Electrically controlled damper on Energy Star Rated New Unit

[Jsmallberries]

On the new Rheem 50 gallon WH I ordered, it has an electrically controlled damper. I think that's what gives it it's energy star rating. I will supposedly get a $350 dollar rebate, so it makes this less expensive than a cheaper unit.

My concern is adding another component that can break down as opposed to a natural drafting flue. As I live in Florida, I'm not concerned about power outages leaving me w/o hot water since it's most likely to occur during the hurricane season, where you almost don't need it for showering, the water is warm any way.

The negative reviews have a constant theme about a faulty flame vapor sensor and/or damper problems
Anyone have any feedback on these feature and/or this unit.

I currently have a Lochinvar 40 gallon gas going on 20 years old, can't purchase this brand locally however, so I seem stuck with monopolistic big box A or B

Model # XG50T12DM40U0
Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Tall 12 Year 40,000 BTU Natural Gas ENERGY STAR Tank Water Heater

 

[Jsmallberries]

So push back from local gas company over rebate, when filling out request, option to choose self install.

Sent all docs asked for with pictures including serial numbers on installed and uninstalled, now they want an invoice?? But it was self installed.

Think I should have gotten the cheaper unit w/o said rebate

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Phog]

So push back from local gas company over rebate, when filling out request, option to choose self install.

Sent all docs asked for with pictures including serial numbers on installed and uninstalled, now they want an invoice?? But it was self installed.

Think I should have gotten the cheaper unit w/o said rebate

Perhaps copies of the sales receipts for the water heater + the parts you used will do. Besides the hardware, the only thing on a plumber's invoice would be service charges, which is what you have taken care of yourself.

 

[Jsmallberries]

I suspect it's someone working off a checklist, oh, no invoice, ....reject....self installed there is no invoice. didn't put 2 + 2 together. I made my own invoice and re-sent. I'll see what happens

 

[Jsmallberries]

Received my $350 rebate check

 

[Clog]

On the new Rheem 50 gallon WH I ordered, it has an electrically controlled damper. I think that's what gives it it's energy star rating. I will supposedly get a $350 dollar rebate, so it makes this less expensive than a cheaper unit.

My concern is adding another component that can break down as opposed to a natural drafting flue. As I live in Florida, I'm not concerned about power outages leaving me w/o hot water since it's most likely to occur during the hurricane season, where you almost don't need it for showering, the water is warm any way.

The negative reviews have a constant theme about a faulty flame vapor sensor and/or damper problems
Anyone have any feedback on these feature and/or this unit.

Model # XG50T12DM40U0
Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Tall 12 Year 40,000 BTU Natural Gas ENERGY STAR Tank Water Heater

Ok, it's been about a month now since you installed this electrically controlled damper Rheem hot water heater. How has it been working for you?
Does the fan noise bother you? Has the moving damper ever not moved when it was supposed to, causing the burner to fail safe off?

 

[Jsmallberries]

Everything works perfectly so far, I don't hear any fan noise cause there is no fan, the damper opens and closes and adjusts as needed. Still natural draft venting though.