This comprehensive review provides the best water heater solutions for your home from American Standard.
This is a full review of American standard water heaters in 2022.
I’ve been working with water heaters and HVAC systems for over a decade.
I’ve researched the latest American standard water heaters to help you make the right choice for your home.
American Standard is a great brand, with different water heaters for most types of home. But there are a few caveats that you need to watch out for.
Read on to find out if an American standard water heater is the right choice for your home.
Everything you need to know about American Standard
Before you make any major purchase, it’s always a good idea to find out a bit more about the brand who makes the product
To save you some time, I’ve done the research for you.
Founded in 1875, American Standard is an established brand.
Over time it has become entrenched in the American plumbing and building industry.
One of the leaders in the industry, this successful American company now operates in over 50 countries worldwide.
American Standard designs water heaters for a variety of types of home. They cater for property owners who want the highest quality water heater products.
What to Consider Before Buying an American Standard Water Heater
American Standard water heaters are available in different guises to meet the needs of American customers.
Before you buy a water heater you should should consider the following:
Your fuel source
The environment
Size and capacity for your home
Location of installation in your home
Cost
The fuel source for heat
Depending on the fuel source in your home, American Standard has a range of different products to offer.
If you have LP and natural gas, the range includes several compatible water heaters that incorporate a tank. There is also a tankless water heater design that saves water.
American Standard also manufactures gas and electric water heaters, that also reduce environmental impact. They also increase energy efficiency and will reduce your electricity bill.
The environment
Many people (along with mother nature!) prefer energy-efficient (EE) electric water heaters. American Standard has energy-efficient short and tall configurations for different installation locations.
Size and capacity
American Standard Water Heater Capacity ranges from 30 to 100 gallons, which will make certain that you get the perfect amount of hot water you need for your home.
A large family home would be more suited to the higher end of this range, whereas a small apartment would probably do with something in the lower end.
Location of installation
Different homes have different requirements due to the location of the water heater. Your home may require something slightly different, which American standard is quite prepared for.
For example, in areas where it isn’t practical to install long water pipes, there are point-of-use electric water heater models. They are also useful for people who need an under-counter model.
Cost
American Standard water heaters aren’t the cheapest on the market but I feel they are good value.
Ultimately, the water heaters American Standard produces are ideal for customers who are happy to pay a little extra for a good quality product and peace of mind.
Features & Benefits of American Standard Water Heater Models
American Standard water heaters are available in 10 basic models. With a variety of capacities and configurations for residential use.
This section reviews these 10 American Standard models.
Note that all images are from the American Standard website, and are copyright 2020.
Low NOx Natural & LP Gas Water Heaters
What exactly is NOx? I’ve been asked this question a lot!
NOx is an abbreviation used to describe nitrogen oxides that belong to the family of greenhouse gases that cause air pollution.
And how about LP?
Liquefied petroleum gas, called LPG or LP gas, is a liquid that is separated from natural gas and used in many homes for cooking and heating.
Both of these fuels have a reduced carbon compared to traditional fuels such and oil and coal.
There are several different models of low NOx natural and LP gas water heaters featured in our water heater reviews.
GSN Low NOx
This gas water heater offers 30, 40, and 50 gallon tanks. They all operate with natural or LP gas that has a reduced (low) quantity of nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.
It is a highly energy-efficient heater model that complies with the U.S. National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). It also exceeds American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certifications.
Additionally, it features a factory-installed cut-off system. This is great because it prevents the water temperature from rising too high. The non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) foam insulation adds to energy savings.
The eco-friendly non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) foam insulation adds to energy savings.
The Dura-Glas lined heavy-gauge steel tank boasts optimum protection from corrosion. Anything less would undermine the tank.
There’s a spark ignitor, so no matches required. Also, the aluminum anode rod makes sure the tank lasts longer than its lengthy warranty.
G-75 T2 AS & G-100 T2 AS
It’s available with a British thermal unit (BTU) per hour input of 76,000 and 80,000. This is nice and effeicient and shows that it really is EE!
This model is fuelled with natural gas and insulated with R-16, non-CFC foam, which the U.S. DOE rates as “great”. Indeed, this is great, as there’s no doubt about its thermal efficiency.
Like the GSN tanks, these models are heavy gauge steel, and the inner-tank is lined with Dura-Glas to give it mega-protection from corrosion.
