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Marathon Water Heaters
Marathon Electric Water Heaters are available to our members and stocked in our local warehouse for immediate pick-up. The 40 to 50 gallon Marathon will cost approximately 1.5 times more than a basic steel water heater on the smaller sizes and the larger 75 to 105 gallon units will be the same as or less than steel water heaters.
That is not a real comparison, however, as you are comparing a lifetime warranty product that is super-insulated against a 5 or 6 year warranty product with minimal insulation. Also, if you are a member of Farmers Electric Cooperative, you will receive a $100 credit on your electric bill after purchase of your new Marathon Electric Water Heater.
The Marathon will save you energy year after year and after five years it won’t have to be replaced. The cost of the water heater is usually only half your cost. Installation is the other cost and you won’t have to pay for that and another water heater in five years. The other thing people often overlook is the damage to their floor and belongings when their cheaper water heater fails.
Older water heaters had much thicker steel and more porcelain than the new units. Because manufacturers have cut so many costs from the manufacturing process, most steel water heaters made today will not last much longer than their warranty.
Installation
We recommend you have a professional do the installation but if you are experienced, you can. The Marathon comes with a clear installation guide-just note that there are a couple of small but important differences between installing the Marathon and a standard tank. You will quickly see it is actually easier to install than a regular water heater.
Natural Gas Comparison
Although gas has historically been a less expensive fuel, recent increases in the cost of natural gas and propane have leveled the playing field relative to the cost of operation. Also, gas water heaters are more expensive than electric units and the venting now required for safety can be quite expensive. The thing to remember is that electric water heaters are nearly 100% efficient, as all of the heat generated stays in the unit instead of some going up the flue. The Marathon is like a Thermos – in that after the water is heated, the Marathon keeps the water hot. It is the most efficient water heater made.