Questions and Answers for Westinghouse 50 Gal. Ultra-High Efficiency/High Output 10 Year 76,000 BTU Natural Gas Water Heater with Durable Stainless Steel Tank

A:  Gas flow. needs to be adjusted. good info on actual Mgr site: http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixldwaterheater.html

A:  Was the gas valve adjusted with a combustion analyzer? They can make a lot of noise if they are not burning at the correct mixture of gas and air. Does it do it on Eco mode as well?

A:  1) I have the same problem. 2) I believe it is harmonics in the piping. this is a retrofit for a prior heater. To test my hypothesis, I just cut out the exhaust pipe at one point, to see if the omission of a diameter change helped. It didn't. Did your problem get solved (totally solved?) Thanks

A:  We encountered the same issue. It is, unfortunately, not an easy thing to troubleshoot. First, make sure the total length of your exhaust/intake line does not exceed manufacturer's recommended length. You may need to go up a size (e.g., 2" to 3") even if you are--we did. Second, insufficient or fluctuating gas pressure can cause the unit sound like a turbine. When ours was first installed it sounded more like a jet taking off. It was so loud it bothered out next door neighbors. We eventually got it worked out. But it took having the intake/exhaust line upgraded to a 3", having the exhaust rerouted (it must always slope up so any condensate runs back to the unit), and it took a savvy technician with a good combustion analyzer, and the knowledge how to use it, to eventually get the throttle adjusted. With the combustion analyzer he was able to get the output well within spec. Finally, have your installer double check the gas pressure at the unit during static (i.e, when the unit isn't running) and upon firing. There's only suppose to be a small amount of drop. Even though ours has been resolved, every once and a while the "howl" as we call it comes back, which we attribute to gas pressure fluctuations, or extremely cold intake air temperatures.

A:  I installed one of these in our house a few months back. The intake and exhaust are vented outside per the manufacturers instructions and it is silent. It is so quiet, I wasn't sure it was running after i plugged it in. But the temperature started rising on the display, so I knew it was working :) So what does "sounds like starting a car engine" mean? Is it the fan? Is it metallic? Is the unit vented outside?

A:  If you had it installed professionally have the tec come back and adjust the gas mixture. To adjust correctly you need a combustion gas analyzer. Expensive tools and the cost of a visit by a pro would probably be less if you installed yourself. Reviews on lots of other sites noted similar problems as yours and the fix was to adjust the gas mix. I got lucky and the mix was within manufacturers specifications, so did not have to mess with it. Fantastic heater replaced two older 40’s

A:  I had mine installed in Sept. It requires active ventilation when the burner kicks on. So it needs an intake vent and an exhaust outlet some place. When the burner ignites the exhaust fan makes a droning sound that dies away in a minute or two. At the time I liked the idea of efficiency and long lifetime, but it is a complicated and sensitive piece of machinery. I have to reset it quite often. I'd prefer to hook up a water heater and forget it. This machine insists on having a relationship. If I had it over again I would have made a different decision.

A:  Hello, It sounds like the combustion process needs to be fine tuned by a license technician with a combustion analyzer. Thank you

A:  Thanks all for the helps. The problem is in the gas/air mixing. Air is too strong and the flame is not stable. So, the ignition keeps going and makes big noise. If it is working in correct gas/air mixing, it could be a very good water heater. The problem is that many plumbing installers do not have combustion analyzer. If you are lucky, the water heater can work properly without using combustion analyzer. If you are not lucky, you may have headache in the installation. I would suggest new buyers to find a good contractor installer who has combustion analyzer before making decision. Anyhow, it can be a very good water heater if natural gas/air mixing is OK.

A:  Although we've had some functional issues with ours, the sound yours makes seems to be really abnormal. You may want to check the flow of gas coming in. Ours makes a brief sort of howling noise like an owl, or sometimes a deep, loud pop indicating too much gas at ignition, but not like a car engine!

A:  No, no propane. Owners manual at the link www.westinghousewaterheating.com/literature/whl-001.pdf

A:  To: 'Rick' dated Sept 22 - Re:{...is this Unit designed for Propane, etc., etc.?} In H-U-G-E print, at the beginning, it states plainly {Natural Gas!} . AND, no, it is not possible for you to field-convert.....eli2

A:  Rick it can be for either. You must have the correct orifice in the unit then adjust the gas valve. If you are DIY dont waste your time calling tech support. You need to a licensed tech. Just return it and get something else. Also if you any trouble with the unit you will have to pay labor out of pocket warranty does not cover it.

A:  'Rick' dated September 22nd - Re:{max altitude?} = P.S., if you please.... In a prior question and post regarding very high Altitude Installations for propane-fired H.W. Heaters, WESTINGHOUSE specifically replied:{....March 13, 2017 = 8000 is the max elevation for this installation. The BTU does de-rate the higher you go above 3000.}.....So, it seems that their Units designed for Propane aren't available for your 8,600 feet Location......eli2

A:  There is a separate model for Liquid Propane. Look for model WGR050LP76, or WGR060LP76, or WGR080LP76 (50 gal, 60, gal, or 80 gal).

