Hot water is a basic need in many households all over the world. That is why the water heater market is loaded with options. But what do you consider good when choosing a water heater? It turns out, even when you settle for one reliable manufacturer such as State Water Heaters, you still have many options to choose from.
State Water Heaters have over 500 products with features fit for different homes and businesses. The heaters range from gas models to electric, solar and hybrid heaters. State Hybrid water heaters, for example, have a UEF rating of 3.45. In comparison, most of the other options have UEF ratings of about 0.91.
Not only are the heaters high-efficiency heaters, but the manufacturer also helps you assess your size needs and your savings with the StateSize software and its PayBack Calculator.
We understand how hard it is to decide when you have hundreds of options. Therefore, we clear some of the things you should know so you can pick the right State water heater for you.
A Brief History of State Water Heaters
Like many successful American businesses, State Water Heaters started in a garage as a stove manufacturer in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946.
The founder saw a market for water heaters, and in 1948, State had its first electric water heater. It didn’t stop there because, in 1954, the company put out its first line of gas water heaters. Two years later, in 1956, they had a line of galvanized water heaters. These heaters featured welded steel.
State produced a product with a design that’s a common sight now. They produced a line of porcelainized glass-lined tanks that prolong tanks’ durability by increasing rust and corrosion resistance.
In a design that’s also similar today, they came up with the Sandblaster® commercial water heater feature that reduces the settling of sediment and scale buildup. State unveiled their innovation in 1979, alongside foam insulation to line up the space between layers of a tank. Foam insulation allows water to maintain temperature and save energy.
By 1996, State had 2900 workers, and it was producing over 10,000 units daily. It continues with its knack for high-quality water heaters with ASME-approved innovations such as the Premium line of heaters and Select line.
State water heaters is a registered trademark brand of Stste Industries Inc, as a division of the A.O. Smith Water Heater Products Company as of 2008.
How Reliable are State Water Heaters?
State Water heaters incorporate technology and high-quality material to produce reliable heaters. These are some of the factors that make State water heaters such a trustworthy brand:
Product Diversity
You can tell a reliable company if its range of products covers commercial and residential water heaters. State designs their water heaters for residential, mobile, commercial, and industrial use. You can find products for small kitchens and handwashing stations only.
Diversity means having a range of fuel/energy options. Sun-rich areas can benefit from their solar water heater line. You have gas, electric, and hybrid options, too. Size-wise, you’ll get electric water heaters made for small spaces and large capacity heaters up to 50-gallons.
Brand Reputation
State Water Heaters had enough reach and appeal to attract water heating giant A.O Smith. A.O Smith bought State water heaters in the 2000s, bringing into its fold another reliable company. The acquisition by a major player in the water heater sector increases the brand appeal of a company.
A.O Smith, by itself, already has a solid rapport and global reputation for quality and high standards. When you get a State water heater, you get a product with years of research and development behind it.
Compliance to Standards
Most water heater models are currently Energy Star rated to fit the global standard for energy savings and eco-friendliness. The same applies to State water heaters. State water heaters ProLine products meet the 2010 Energy Star requirements. This means they are also on a list of equipment that qualifies for rebate programs.
Self-Cleaning Dip Tube Technology
Scale buildup and sentiment reduce a water heater’s lifespan. However, State water heaters have a self-cleaning dip tube that stirs up the water in the heater to prevent sediment settling and scale buildup. The tube is made from a PEX cross-linked polymer. Cooling systems and hydronic radiant heating use the polymer for better thermal resistance.
This self-cleaning innovation helps to cut down maintenance costs.
Green Choice Burner
Some State water heaters come fitted with a Green Choice burner to keep the environment safe. These burners reduce NO2 emissions, making them a safer bet for commercial, residential, and industrial use.
Innovations In Some of the Models
The ProLine series of State water heaters are high-efficiency heaters packed with features that make them reliable options.
Internal microprocessor: Precise measurement reduces energy costs and improves heating time. The internal microprocessors in the ProLine water heater series are meant to speed up system response for flawless performance.
Different venting options: The ProLine series has vertical and horizontal Direct Vent options that achieve three functions.
- Improve circulation in low ventilation areas
- Boost Uniform Factor
- Reduce the risk of accidental fire
The Power Vent option in some heaters is optimized to make the heaters more energy-efficient and raise the UEF. The Direct Vent option is a dual-channel system that draws outside air to boost circulation in cramped spaces.
FVIR-compliance: ProLine gas water heaters feature an FVIR Compliant design in line with ANSI Z21.10.1-CSA 4.1 standards for flammable vapor ignition resistance. Since most heaters are installed in areas with a high possibility of accidental fire, the FVIR design is handy for safety reasons.
How Long do State Water Heaters Last?
