HVAC Guys....? about Elec. H20 heaters

[ChucksCrib]

I need a new 50 gallon unit for a condo I rent out. An HVAC friend of mine says he can get me a 6 year unit for $500 from an HVAC distributor. Yet when I go to Sears/Home Depot the 6 year Kenmore/GE units run from $219 to $250.

Here are my questions.

Is it worth paying the extra $20-$30 to increase the warranty period to either 9 years or 12 years.

Anything wrong with the kenmore or GE units vs. the AO Smith(or equivalent) type units from his HVAC distributer.

Thanks,

Chuck

[danski0224]

Despite the name on the label, there are only a couple of companies that actually make the water tanks. Rheem is one. All tanks sold at Sears, Depot and Menards are Rheem tanks.

Is the warranty worth it? Got me. Who is the warrantor and what do you get- parts, labor, pro-rating? Do you think the company will be in business at that time? Do you have to take time off of work so the repair guy can come out?

The local HVAC distributor probably stands a good chance of being there in the future. Their service is probably better, too. That said, there is no way they can buy in the same quantities as a retail store.

If it is a rental, then there are tax breaks to be had. Maybe your accountant can tell you how much to spend.

[bmwpower]

Check the warranty details. For $20-$30, I'd probably go for the warranty.