I have recently had a few customers ask about the payback of installing a power vent instead of replacing their old heater with another standard vent heater. Without getting into all of the specifics of how much much gas costs and household usage, does anyone have a general idea on how long,if ever, it will take a power vent to justify its installation on a changeout? I'm basing it on about a $400-$500 installation cost difference.

I planned on contacting Bradford White or my rep, but thought I'd start here.

Thanks

It would depend on the usage and utilities cost. If you knew what the current operational expense was, and the difference in efficiency between the 2 units, you could get a % savings and estimate it. [www.energystar.gov] The Bradford White M4tw40tfbn is rated at 67% efficiency for heating water.

i'm guessing there is not much savings at all. and, if over the life of the heater you have one or two service calls for something breaking in the power vent assembly, you will be losing money.

One of the trade magazines had an article last week on the ROI of the new heaters, which would probably also apply to your question, and the concensus was that there would be NO PAYBACK during the life of the heater.

How about one of the new tank type, modulating burner units, at 97% efficiency? I know it wasn't the question, but with a family of 5 saving $210 a year, you make up the difference in price in about 1/2 the warranty period. Through a licensing agreement Westinghouse is now selling a re-branded HTP Phoenix. HTP makes the tank, and they use every part HTP uses in the Phoenix.



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