General Electric (GE) builds water heaters designed to fit a variety of residential uses and fuel needs, including propane, natural gas and electricity. GE's standard water heaters are designed with a number of devices to keep families safe, maintenance costs low and cleaning needs minimal or nonexistent. Warranties vary with each model, but all GE water heater specifications include a one-year in-home labor warranty. Does this Spark an idea?
Gas Water Heaters
Specified on every GE standard model gas water heater, the SmartShield Sensor system is designed to detect flammable vapors and immediately shut down the water heating unit and seal the combustion chamber. The system is also designed to filter and eliminate dirt and dust that may enter through the water heater's air path. A push button pilot light ignition mechanism eliminates the need for matches and confusion over safe lighting methods. The gas water heaters are specified so that no special parts or filters are necessary to maintain or service them, keeping maintenance costs down.
Electric Water Heaters
GE electric water heaters vary in specifications according to the number of years in the limited warranty. Heaters with a six-year limited warranty are specified with dual heating elements that aid a fast recovery as the hot water is depleted, a magnesium anode rod to protect the tank from erosion and a factory-installed pressure relief and temperature valve.
Electric water heaters with 9- and 12-year limited warranties have similar specifications. However, 12-year limited warranties are equipped with brass, tamper-resistant drain valves, self-cleaning tanks that reduce lime buildup and a 5500-watt heating element to increase water heating 22 percent faster than a 4500-watt element. Standard water heaters with nine-year limited warranties are specified with a self-cleaning system that resists lime and sediment buildup in the water tank.
Propane Water Heaters
GE's propane-fueled water heaters are specified in three sizes: 29, 40 and 50 gallons. Each propane water heater has a six-year limited warranty on parts and tank with the fuel type set at the factory. The 29-gallon heater specifies a 50-gallon first hour water capacity. The 50-gallon specifies up to an 80- to 90-gallon first hour water capacity and the 40-gallon guarantees a first hour capacity of 68 to 73 gallons. All GE propane-fueled water heaters come with the SmartShield Sensor system used on regular gas water heaters.
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