This Kenmore N.G. water heater is very effecient and cost saving August 06, 2010

The installation of this water heater is very quick and simple. Changing out water heaters is not something I do very often (maybe 1 every 10 years).  By myself, I had it installed and ready to go in about 30 minutes.  Lighting the pilot was quick, effortless, and immediate.  I run this water heater at a much lower setting than my previous water heater and my gas bill has dropped by just over 30%.  I am extremely pleased with this water heater so much, 3 months later I bought and installed one at my parents house.  They too have had the same overall cost savings on their gas bills and are extremely pleased with this purchase.  I've waited to write my review 8 months to give enough time to experience any possible problems and I've experience NONE!!! I recommend this Kenmore Natural Gas Water Heater 100%. It is very effecient and cost saving.

Terrible! Defective! Pilot won't stay lit! April 19, 2010

It's Monday morning and I started my day with a cold bath AGAIN. Purchased Power Miser 12 in 2005 and have had terrible problems with the pilot not staying lit from the get go. You have to pay to keep a service contract on this thing or will constantly paying service calls.(Yes, that's called extortion.) On my fourth service visit in a year! Re-lit pilot twice this weekend and we just had a service out there last month for the same thing. It seems you can expect that from this model after the first year or two post-installation. Only "fix" is to remove gaskets from around the main line or break out the glass window in front of the pilot to allow more air into the chamber for compensate for poor designed filters. That voids your warranty! Shame on Sear's for leaving this defective thing out there!

Burner and flame go out October 21, 2009

Hello,

The issue\problem that I have had with the Kenmore Power miser gas water heater (2005 model) is that there is a fine mesh screen (which is not mentioned in the user manual) located directly beneath the burner assembly area.

This screen which is suppose to filter the air getting to the burner and pilot assembly is so fine that it can over time become clogged with dust particles and causes the burner and pilot to cut off from lack of air. It is the thermocouple unit that detects the lack of air and shuts the unit down. This can be a real problem as the water heater will not work when it cannot light off. The annoying part is that to correctly clean this screen, you need to remove the burner assembly and use air and a small wire brush to clean the screen. It is also a good idea to use a shop vacuum to suck out the dust/dirt.

Repeated problems with pilot going out September 28, 2009

This was my first gas heater. I've spent $350 in 2009 so far, keeping it running. It looks brand new, but it sure doesn't run like it.

I've had the burner assembly replaced and just weeks later came home to no hot water again. I've read online that many, many people have had this same problem. I have to keep checking the pilot and restarting it when out.

I also wonder why on earth rust flakes would be coming out from under it.