Like most of the water heaters American Standard produces, these high-quality water heaters feature the best heavy-duty anode rods to prolong tank life.
Residential Power Vent Low NOx
The residential power vent gas water heater ranks well in our heater reviews. Like the GSN it produces less nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions than any other tank type.
All models qualify for the minimum Energy Star requirements, which is a brilliant plus.
Certified to ANSI standards, this natural/LP gas water heater features intelligent gas control. This results in substantial savings of pilot gas when it isn’t in use. There is also a safety feature in the form of a cut-off switch that prevents the water from getting too hot.
There are lots of other plus factors. These include the fact that the system is self-cleaning, and features aluminum anode rods to protect tank life. It also incorporates environmentally-friendly hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) foam for insulation.
Ultra Low NOx Natural Gas Water Heaters
What is ultra low NOx?
These water heaters produce even less emissions per joule of heat output, meaning less environmental impact and a potential reduction in your heating bill.
All these models boast ultra-low greenhouse gas emissions.
GN Ultra Low
This ultra-versatile American Standard water heater operates with gas. A great water heater, it complies with important NAECA requirements which makes it EE and sustainable.
This model is maintenance-free, self-cleaning, and ranks high on the best reviews American Standard can boast. What else could you need?
The GN model has also been certified by CSA International to meet or exceed ANSI specs.
RU 75-76 -AS & RU 100-76-AS
This heavy-gauge steel, hot water heater was designed to meet the requirements of large three- to five-bedroom homes. We love that it is perfect for producing a larger shower spray and feeding hot water into indulgent large soaking tubs.
But, in reality, it’s a residential and commercial water heater that makes the American Standard ring true. It really is up to standard!
This model doesn’t deliver an 80 gallon unit, but it comes close. With either 76 or 100 gallons, it’s your best bet for when you turn on the heat.
Dubbed a residential duty-commercial unit (RU), this tank needs a 120-volt electrical connection to operate, even though it is a full-on gas water heater.
Powerless Atmospheric Vent
This powered-by-gas EE water heater will reduce fuel costs by maximizing heat retention. Like many of the gas water heater units that feature in American Standard water heater reviews, it’s insulated with eco-friendly R-16 foam and it’s been thoroughly hydrostatically tested.
The system will cut off when the heat of the water gets to a certain temperature, and/or the pressure rises too high.
The inner tank is lined with Dura-Gas coating and it has two anode rods to extend tank life.
Tankless Condensing Water Heaters
American Standard water heater reviews wouldn’t be complete without their tankless condensing water heaters that were designed to heat water using cutting-edge technology.
A tankless water heater, also known as an instantaneous or continuous flow heater, heats up water on demand without a tank.
Wall-mounted, and capable of producing up to 11 gallons of hot water in one minute, these little American water-saving gems can save us a lot of money. It’s exactly what you need to save space.
Highly innovative, the only tankless water heater offered by American Standard is compact, eco-friendly, and has safety gas-leak devices. It also saves money on heating water with gas as our heater reviews show. We love its innovative, cost-saving instant-water solution!
Electric Water Heaters
Standard American is hot on gas. But the company also has a brilliant standard range of electric water heaters.
There’s a standard version, and the Skinny Low Boy.
The standard version has more capacity but requires more space, whereas the loy boy will fit into small places but will be missing out on some tank capacity.
Standard EN-30, 40, 50, 28, 38, & 46
The numbers above speak volumes. They represent the capacity of this particular American Standard water heater, which is available in short and tall configurations to meet your personal need.
Thermal efficiency comes standard with this classy electric water heater. It offers the best quality you can get for an electric system.
Like the American Standard gas water heaters and tankless water heater that we have featured in our water heater reviews above, these glass-lined residential electric water heaters are also certified.
The company warrants that they meet or exceed ASHRAE and other standards. It also offers a limited tax and component parts 6- or 12-year warranty.
ENS30L, ENS40L, ENS50L Low Boy
Dubbed the Skinny Low Boy, this water heater is wonderfully efficient. It is also compliant with all the codes and certifications that matter.
This not-so-skinny boy is available in tall and short configurations in the same capacities as the standard version above.
Like other superior American Standard water heater units the Low Boy water heater complies with NAECA requirements. In fact, it exceeds the service requirements.
The Skinny Low Boy is one of the best American Standard products you can get. Self-cleaning and its double-heating elements add to its sustainability. As we say in all our new water heater reviews, those are the kinds of features we like!
