Is Lochinvar a Good Water Heater? Expert Review

Lochinvar water heaters are known for their efficiency, durability, and advanced technology, making them a reliable choice for both residential and commercial use.

When choosing a water heater, brand reliability is crucial. Lochinvar has been a prominent name in water heating for decades, but is it the right choice for your home? This in-depth review examines Lochinvar’s performance, durability, and value compared to competitors like Rheem and Bradford White.

Lochinvar water heater performance and efficiency review

Lochinvar Water Heater Overview

Lochinvar is an American company with nearly 80 years of experience manufacturing high-efficiency water heating solutions. Their product line includes:

  • Residential and commercial water heaters
  • Boilers
  • Pool heaters
  • Cogeneration systems

The company emphasizes innovation, with recent developments like their Veritus™ Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater earning industry awards. For residential applications, Lochinvar offers standard tank-style gas water heaters in common sizes like 40 and 50 gallons.

Key Features

  • 95% AFUE rating on combi boilers
  • 10:1 turndown ratio for efficient operation
  • Made in USA construction
  • 6-year limited warranty on residential models
Lochinvar and Bradford White water heater comparison

Lochinvar vs. Bradford White: The Surprising Connection

Industry professionals reveal an important fact: Lochinvar’s residential tank water heaters are actually manufactured by Bradford White. This explains why their designs appear similar. However, user experiences suggest potential quality differences:

Factor Lochinvar Bradford White
Manufacturer Made by Bradford White Bradford White
Reported Failure Rate Higher incidence of early failures More reliable long-term
Burner Performance Some report uneven ignition More consistent ignition

As noted on Terry Love’s plumbing forum, some contractors report higher warranty claims with Lochinvar-branded units compared to identical Bradford White models.

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Performance and Reliability Concerns

User experiences highlight several potential issues with Lochinvar water heaters:

Early Tank Failures

Multiple plumbing professionals report Lochinvar residential water heaters failing after just 2-4 years of service. This contrasts with competitors like Rheem and State that often last significantly longer.

Ignition Problems

Some users describe uneven burner ignition that creates noticeable “poof” sounds and gas odors during startup. This may concern homeowners sensitive to noise and smells.

Technical Support Challenges

Contractors on heatinghelp.com describe Lochinvar’s technical support as inconsistent, with some requests going unanswered for extended periods.

Where Lochinvar Excels

Despite residential concerns, Lochinvar has strengths in specific applications:

Commercial Systems

Lochinvar’s commercial boilers and large water heaters receive better reviews than their residential products. The company offers innovative solutions like their new LECTRUS Commercial Electric Boiler.

High-Efficiency Models

Lochinvar’s premium products like the Noble combi boiler achieve 95% AFUE ratings and excellent turndown ratios. For homeowners considering built-in gas heating solutions, these high-end models may warrant consideration.

Innovative Designs

The company invests in R&D, developing advanced products like air source heat pump water heaters that outperform conventional electric models.

Professional Recommendations

Most plumbing professionals suggest considering alternatives for standard residential water heaters:

  • Rheem – Consistently reliable with good support
  • Bradford White – Same manufacturer as Lochinvar but reportedly better quality control
  • State – Another professional-grade option with strong track records

As one contractor noted, “We have used State heaters successfully. I prefer State as of this writing.” For those needing precise temperature control, some competitors offer more advanced thermostat systems.

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Final Verdict

Lochinvar presents a mixed picture. While their commercial and high-efficiency products show innovation, their residential water heaters (made by Bradford White) appear to have more quality variability than the Bradford White-branded equivalents. For standard residential applications, most professionals recommend sticking with Rheem, Bradford White, or State for better long-term reliability.

Joye
Joye

I am a mechanical engineer and love doing research on different home and outdoor heating options. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy blogging about my findings and helping others to find the best heating options for their needs.