On second thought

[bobemm]

It looks like the control modules haven't changed much in the last 25 years! I guess that makes sense, they're pretty simple. And I'm not worried about anything being truly wrong with the rest of the water heater, it's basically all just metal and insulation. So I think I'm just gonna replace the thermostat. Am I crazy or dumb, or is it worth it to save the work, money, and waste?

Comments

[randomcub.livejournal.com]

If it's 25 years old, replace the whole thing.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

;_;

[gusmacroy.livejournal.com]

Can you be sure your old hot water heater isn't plotting against us all?

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

The elderly do often seem to become bitter.

[qmrf.livejournal.com]

How much does a thermostat cost?

25 years is very old for a water heater. Replacing the thermostat probably won't extend the lifespan for all that long, and you'll just be faced with the choice again. It's also probably pretty energy inefficient. And, hey, there's that income tax credit thing this year, making it a lot cheaper.

Re - waste, upgrading old appliances is often *extremely* good from an energy standpoint. I saw a life-cycle analysis a few years back showing that, if all you're worried about is energy consumption, you should replace your fridge every 2 years to the new best option - the difference in energy efficiency is significant enough that the energy that goes into making/shipping the fridge is canceled out that quickly. Now, granted, that would be hella-expensive, but anyways. Your circa 1980 water heater probably has pretty tragic energy efficiency. Meanwhile, the old one can be recycled - steel is pretty good for the recycling. So, yeah, reduce, reuse, repair are all good - but don't feel green guilt over buying a new heater.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

the difference in energy efficiency is significant enough that the energy that goes into making/shipping the fridge is canceled out that quickly.

Holy shit! But does that also include the cost of acquiring and recycling the raw materials?

In any case, if I am going to try to be green, the question becomes what lengths I'm willing to go to to get the old one recycled. Last time I rented a truck to haul crap around, it ended up costing me > $100 all told. I probably would again, but bleh.

The thermostats are < $15. I think I'm going to do that as a temporary measure at least.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

Also, what about the cost of acquiring and recycling the raw materials for the machines that acquire and recycle the raw materials for the new fridges???

[shouldvesmiled.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't think that water heater technology changes much.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

So it would appear. The new thermostat is almost identical to the old one.

[brendand.livejournal.com]

We *could* always demolish the old water heaters and carry them up stairs as scraps...

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

That's the plan! Insofar as they can be demolished, anyway.

[brendand.livejournal.com]

Is that a challenge?! I AM KING STRONG!

[brendand.livejournal.com]

I know nothing about changing just the thermostat... it might be simple and painless, but it could be annoying. On the other hand, buying a whole new tank would be a pain in the butt to get down those stairs.

I think the first thing you should do is install some actual stairs. :)

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

hahaha good call :-D

[broug.livejournal.com]

replace it.. the old ones arent energy efficent and you will save a lot of money in the long term.

[acidskyway.livejournal.com]

Hey, wow either you post a LOT less or I got put on some ignore list. What up wit dat homey? Heh. We should hang out and play trivia sometime at BW3.

[chucknoblet.livejournal.com]

OMG U R TOTALLY NOT ON A LIST!!! I do have one friends-filter that I use sometimes, but you are on it.

Don't worry, I just haven't been posting much lately.

At some point I hope I will be ok hanging out at bars again, but I don't trust myself enough for that yet.

[acidskyway.livejournal.com]

Well if it helps, I don't drink there. All I do is play trivia and eat wings. There will be no temptations for we will be distracted with trivia games and food. Think about it and get back to me.