Electric Point-of-Use Models
An electric point-of-use water heater is an ideal solution for areas where it isn’t practical to run long hot-water pipes. But you want to make sure that there will be a continuous supply of hot water.
Typical areas for a water heater of this type include spaces under counters. They are also great for bathroom or kitchen sinks, as well as other confined areas where you need to heat water. It’s definitely worth considering if you live in a tiny home like mine!
American Standard Hot Water Pros & Cons
American Standard Water Heater Models
The table below indicates useful information about the different hot water heaters that feature in our water heater reviews. Their usefulness is varied, and it will depend on users which one suits them best.
You can use the table to review relevant features available from American Standard water heaters. Then read our more detailed reviews above to decide which products best suit your needs.
We recommend the GSN and GN natural gas models for homeowners who are willing to pay more for certified quality.
The GSN and GN gas-heat models have varied capacity and offer both NAECA (for energy efficiency) and CSA International certification. CSA is accredited by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to test and certify that products meet the best U.S. standards.
The two differently-sized tankless water heater models are the result of admirable cutting edge technology. The result delivers instantaneous hot water that produces heat in a strong, steady flow. Launched by the company in 2017, they are perfect for consumers who want a relatively small, efficient water heater that is economically priced.
The eco-friendly power-vented gas water heater is a fantastic solution for areas where atmospheric units can’t be used.
The powerless atmospheric vent gas water heater meets the needs of people living in large homes who are willing to pay more for the best quality water heater.
Water Heater Prices
Amazon com is a good place to find water heater prices quickly, especially if you don’t know where else to look. You might also find a few reviews American Standard customers have posted.
Just be aware that Amazon com adverts chop and change all the time. Keep checking for new special offers that may be of use to you.
Here are a few prices we found on Amazon com this week:
American Standard tankless TCWH1995-AS-NG 199,000 BTU – $1,199
American Standard tankless TCWH180S-AS-NG 180,000 BTU – $1,099
American Standard CE-20-AS 19 gallon point-of-use electric water heater $389
American Standard CE-6-AS 6 gallon point-of-use electric water heater $330
Sometimes water heater reviews quote prices. Otherwise, you can call your nearest American Standard dealer to see what their best new water heater and tankless water heater prices are.
Ask for installed and off-the-shelf price information from the company. That way you will know what to expect when you get a quote for installation.
Note that American Standard commercial water heater models are considerably more expensive than their residential models.
Commercial water heaters range in price from about $1,500 to $8,800 and more. This depends on where you buy them from, and the kind of service that companies offer.
FAQ
Is American Standard a good water heater?
American Standard water heaters are high-quality products. They are all backed by a good warranty program.
Who makes the American Standard water heater?
American Standard water heaters are manufactured by American Standard. This is a company that is owned by LIXIL Water Technology. American Standard is just one of the brands that LIXIL markets.
How long does an American Standard water heater last?
A warranty of 5-6 years comes standard with all American Standard water heaters.
If you are willing to chip in a bit more, you can extend your warranty up to 12 years for glass-lined tanks. This indicates the minimum length of time an American water heater is likely to last. With the right care, it could last 15-20 years.
What is the warranty?
One of my favorite things about American Standard water heater products is that they come with a standard 5 or 6 year warranty.
It’s extendable up to 12 years, and guarantees the quality, durability, and longevity of your water heater.
The company’s commercial electric and natural gas water heaters are also top quality, however, in these American Standard water heater reviews, we are going to concentrate on hot water heater models that are suitable for your home.
My Conclusion
American Standard is a highly reputable company that offers an established brand of the best possible type of water heater models that have been a household name for decades.
Even though American Standard manufactures a wide range of commercial water heaters as well as residential models, we decided to exclude commercial models and focus on the best water heaters for homeowners.
While the brand caters primarily to larger homes and multi-family establishments, there are options that cater to the needs of smaller residences. These include tankless condensing water heaters and American Standard-certified electric-point-of-use tanks that hold between 2.5 and 20 gallons.
There are also 4 x 30-gallon options, 2 fuelled with gas, and 2 powered by electricity.
One of the benefits of all American Standard products, as we mention in the reviews, is that they are certified and tested by various reliable bodies. The materials used for manufacture are solid, and every single model is EE in its own way.