A:  To: 'Diego' - dated 05/08 - Re:{maintenance / servicing of drain system?} It is all covered within that Operation & Care Pdf, starting with page 35..... Normal maintenance, etc., is NOT to be confused with or considered 'Warranty' .....instead, these are procedures for the Owner to accomplish or hire a Professional to do for him/her.....eli2

A:  If you have not yet purchased the unit, you won't have to worry about this as it is no longer included in the unit. Effective Oct 1, 2017, Westinghouse discontinued the integrated condensate neutralizer. If you're required to have a neutralizer, then you will need to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. If you have already purchased the unit, then the installation manual will provide that information.

A:  "P.S." to Diego - was JUNE 08, not May...sorry! On-the-internet, these Cartridges are under $20/each. please note these are NOT returnable! Frequency will be more often when LOTs of hot water is used, since the acidic drain is a result of those fumes/condensate from the burner.....more burning, more condensate, of course....eli2

A:  You don’t have one due to stainless steel tank!

A:  Owner's manual at the link www.westinghousewaterheating.com/literature/whl-001.pdf

A:  To: 'jarvco' dated yesterday - 23 Mar - Re:{...anode rod?} Because that tank is made of 316 Stainless Steel alloy, there is NO corrosion protection device necessary. As was the case of having used CPVC for those exhaust gases, any such attempts of adding an Anode Rod would be unnecessary.....it is surprising that the appropriate diameter vent piping (...approx 2") was even available?....eli2 - - - P.S. .... you might re-check your Warranty Statement's fine print to confirm that only Installation by a Registered & Licensed Contractor should have been the case & what you might "DO" to keep that Tank's Warranty in force as you register same w/ Maker??? I.E. = pay for an Inspection & submit it???

A:  It does not have an anode rod as the tank is stainless steel which does not require one.

A:  Hi Jarvco, Thank you for your interest in our products! We are so happy you are pleased with your water heater. There are no anode rods in this unit due to the highly durable stainless steel. We would not recommend adding an anode rode to this unit as it could have a negative effect on the SS material. Thank you, Westinghouse

A:  I have no way to accurately measure the efficiency. I was concerned about the heat of the exhaust gases because of the pressurized nature of the exhaust system. They are amazingly cool and considerably cooler than my previous gas fired water heater. The heat is obviously being transferred to the water more efficiently. I don't know if it is 97%. Either way I am very pleased.

A:  To: 'JP' dated yesterday, 21 March - {Pure Fluff...where is....} Sir: ...,.there are different technical methods & stipulations by agencies of our federal government for evaluating Central Home Heating Boilers verses a simple Hot Water Heater for domestic in-home Hot Water Supply!! In any case, that statement {...97% Efficiency) actually DOES have accuracy! ...simply-put, it means that this Unit has ONLY 3% grand total Losses for the fuel that is in-putted, whereas the usual natural gas home hot water heater does extremely-well to limit LOSSES to 31%...or, 10X worse, for their BEST energy Factor of 0.69!!!! Therefore, One only needs to take the time to understand the different Rating Systems in order to make an accurate comparison and decision.....eli2

A:  IDK about that but when I set this up with my combustion analyzer i easily hit 98% combustion efficiency. That's not the same as overall efficiency but it's insulated well and when running eco mode with a direct vent setup I doubt you can get a better unit for the price.

A:  To: 'El' dated 23 Feb - Re:{..can this Condensing Heater use existing Exhaust Vent?} Sorry, but [No] .... since the 'condensing' design creates final exhaust gases which are very cool BUT both corrosive and with considerable quantities of liquid, there must be a new, entirely-separate Exhaust System. This will be of normal PVC Piping of the appropriate sizing, exhausted directly-to-outside, with that 'Liquid' being separately-plumbed into the sewer appropriately....eli2

A:  Hi El, for this Water Heater, if ordered on Homedepot.com, will be shipped and purchased as it is displayed on Homedepot.com when localized to your area. We would suggest consulting a plumber in your area regarding this inquiry as codes can vary widely from region to region. We would ask that you please review the item details, specifications and files on the item's product page to see if it will work for your purposes. Hopefully that helps! We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future. Thank you for shopping Home Depot!

A:  no

A:  Only if it is PVC, CPVC or stainless and the correct diameter. Galvanized will corrode (acidic combustion fumes) and leak carbon monoxide that can kill you.

A:  That depends on your local code that your installer would know about, but probably not.

A:  I can barely hear it. The unit is inside a mechanical room and cannot be heard with the door shut.

A:  To: 'Resident' dated Feb 07 - Re:{..noise of Blower?} Depending upon the prevailing local Building / Plumbing Codes & Requirements of your Community - - as well as those required by Maker to maintain Factory Warranty - - this Unit will NOT customarily be installed as a free-standing Appliance by the mandatory licensed / registered Professional doing the Job. Most-times, it will be in a separate 'Equipment Closet' The sound of that Blower will NOT be heard.....eli2

A:  Noisey

A:  Hello, 8 amp maximum that is in the manual does in fact include the 2 amps that is available from the heater. Please let us know if you have any further questions Thank you, Westinghouse

A:  exclude

A:  Hi Indenver. Thank you for your recent inquiry with The Home Depot. This item is expected to be back in stock early September 2016. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future. Thank you for shopping Home Depot.

A:  This water heater cannot be monitored through apps.

A:  No, this unit cannot currently be monitored over the internet.