Bradford White Review: Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters have been a staple in homes across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, and chances are most of those water heaters are from Bradford White. If you’re looking to replace an older water heater with a new, more modern conventional water heater, then our Bradford White review is an excellent way to see if they really live up to their reputation?

We’ve installed conventional water heaters from Ventura County to the Inland Empire and everywhere in between for over 15 years. Throughout that time, we at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric have come to trust Bradford White as one of the most reliable brands for conventional water heaters.

All biases aside, we’re here to provide you with the facts surrounding Bradford White conventional water heaters in the following categories.

• Cost
• Variety
• Efficiency
• Warranty
• Additional features

After reading this review, you’ll have a better understanding of why Bradford White is one of the most trusted brands for contractors and homeowners alike. This information will allow you to develop your opinion on Bradford White conventional water heaters and if they’re a good fit for your home.

Let’s jump right in!

How Much Do Bradford White Water Heaters Cost?

• Bradford White conventional water heaters cost $1,700 to $4,500 with installation.
• Final price impacted by other factors
• Overall lower cost than tankless water heaters

Although some of their water heaters can be purchased online through 3rd-party vendors, Bradford White only sells their products directly to contractors. Besides installation and labor fees, the price of a Bradford White conventional water heater can be impacted by other factors such as additional modifications, water filtration, and any optional add-ons, like an expansion tank.

Bradford White conventional water heaters cost less than the average price range of tankless water heaters, which is $4,500 to $8,500. Homeowners who opt for conventional water heaters tend to save more money in upfront costs.

Another major factor that affects the price of Bradford White conventional water heaters is their tank capacity and main power source.

What Are the Different Bradford White Conventional Water Heaters Available?

• Different tank capacities available: 30, 40, 48, 50, 55, 75, and 100 gallons
• Gas and electric-only conventional water heaters
• Easy access to spare parts

When it comes to variety, Bradford White offers the traditional gas-powered, electric-only, and the Ultra Low NOx gas conventional water heaters. Each of these conventional water heaters comes with different first-hour ratings to help homeowners have the best option for quick hot water access in their homes. One of their highly-rated water heaters is the Defender Safety System series, which features an engineered combustion system that is safe and highly efficient in water heating.

Since Bradford White conventional water heaters are only available through authorized contractors, homeowners do not have to worry about finding the right-sized conventional water heater for their homes. That’s because technicians consider the overall size of a home, the number of bathrooms and fixtures, and the overall hot water usage of a home to match it with the ideal of a conventional water heater.

Another key highlight of Bradford White is their easy availability of spare parts. Bradford White has an inventory of spare parts and water heaters available at different hardware warehouses around Los Angeles and the surrounding counties. This helps reduce the time a technician may spend waiting for a specific part to arrive.

For many homeowners, efficiency is key in determining which conventional water heater they want for their houses which we cover next in our Bradford White review.

Bradford White Conventional Water Heater Efficiency

• Gas conventional water heaters have a UEF rating of .54 to .64
• Electric water heaters have a UEF rating of .91 to 93
• Special rebates available

Bradford White conventional water heaters have standard UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) ratings common in other manufacturers. These ratings are set standards by the Department of Energy, so homeowners and contractors can see the energy savings associated with each water heater.

The electric-only conventional water heaters from Bradford White have UEF ratings on par with gas-powered tankless water heaters. Aside from being highly energy efficient, these specific conventional water heaters offer long-term energy savings for homeowners.

The Ultra Low NOx water heaters from Bradford White qualify for a special $75 rebate from SoCal Gas. To qualify, the water heater must have a UEF rating of .64 to 68 and be up to 55 gallons. Qualifying homeowners can apply through SoCal Gas.

Whether you choose a conventional water heater that qualifies or not, it will still be protected by Bradford White manufacturer warranty.

What to Expect from a Bradford White Conventional Water Heater Warranty?

• 6 to 10-year limited warranty on the tank
• 6 to 10-year limited warranty on component parts
• BUILTBEST Extended Warranty available

Bradford White’s warranty for their conventional water heaters is standard across other manufacturers, but they offer an extended warranty that can provide homeowners with peace of mind. The brand encourages homeowners to register their conventional water heater with their warranty center to make any future warranty claims easier to review.

Their warranty covers leakages or malfunctions caused by defective materials and/or workmanship. The only downside is that the warranty claim must be initiated and submitted through the contractor that installed the unit in the first place.

The company ensures that the process is hassle-free for technicians working with them to complete warranty repairs, however. With proper care and maintenance, conventional gas water heaters can last 10 to 15 years, and electric-only units can last over 5 years before it’s time to consider replacing them.

Bradford White Conventional Water Heaters Additional Features

Bradford White conventional water heaters have some special features that help them stand apart from competitors. Here’s a look at these features.

• Vitraglas Lining with Microban: This feature is an exclusive formula that protects the tank from the corrosive effects of water. The Microban product is a special antimicrobial that assists with preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew in conventional water heaters.
• Hydrojet Total Performance System: To help reduce sediment buildup, Bradford White has an interior device that increases the first-hour rating and minimizes build-up inside the tank.
• Bradford White ICON System: This special system features smart diagnostics that alert homeowners of error codes and service reminders. It also has an advanced temperature control system with a microprocessor that controls the burner operation for consistent hot water temperatures.

For technicians, Bradford White has a technical center with videos and information on error codes and frequently asked questions on servicing and installations.

Is a Bradford White Conventional Water Heater Right for Me?

Bradford White isn’t the only brand that offers conventional water heaters, but it is one of the most recommended manufacturers. After reading our Bradford White review, you can choose whether or not their conventional water heaters are right for you and your family.

Since 2007, we’ve helped homeowners find a suitable replacement for their old water heaters. We worked closely with the top brands, including Bradford White, to ensure that homes across Los Angeles have the right water heater installed that meets their hot water usage.

If you want more information on Bradford White conventional water heaters, contact us using the buttons below or schedule an appointment through our water heater online scheduler. If you’re unsure about Bradford White, check out other popular brands, like A.O. Smith conventional water heaters. If you’re not entirely convinced about either of these brands, learn more about how they compare to each other.