Frequently Asked Questions

How much more is the Marathon than a conventional water heater?

The 40 or 50 gallon Marathon will cost approximately 2 times more than a basic steel water heater on the smaller sizes and the larger 75 to 105 gallon units will be the same or less than steel water heaters. That is not a real comparison, however, as you are comparing a lifetime warrant product that is super-insulated against a 5 or 6 year warranty product with minimal insulation. Installation for the Marathon is usually easier than for steel units.

Is it worth more than a conventional water heater?

Yes. The Marathon will save you energy year after year and after 5 years it won't have to be replaced. The cost of the water heater is usually only half your cost. Installation is the other cost and you won't have to pay for that and another water heater in five years. The other thing people often overlook is the damage to their floor and belongings when their cheaper water heater fails.

Why should I bother, my last water heater lasted 22 years?

That's impressive but not uncommon for older water heaters. Older water heaters had much thicker steel and more porcelain than the new units. Because manufacturers have cut so many costs from the manufacturing process, most steel water heaters made today will not last much longer than their warranty.

If I can't afford it right now, what can I do?

No one makes it easier to own the world's best water heater than Orcas Power and Light Cooperative. With our help, you can start realizing your energy savings right away and use those savings to offset the cost:

• OPALCO offers a $50.00 or $100.00 rebate to keep the cost to our members low.
• We can take a credit card to pay for your Marathon.
• You may be qualified to be billed for your new water heater.

Can I Install it myself?

We do recommend that you have a professional do the installation, but is you are experienced, you can. The Marathon comes with a clear installation guide - just a note that there are a couple of small but important differences between installing a Marathon and a standard tank. You will quickly see it is actually easier to install then a regular water heater.

Do you offer installation?

No we do not. However, we can give you a list of professional, insured contractors that are familiar with the Marathon and do high-quality installations.

I am building a new house - won't propane be cheaper?

Not necessarily. In the islands, propane costs more than on the mainland and we do not have the luxury of natural gas. Besides, gas water heaters are more expensive than electric units and the venting now required for safety can be quite expensive. The thing to remember is that electric water heaters are nearly 100% efficient, as all of the heat generated stays in the unit. With gas heaters much of it goes up the flue. Also, the Marathon is like a Thermos^® in that it keeps the water hot once you have heated it. It's the most efficient water heater made.
 

For more details, please visit the official Marathon Water Heaters website: http://www.marathonheaters.com/

8/27/07