Gas water heater exhaust roar - some louder than others?

[packardv8]

Our Bradford-White 65gal CombiCore heater failed a pinhole leak in the bottom of the tank and I had to temporarily install a 55gal Whirlpool while the B-W was being ordered.

In the same position, on the same exhaust ducting, the Whirlpool burner exhaust is noticeably louder than the B-W.

Our gas/electric utility has a $300 incentive to convert electric water heaters to gas. My daughter's small home has two electric water heaters; one radiant floor, one domestic. I'd thought of moving this spare Whirlpool over, adding a second and hoped to reduce her monthly utility bill.

However, the water heaters are in a utility space just off the kitchen where the exhaust noise of this Whirlpool would be objectionable and two that loud running at once would be a deal breaker.

Bottom line - why was the B-W with a larger burner less noisy than the Whirlpool? Are there any quieter gas water heaters?

jack vines

 

[Terry]

That's a good question, and perhaps someone has a answer. Someone that has worked with and installed both brands.
I normally just install two brands, so I'm no help there. I do remove all brands.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Dj2]

The answer may be the burner size. I've never paid that much attention to exhaust noises.

 

[packardv8]

I've never paid that much attention to exhaust noises.

Neither did I until I replaced the BW and noticed how much louder the Whirlpool was. In most newer homes, the water heater is locked away in a closet far from the living space. In both these older homes, the exhaust noise is/would be audible.

jack vines