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Water heaters are essential appliances that we often take for granted – until there’s no hot water for showers or dishes!
While it’s easy to just replace your old water heater with a similar model, upgrading to a more energy-efficient tankless or heat pump water heater can save on energy costs in the long run.
And if your current unit is over 10 years old, replacing it now can help prevent leaks or other problems down the road.
The high prices of water heaters make Black Friday the perfect opportunity to invest in a new one. Retailers offer deep discounts on major appliances during the Black Friday shopping weekend, which takes place from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday.
You can expect savings of $200 or more off retail prices for top water heater brands.
Read on to find the best Black Friday water heater deals! With a little preparation, you can make a smart purchase that will provide reliable hot water for years.
Best Black Friday Water Heater Deals
What to Look for in a New Water Heater
Before you start shopping for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, take some time to evaluate your hot water needs so that you choose the right water heater. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Choosing Your Type of Water Heater
Diving into the world of water heaters, you’ll encounter a buffet of options. There are traditional storage tank models, zippy tankless ones, innovative heat pump versions, and eco-friendly solar types.
So how do you pick? Here’s the lowdown:
Storage Tank Water Heaters: Common and cost-friendly, but be aware of their higher energy losses.
Tankless Water Heaters: They’re like the sprinters of the water heater world—fast and efficient but may need a moment to catch up with high demands.
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Think of them as the hybrid cars of this arena. They’re energy-wise but come with a slightly bigger price tag upfront.
Solar Water Heaters: For the green at heart! They’re Mother Nature-approved, but remember they might need some backup on cloudier days.
2. The Capacity Conundrum
When it comes to capacity, size does matter.
For the tank heaters, consider your home size and water use. A family of two? A 40-gallon tank might be your match. But if your home resembles a bustling train station, a tank over 55 gallons should be on your radar.
For the tankless lovers, it’s all about the gallons per minute (GPM) rating based on the flow rate of your fixtures and appliances. More showers mean more GPM. For example:
- A GPM of 2-3 is suitable for one shower or faucet at a time
- A GPM of 4-6 is suitable for two showers or faucets at a time
- A GPM of 7-10 is suitable for three or more showers or faucets at a time.
3. Decoding Efficiency Ratings
The efficiency rating of a water heater indicates how much energy input is converted into hot water output.
Here’s your golden rule: the higher the rating, the better. Whether it’s the Energy Factor (EF) for tank types or the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) for tankless, these numbers are your key to energy savings.
Dreaming of an ultra-efficient unit? Look for an EF above 0.90 or a UEF that’s over 0.96.
4. Making Space for Dimensions
The dimensions of a water heater affect how much space it occupies and whether it fits in your desired location.
Before you buy a heater, break out that measuring tape. Compare the available space with the height, width, and depth of the model you want.
New models might demand a bit more room, thanks to added insulation. And remember that gas and tankless models may have some special requirements. Measure twice, install once!
5. On the Hunt for Advanced Features
Seek out the little luxuries. Dream of a water heater that gives you real-time updates? Digital displays are your new best friend. They show you the temperature, pressure, flow rate, and other information about your water heater. With them, you can adjust the settings and monitor the performance and maintenance of your water heater.
Planning a long vacation? Some models even have modes for that. They allow you to lower the temperature or turn off the water heater when you are away from home for a long period of time.
And if you want to beat the scale game, anti-scale systems are the way to go. These prevent or reduce the buildup of mineral deposits at the bottom of the tank or on the heating elements. This can extend the life and efficiency of your water heater and reduce maintenance costs.
Last but not least, brass drain valves are the unsung heroes—durable and steadfast. These are more durable and leak-resistant than plastic drain valves. They are located near the water heater’s base and allow you to drain the tank for flushing or replacement.
6. Trusting in Brand Reputation & Warranty
Reliability is the name of the game. Lean on trusted brands like Rheem, AO Smith, and Bradford White.
And don’t be shy! Go for the gold with a lengthy warranty, often 6-12 years. It usually means your heater’s built to last.
7. Costs
The costs of a water heater include not only the purchase price but also the installation, operation, and maintenance costs over its lifetime.
You should consider the total lifetime costs rather than just the upfront price when buying a water heater.
More efficient models may have higher upfront costs but lower operating costs over time, which can pay for themselves energy savings.
Smart Moves for Black Friday Shopping
Diving into Black Friday and Cyber Money shopping can be a mix of excitement and chaos, especially when hunting for essentials like a water heater.
Arm yourself with the right tips, and you’ll navigate this shopping extravaganza like a seasoned pro. Here’s your game plan:
1. Be an Early Bird
Black Friday might officially kick off post-Thanksgiving, but savvy shoppers know the deals start brewing much earlier in November.
Get a jumpstart on your research. List out your preferred models and monitor their prices. Spotting an early-bird discount might just save you a midnight shopping spree.
2. Get on the Inside Track
Don’t miss out on exclusive deals. By subscribing to newsletters from your top retailers or manufacturers, you’ll be first in line to hear about their Black Friday specials.
Keeping tabs on their social media accounts or regularly perusing their websites can also give you an edge.
3. Know Where to Look
The perfect deal could be just around the corner or a click away:
Big Retailers: Think Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Best Buy. They often roll out juicy discounts and might even toss in free delivery and installation on selected water heaters.
Warehouse Clubs: While you’ll need a membership for Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale Club, the exclusive deals, often accompanied by free shipping and installation, might make it worth your while.
Online Marketplaces: Online hubs like Amazon, Wayfair, or Overstock offer competitive prices and valuable customer feedback. Plus, the joy of free shipping on many models.
Direct from the Source: Companies like Rheem, AO Smith, or Bradford White might present exclusive deals on their websites. You can also dive deep into product specs and customer support info here.
4. Make Price-Matching Your Secret Weapon
Some retailers are so confident in their pricing that they’ll match or even beat a competitor’s lower price.
Why hustle between different stores when you can snag the best deal in one place?
5. Plan and Budget Like a Pro
Avoid the allure of flashy deals that lead to impulse buys. Sketch out a clear list of features you need in your water heater.
Couple this with a sensible budget, factoring in installation and ongoing costs. This approach ensures you get what you need without any post-purchase regrets.
6. Stay Ahead of the Inventory Game
Those doorbuster deals? They’re tempting but might be in short supply. If a deal has caught your eye, act promptly.
Whether that means hitting the “buy now” button online or making an early store visit, ensure you’re ahead of the crowd.
7. Snag the Out-of-Stock Gems
Spotted the perfect water heater, but it’s out of stock? Some retailers allow you to order and lock in the Black Friday price, then deliver when stock is replenished. It’s a win-win!
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