State water heaters have an estimated 12-year lifespan like most water heaters. Manufacturers also advise you to consider water heater replacement after 12 years.
Tank-type water heaters can give you up to 12 years of service, while you can get about 15 years out of tankless water heaters. And while it’s possible to get more years from better maintenance, there are tell-tale signs that will tell you it’s time to replace your heater.
- Brown water: Brown water is one of the most obvious signs of heater deterioration. If you notice you’re getting dirty water from the tank after maintenance, you likely have a rusty heater, or your incoming water stream is bad. A closer inspection should pinpoint the main problem.
- Constant leaks: A water heater leaking from the bottom could indicate it is damaged from inside. If you conduct a maintenance check and find it is unrepairable, a replacement is necessary.
- Weird noise: Most water heaters, especially residential heaters, have acceptable noise levels. However, prepare for a replacement if the heater starts to rumble and make unusual sounds even after repairs.
Where are State Water Heaters Manufactured?
State Water Heaters is based in Ashland City, Tennessee. As an A.O. Smith acquisition, the company has seven other manufacturing locations. Their global footprint extends as far as Netherlands and China. The manufacturing plants supply hundreds of distribution centers in the US alone.
Cost of Top State Water Heater Models?
With over 500 products, you’d expect a wide price range for State water heaters. Prices below are estimates and do not include water heater installation.
You can find State water heaters that cost less than $500, like the Standard-Vent ProLine GS6-50-BRT model.
You can also find mid-range prices at under $1000, like the GS6-50-YBFT model.
You may sacrifice your Energy Star rating if you wanted to spend less than $500. You can get an EN6-50-DORT electric water heater model for about $400.
Hybrid models such as the HPX 50 DHPTNE will cost you about $1500, while you can expect to pay up to $2000 for a Direct Vent GS6-40-YBPDS model. Such a model qualifies you for $400 in tax rebates.
Extra-large homes that need extra-large heaters can get heaters that cost upwards of $3000 in unit cost.
Many factors determine the cost of State Water Heaters. These are the residential options you can choose when looking for State water heaters. Each choice affects the final price, down to installation costs.
- Gas & Propane
- Electric
- Boiler
- Tankless
- Solar
It is vital to note that installation is done by professionals certified and likely recommended by State Water Heaters. Currently, you have to apply through the company to be a supplier and an installer. State train professionals and update them on any new developments ensuring they maintain their high standards.
How Good is the Warranty on State Water Heaters?
State Water heaters have different warranties. Warranties start from 6 years to 10 years for some heaters and their parts. 6-year warranties are typical for a lot of water heaters in the market. Still, some State water heaters have warranty periods of up to 8 years on parts and the entire unit.
The ProLine water heaters have longer warranties. They have 15-year warranties for the heat exchanger and up to 6 years on other parts. However, these warranties come with a set of conditions. Some of those conditions that could null your warranty include
- Running the heater tank without any water in it.
- Removing the tank from its original installation point
- Installing the heater in a setting it isn’t intended for, such as an indoor heater installed outside
- If the heater is exposed to ‘acts of God.’
- Selling the heater to a third party.
Claiming the warranty needs you to provide the product number, model number, serial number, installation, purchase dates, and the installation location.
Also, it has to be installed by a State water heater certified professional.
Known Recalls for State Water Heaters
There have been two documented recalls of State while under A.O Smith water heaters.
- There was a recall for water heaters manufactured between April 2011 and August 2016. This recall affected Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster, American Water Heater, State, Reliance, A. O. Smith, and Kenmore Ultra-Low NOX Water heaters. The heaters had to be installed directly on a wood or other combustible surface to be eligible for recall.
- There was another recall for heaters manufactured Between August 16, 2016, and May 28, 2019. These boilers affected Lochinvar, A.O. Smith, or State brand Condensing Gas Boilers and Condensing Gas Combi Boilers.
- The third recall for water heaters under the A.O. Smith umbrella didn’t include State water heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old is My State Water Heater?
You can determine the age of a State water heater by looking at the serial number on the data plate. The serial number will appear as one of 4 different combinations. In all combinations, the year is the first 2 numbers in the serial number. See building-center.org.
What Stores Sell State Water Heaters?
State water heaters are sold exclusively through contracted licensed plumbers and plumbing companies, which allows State Industries control over the installation and warranty fulfillment to ensure a high quality experience for their clients.
Where is the Model Number on State Water Heaters?
The model number of your State water heater can be found on the data plate located on the side of the water heater. It will be listed as Model Number.
Final Thoughts
State Water Heaters have shown a commitment to high-performance delivery and making your life easier. With such a rich catalog and a price range that brings everyone to the fold, your next choice for a newly installed water heater should be easier. Contact a professional and let your next shower be courtesy of a State water heater.
