Water Heating

The last water heater you'll ever buy!

The Marathon water heater will continue to perform year after year, long after other tanks fail.

The Marathon is as different as it looks, and with its non-metal tank and jacket, you'll never worry about rust-out again! One investment in a Marathon heater provides a Lifetime Warranty against tank leaks.

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

The marathon will cost approximately 2 to 3 times more than a basic steel water heater. That is not a real comparison as you are comparing a lifetime warranty product that is super insulated against a 5 or 6 year warranty product with minimal insulation. Installation for the Marathon is no more and sometimes less than steel units.

Is it worth more than a conventional water heater?

Yes. The Marathon will save you energy year after year and after five 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 common 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?

North Itasca Electric Cooperative will finance the water heater.

North Itasca Electric Cooperative offers a rebate that is a credit applied to the electric bill after the purchase of the water heater.

Can I install it myself?

We recommend you have a professional do the installation, but if you are experienced, you can. The Marathon comes with a clear installation guide - just note that there are a couple of small but important differences between installing the Marathon and a standard tank. North Itasca Electric Cooperative does not offer installation.

What size do I need?

Does your current water heater give you enough hot water?

If so, you can use that as a guide. We carry several Marathon sizes - 30, 40, 50, 75, 85, 105 gallon models. How many people do you have in your home? Any other large hot water uses in your home?

No. in Family	1 - 2	3 - 4	5 - 6	> 6
Tank Size	30, 40, or 50	50 or 75	85	105

Seamless polybutylene inner tank reinforced with filament wood fiberglass. Superior strength and durability.
Super efficiency with environmentally friendly insulation. Energy savings over conventional heaters usually offsets price differential.
Durable and tough polyethylene outer jacket. Easy to clean. No dents or scratches.
Lightweight
Easy to clean - inside and out due to non metallic tank and oversize element ports.
Recessed brass drain valve. Protected against damage in the home. All fittings are replaceable.
No anode rod. Eliminates hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor.
All wiring enclosed in conduit. Easy conversion to off peak controls.
Water resistant gaskets on all outside tank penetrations. Insulation stays dry and effective even in harsh environments.
Bowl shaped self cleaning tank. Only tank to allow 100% drainage of water and sediment. No dirty water trail during service or removal.
Thermally fused top element and Teflon coated, stainless steel lower element. Protects tank from accidental "dry firing". Teflon reduces scale build-up on lower element.

Storage Water Heating Program:

Electricity is sold for 4.6 cents per KWh. Program requires water heater to have a storage capacity of 105 gallons and an energy rating of 90%.
Electricity is supplied to the water heater for 8 hours each night, typically from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Weekend and Holiday 11:00 PM until 3:00 P.M. the following day.

Energy Management Programs and Information