There are plenty of water heaters on the market. How do you know which one to choose? Here is some advice to help you make a choice.

Choose .93 EF or better
All water heaters have an EF — or energy factor — number. The higher the EF, the more efficient a water heater is at heating water. Opt for a model that has a .93 EF or higher.

Look for a minimum 10-year warranty
Electric water heaters with six-year or nine-year warranties generally don’t meet the .93 EF criteria. So look for a 10-year warranty or better; it instantly narrows down your choices and makes choosing easier. A water heater with a 10-year warranty may cost more up front, but because of energy savings over the life of the water heater, you’ll save more in the long run.

Marathon water heaters offer durability, savings
Marathon electric water heaters by Rheem are recognized by PGE for energy efficiency and durability. They offer:

• Lifetime warranty. It’s the only water heater with an exclusive lifetime tank design that’s guaranteed by the manufacturer not to leak, rust or corrode as long as you own your home. You can view a diagram that details the extra-durable, premium-efficiency construction features of a Marathon water heater and learn more on the Marathon website.
• Premium efficiency. With a .94 EF,* Marathon is one of the most energy-efficient electric water heaters you can buy.
• Cash back and value. Marathon water heaters cost a little more, but with a lifetime warranty and premium efficiency rating, they offer a good value compared to what you could expect to pay for a basic, shorter-life, steel-tank water heater. They are also the only electric tank water heater that qualifies for an Energy Trust cash incentive.

Marathon water heater sales and installations are available through Roto-Rooter** and George Morlan Plumbing.** General Pacific Inc. also sells Marathon water heaters (installation not included).

Heat pump water heaters offer top efficiency
If you want the most efficient electric water heater you can buy, consider a heat pump water heater. New, ENERGY STAR®-qualified heat pump water heaters have energy factors of 2.0* and higher, which means they are more than twice as energy efficient as standard electric water heaters. There are, however, some considerations to keep in mind regarding size, location, installation and sound. See our heat pump water heater page for more information. .

*Energy factors, supplied by the manufacturer, are based on U.S. Department of Energy test procedures.

**Sales and installation provided. Contact to check availability.