I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread and also for having kept things very helpful and civil. Many forums fail to do either of the latter. I have contacted 3 plumbers and have arranged a visit for one. I have learned a lot via this thread (enough to be dangerous I suppose) and that will help the BS Alarm immensely. Once I discuss things with the plumbers I'll add that information here for anyone in the future with similar questions.
I was able to get the specs on my current GE/Rheem water heater. It is rated at 83 gallons first hour deliver and a recovery of 40 gallons. That gives me a reference point going forward. We certainly are not getting 83 gallons of hot water unless by hot you mean tepid.
One option is to do nothing (cheapest option but it will only defer things as this water heater will go out before we sell the home)
Second option is to install a 50K BTU 50 gallon water heater, use existing venting. I found some with 93 gallon first hour delivery and 61 gallon per hour recovery. Is doubtful this will be a great solution but it would be fairly affordable, no doubt would improve things a little. I would not do a 60K BTU with the existing b vent.
Third option is to install the 4 inch b vent and then have a choice of most any water heater, ranging from 48 gallon 65K BTU burner heaters to 75+ gallon 76K burners
Lastly, tankless albeit a slower tub fill in winter, need for new gas line and most likely new meter.
I have ruled out:
I was able to get the specs on my current GE/Rheem water heater. It is rated at 83 gallons first hour deliver and a recovery of 40 gallons. That gives me a reference point going forward. We certainly are not getting 83 gallons of hot water unless by hot you mean tepid.
One option is to do nothing (cheapest option but it will only defer things as this water heater will go out before we sell the home)
Second option is to install a 50K BTU 50 gallon water heater, use existing venting. I found some with 93 gallon first hour delivery and 61 gallon per hour recovery. Is doubtful this will be a great solution but it would be fairly affordable, no doubt would improve things a little. I would not do a 60K BTU with the existing b vent.
Third option is to install the 4 inch b vent and then have a choice of most any water heater, ranging from 48 gallon 65K BTU burner heaters to 75+ gallon 76K burners
Lastly, tankless albeit a slower tub fill in winter, need for new gas line and most likely new meter.
I have ruled out:
- Power vent models (not 100% ruled out but close)
- The Phoenix Light water heater (they never answered and down the road service is enough to say nope.. I did see Home Depot sells these under the Westinghouse brand complete with 1 year warranty)
- The Vertex series
- polaris units (too $$$$$)