As one of many different brands manufactured by A.O. Smith, a Whirlpool water heater brings all of the quality you’ve come to expect, along with features to ensure safety and longevity.
At A Glance: Whirlpool Water Heaters
About Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s story is an inspiring one, as it literally begins with failure. In 1908, Lou Upton decided to invest all of his savings into a new household equipment manufacturing venture. The business never made it off of the ground, and Lou was asked to choose one item of value as a form of compensation.
As electricity was becoming more popular, Upton chose the patents for a hand washing machine he felt could be electrified. He and his uncle Emory released a motor-driven variant in 1911 as the first product of the Upton Machine Company.
See Also: How to Determine the Age of Your Water Heater
A second failure struck almost immediately, this time in the form of a defective cast iron gear in the transmission. This defect plagued every one of the 100 machines produced for the first order. Upton replaced all of the cast iron gears with new cut steel parts. The purchasing company was so impressed with Upton’s honesty that they doubled their order.
In 1929, the Upton Machine Company merged with the Nineteen Hundred Washer Company. The resulting Nineteen Hundred Corporation continued to grow throughout the Depression until the second World War diverted production to the war effort. The company name was officially changed to Whirlpool Corporation in 1949.
Since that time, Whirlpool has established itself as an industry leader, designing equipment for NASA and purchasing KitchenAid in 1986 and Maytag in 2006. Today, the company holds to a high standard of greenhouse reduction, quality products, and community involvement.
Gas and Propane Models
In any list of efficient water heaters, one cannot avoid talking about natural gas or propane. Whirlpool takes great effort to ensure even their standard lines have plenty of features and are made to last.
Features
When it comes to Whirlpool, safety is always first. Both gas and propane heaters include a number of features designed to make your water heater as safe as possible. They are also low-NOx or extra low-NOx rated with some achieving an ENERGY STAR rating as well. Your model may include such features as:
- Flame Lock safety system – reduces the risk of igniting flammable vapors
- Self-diagnostic electronic gas control with LED display
- Non-CFC polyurethane foam insulation for less heat loss and higher environmental friendliness
- Piezo electric igniter for more efficient ignitions
- Factory installed temperature and pressure release valve
Gas
All of Whirlpool’s gas water heaters are made to last and come with a 6, 10, or 12 year warranty. They range from 30 to 50 gallons, making them perfect for almost any size home. Additionally, the UEF is .61 to .62 for most of these models, making them an excellent choice for most homes.
Propane
Ranging from 30 to 50 gallons, these heaters feature ceramic linings and a six year warranty. Each model ranges between a UEF of .61 and .63 and are Low-NOx or better. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to upgrade from an older water heater.
Electric Models
Electric water heaters are a very popular option, and Whirlpool offers models ranging from a tiny six-gallon point-of-use to 50 gallons. The larger models include additional features, although even the smallest is built for efficiency.
Features
These electric water heaters all have factory installed temperature and pressure release valves to help ensure safe operation, as well as warranties ranging from six to 12 years. Point-of-use models are small enough to fit under the bathroom sink or in other small spaces, while the larger models provide enough water for busy homes.
Many of the 40 and 50 gallon models also feature an LED display and self-cleaning capabilities. Some also have the Energy Smart system, which reduces standby heat loss. UEF factors tend to range closer to the .90 range, making these more efficient than older electric water heaters as well.
Best Whirlpool Water Heaters
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 |  | 40T12-40NG | ||
2 |  | ES50R12-55 | ||
3 |  | 40T6-34LP | ||
4 |  | HPSE2K50HD045V |
Whirlpool Water Heater Parts
Gas and propane Whirlpool water heater models tend to use fewer moving parts (more electronics) to reduce maintenance requirements. But for all fuel sources types, they will still occasionally require some replacements over time.
Replaceable water heater parts will most often include new anodes, thermostats, elements, pilot assemblies, drain valves, flu dampers, temperature controls, burners, valves, or heat exchangers.
Where to Buy Whirlpool Water Heaters
Once sold at Lowes and Sears, Whirlpool branded water heaters are now hard to find. Other than various small local businesses that still sell them, they are now most commonly found on eBay and Craigslist.
Contact Info
- Website: www.whirlpoolwaterheaters.com
- Phone: 1-833-747-0686
