Are water heaters with longer warranties better made or is it the same plus an extended warranty?

[progree]

On looking at water heater pricing, at least at Menard's : http://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/water-heaters/residential/c-8690.htm?criteria3_facet=Natural+Gas&criteria5_facet=Up+to+2+People&criteria1_facet=Tank+Type

Warranties are 6 years, 9 years, and 12 years ... and for the same specs in other ways, the 9 year ones cost about 20% more than the 6 year ones, and the 12 year ones cost about 20% more than the 9 year ones. So going from 6 years to 12 years is about a 40% cost increase (looking at 38 and 40 gallon ones).

My question is: are the longer warranty ones actually made better, or are they the exact same water heater but just with different warranty lengths -- meaning one is essentially buying an extended warranty (always uneconomical for every kind of product, according to Consumer Reports -- at least I've never seen C.R. recommend an extended warranty on anything)

If they are the same heater but with different warranty periods, I'd prefer to go with the 6 year one. But if 12 year ones are made to last double (or even a third longer) than 6 year ones, I'd go with the 12 year one, as the cost / year savings plus avoiding the hassle of having to replace sooner (and installation charged) would make it worthwhile to me.

The only thing I've seen on this is from Consumer Reports June 2013, in response to a letter:

"Our experts say .... the warranty period is just an estimate of the heater's life span."

IF that's true, then I'd go with a 12 year...

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[progree]

1. If you are thinking of getting a new water heater -- consider getting it REAL soon!

New Mandates To Hike Cost Of Water Heaters, 4/10/15

http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2-wants-to-know/2015/04/10/water-heater-cost-energy-department-new-efficiency-standards-national-appliance-energy-conservation-act-money/25594049/

In essence, this NAECA update means that it will be mandatory for manufacturers to have new efficiency standards on all residential water heaters made after April 16, 2015. Those changes to gas water heaters will include additional insulation, new flue baffling technologies and the incorporation of electronic ignition in lieu of a pilot light, or any combination of these changes.

... "Industry consensus is that prices will go up hundreds on gas water heaters under 55 gallons," Kronk said.

From another article:

new units promise to get taller, wider and more complicated than their less-efficient predecessors. For less than 55 gallons: new ones will be 2-8" taller and 2-6" wider in diameter ((so if your water heater is in a closet or other tight space...))

[dembotoz]

2. Menard's is owned by john Menard who gave 1.5 mil to walker in dark money

If it is the only place in town...
I won't shop there

[progree]

4. Oh, I know. Its the only website that had prices in a quick search

I plan to actually get it from the local gas utility, but unfortunately they don't have prices on their website, so I'll have to call for prices. But just wanted to know about these warranty things before I call.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. See if you can get any info from the manufacturers...

in an ideal world, you would be paying more for better-built equipment, which would then be warranted for longer.

[Major Nikon]

5. There is a difference

Most storage-tank water heaters look alike on the outside. But sawing open a cross-section of gas and electric storage-tank models in Consumer Reports' lab confirmed that paying a little more typically buys a better water heater. Those with longer warranties tended to have larger heating elements, thicker insulation, and thicker or longer corrosion-fighting metal anodes.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-heaters/buying-guide.htm

[progree]

6. Thanks! Great find. nm

[PassingFair]

7. Mine "tanked" last night.

The guy from the heating & cooling place i use is downstairs installing a new one right now.

The owner of the company is a personal friend...so I haven't even asked the price yet.

Standard water heater...no bells, now whistles.

[mnhtnbb]

8. We just had to replace a 6 year warranty water heater

(that had been functioning for 13 years) for the tenant in our garage apartment.
We bought another one with a 6 year warranty and hope it lasts for 13 years, too!

[progree]

9. My last one lasted 22 years... True Value Master Plumber

I don't know what the warranty on it is/was.

[mnhtnbb]

10. Wow! I had always expected a water heater to last about 10 years.

[DamnYankeeInHouston]

11. I got a tankless water heater.

Pluses: Never run out of hot water.
Beautiful gas bills.

Minuses: Expensive.
Need to be serviced/cleaned every year.