I have noticed in various posts the Marathon is the suggested model for a holding tank. Can someone explain to me why? What is the importance of the "larger ports"? Wouldn't a regular run-of-the-mill hot water heater work just as well? The other question is clearance between the operating electric water heater and the holding tank: Right now it appears I have just over 24 inches to place the holding tank next to the existing electric water heater. Looking at the Marathon unit that would give me about an inch clearance between the two. Is this enough clearance? One more thing, what is a "multi-port"? What is the benefit of this versus a regular tank? Just waiting for the contractor to call me back with "adjustments" to his bid before I sign now. Thought it better to start a new post on the holding tank. Thanks again to all who have helped me through this process. I hope the Waterfurnace unit will be the best choice for me.
The Marathon is in the "not likely to pay back extra investment anytime soon" club. If it is your wish to have the most efficient system and a first rate product with superior warranties it is a good fit. If you are "tightening belts" to finance geo in the first place, a Big Orange store electric 50 gal is fine. "multi-port" units offer a larger variety of installations/connections.
Joe, Thanks for clearing that up for me. While I want an efficient system I guess there is no reason to buy the "top of the line" heater just for holding water as long as it's well insulated. Just waiting for the amended proposal and then go from there. I'll let everyone know how it progresses on the main post which is now quite long. thanks.
In addition to the extremely low heat loss of the Marathon, we like the lifetime tank warranty (it will never rust out and leak.) We have the model without the additional ports. Nevertheless, connections to the DSH remain straightforward.
Geome, Thanks for your post. I think I'll probably go with a cheaper holding tank considering the cost of the entire system. We are on a well system and use a softener so I should be OK.
You're welcome. Marathons are pricey. No question about it. If anyone is interested, some electric utilities offer discounted prices and can even ship. Last I heard (maybe a year or two ago), one utility in New Jersey had excellent pricing. Details are somewhere in this forum.
Our utility does not have any offers, discounts or rebates now. They had one last year on a geothermal system but as usual, I'm a little late.
Our installation was completed 2 months early for the Virginia geothermal rebate program. In addition to some utilities offering the Marathon at good pricing for anyone interested (via shipping), others offer deeper discounts only to their customers.
