Are these things reliable? I’m not in a position to replace currently but I do like to think about these things before the need arises.

I’ve had gas tanked for years. What I appreciate is that they need nothing from me. I flush the tank once a year and that’s it. They just do their job quietly and without need. I don’t think about it, and I love that.

I’ve been burned with crappy modern appliances. Tried front load washers, three and they were all crap. Sometimes wouldn’t spin, they were smelly, expensive and unreliable. Switched back to top loader because it just works. Same experience with a dishwasher. Used very little energy, but did a lousy job, was expensive and had to fuss with it constantly.

I’d like lower energy costs but not if the thing won’t work or have weird conditions. If five people who live in the house can overrun it with two showers, thats not useful or if it takes an hour to heat a tankful.