My gas water heater is dying.
I've been unemployed and pinching pennies.
This is written
Installation does not look like rocket science but industry protectionism seems to have many hurdles for DIY:
1) I am sold on getting an 80 gal "heat pump" water heater but simply buying one is proving difficult - vendors only carry 1 brand (mostly AO Smith) and I can only even find 3 brands whe I searched maps for local "pluming supply".
Plus, many places won't even quote a price if you're not a licensed plumber!
2) I can't find anyone with personal experience able to compare Heat Pump brands.
Even Consumer Reports says 'we didn't bother because they are too similar.
' yet.
.
.
3) Prices range from $1900 - $3500.
so.
.
.
what's the difference??
4) The one thing I HAVE learned in forums is that the current (5th gen) model of Rheem is too loud.
This is too bad because it's the one that's cheapest & easiest to buy! I don't really want a loud one, but would consider buying used if the noise is too much and someone wants to get rid of a new one.
With receipt and an opportunity to hear how loud it is, I'd be willing to pay full price after rebates (30%, $1000 & $700) just to avoid the hassle.
5) Need DIY supplies - tools, valves, soldering torch - you probably know better than me if you're still reading this!
6) What parts should I expect included with with a water heater? do I need to buy valves, drain outlet?
7) Plumbing regulations - What do I NEED to know? How much of a headache are rebates? Will I need a city inspector to be involved?
Finally, I need parts/handyman/plumbing advice:
1) My current gas heater is on a 22" platform but an 80 Gal tank will probably be ~26".
I am considering just placing something on top - metal sheet? waterproofed wood? IDK.
I assume this is not up to code, but I'm not selling in the next 20 years so.
.
.
LMK if you have a spare rated for 80 gal or advice on modifying current one!
2) 240V outlet -
a) I have a 3 prong outlet for my dryer and my understanding is heat pumps can run on 110V if you keep the heating elements off.
Is there any way to share this outlet?
b) On youtube there is contractor who says heat pumps can run on 110V.
A vendor I spoke to said this needs to be modified by the factory & would extend delivery by 6 weeks but I don't think they are right.
Ideally, I'd like to have 110V & 240V plugs so I could run on 110V normally and switch to 240V as needed (probably never).
c) I found a handyman who quoted a new outlet at $200.
I'm guessing any Gerry-rigging for (a) will cost about as much but if you know anything LMK!
d) If you are handyman/electrician with knowledge of heat pump water heaters, I'd be happy to give you the outlet job if you can give me your opinion on Heat pump brand comparison and how to actually obtain one!
EXTRA CREDIT:
In the utopian future where I've solved the problems above.
.
.
A) The heater will be right next to my freezer.
Is ducting cold air over the freezer's radiator worth the effort? My freezer is enclosed - is it even possible to cut it open & vent it? Would I be wiser to duct cool at to my attic/house? or both? House is very well insulated and we only run AC after several days of 95+ weather, which I'm guessing would be most impacted by cooling attic.
but IDK.
B) CA weather seems good for heat pump but how important is it to have a high temperature differential? I think I could cut a hole in the wall to get hot air from my attic.
Alternatively, My garage got HOT until I installed a fan.
Would I see a significant performance increase by just running a duct to the ceiling & tuning down my fan?
C) I'm looking for spare ducting & ball park estimate on punching a hole or two through wall.
CASH/TRADE?
The timing sucks.
I've spent the last 5 months trying to find a path to career advancement after 11 years in Home Health Nursing.
I'm a GOOD nurse, but our medicare funded Home Health pays for quantity, not quality and everyone looking at my resume knows it.
If you or a family member need help, or just want a spot check on an aging relative I can: check out the home, recommend safety measures, advise on services you may qualify for, organize drugs, educate on self managing illnesses, motivate self care by explaining WHY the doctor wants you doing unpleasant self care BS, review medical history, provide objective opinion to elder who won't take safety seriously.
Acting independently I won't touch anyone, but I could buy things like BP cuff, scale, etc and set up equipment where it would provide visual reminder to start incorporating VS into daily routine.
I also have magic (MTG) cards of significant value.
I could make intro decks for your kids or fill out your legacy collection.
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