sediment build up. All water heaters should be flushed each 6 months to prevent sediment and other chemical percolated from accumulating over time ... these chemicals are natural by-product of heating water ... with different types of water causing different problems ... the higher temperature setting on heater, the more chemicals are distilled from water ... lime, calcium, etc can coat the heat transfer surfaces and thermostat probe and can a) cause failure of gas control, b) coat the power anode rod causing failure, c) reduce tank efficiency ,,, increasing operating cost, and d) cause early demise of any water heater. Resources: How to flush water heater Read about dip tubes How to maintain water heaters |
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AO
Smith water heaters/ and all modern gas and electric heaters have
heat-trap nipples Avoid heat loss at top of heater and save $2 per year Avoid degraded heater and plumbing connections caused by current flowing between dissimilar metals. Resource: Heat trap advisory/ pdf |
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Heat
trap nipples can cause clogs and noise and release of hot
water from TP valve: Replace with pex-lined di-electric nipples Buy: di-electric nipples Dielectric nipples at Amazon Resources: Low hot water pressure New water heater making noise How to remove short water heater nipples |
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the economy: Buy water heaters from my associate links: 50 gallon Gas water heaters at Amazon 40 gallon gas water heaters at Amazon 50 gallon Electric water heaters at Amazon 40 gallon electric water heaters at Amazon Hybrid / heat pump/ water heaters at Amazon Resources: How to install gas water heater How to install electric water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater Troubleshoot electric water heater Point of use water heaters |
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