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SIEC 75 YEAR ANNIVERSARY....The Cooperative Purpose

Imagine if you will, what it must have been like after dark in the farms and small towns of southern Illinois 75 years ago...before there was power...before there was electricity. But that was all about to change, and change it did, when farmers and rural families banded together to shine a light on the need to turn the on the lights in rural America. WATCH VIDEO HERE. (photo courtesy of NRECA)

Chris L. Bennett Named New GM

Chris L. Bennett has been named SIEC's new General Manager by the Board of Directors. He will assume the responsibilities of this position effective July 12.  Click here for details.

 

Generator Safety

During long-term power outages, many rely on portable generators for emergency power. The growing popularity of portable electric generators has resulted in millions being placed in homes and small businesses across the nation.  But, it's estimated only a small percentage is hooked up correctly. Safe Electricity and SIEC urge members to understand the proper safety steps that must be taken.

Read more by clicking the safety tab on the menu to the left.

(Photo courtesy of SIEC Dir. Admin & Finance Chris Bennett)



 

Marathon Water Heater

We are proud to bring you the Marathon Water Heater, offering a lifetime no-leak warranty, guaranteed to last as long as you own your home!

SIEC offers:

  • 50-gallon and 85-gallon tank sizes
  • Other sizes are available but have to be specially ordered

altThe Marathon electric water heater offers these advantages:

Technologically advanced design is clearly differentiated from short lived steel water heaters.

It's the most durable water heater made, with a warranty to match.

Envirofoam insulation is completely free of CFC and HCFC ozone depleting gases. Marathon leads the way in environmental friendly manufacturing, design and operation.

Tank comes complete with a factory installed vacuum relief valve, 3/4" brass tee and 3/4" brass nipple for easy, professional installations.

Replaceable brass drain valve.

All wiring run in conduit for easy control wiring.

Seamless blow molded polybutylene tank with no anode rod required for a corrosion free life.

High temperature, commercial grade dip tubes for greater durability.

The filament wound fiberglass outer tank is designed to be more flexible and withstand more pressure than conventional tanks.

Our unique high temperature dip tube is offset from the concave bottom, creating a "whirlpool effect" which helps prevent sediment build-up.

Every tank includes 4' of pipe insulation for even greater savings.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much more is the Marathon than a conventional water heater?
The smaller Marathon units will cost approximately 2 to 3 times more than a basic steel water heater. That is not a real comparison though, as you are comparing a lifetime warranty product that is super insulated, against a 5 or 6 year warranty product with minimal insulation. Installation for the Marathon is no more and sometimes less than for steel units.
 Larger units such as the 85 and 105 gallon models are typically the same cost or less than short-lived steel units. Our manufacturing process is technologically advanced and very efficient so our incremental cost between our smaller tanks and our larger ones is much smaller than that of steel tanks.

Is it worth more than a conventional water heater?
Yes. Typically it will pay for itself in energy savings over a conventional water heater. The Marathon will save you energy year after year and after five years it won't have to be replaced. The cost of the water heater is usually only half your cost however. Installation is the other cost and you won't have to pay for that and another water heater in five years. The other thing people often overlook is the damage to their floor and belongings when their cheaper water heater fails.

Why should I bother, my last water heater lasted 22 years?
That's impressive but not uncommon for older water heaters. Older water heaters had much thicker steel and more porcelain than today's units. Because manufacturers have cut so many costs from the manufacturing process, most steel water heaters made today won't last much longer than their warranty.

I am building a new house, wouldn't gas be cheaper?
Not necessarily. Although gas may be slightly cheaper, gas water heaters are more expensive than electric units and the venting now required for safety can be quite expensive. The thing to remember is that electric water heaters are nearly 100% efficient, as all of the heat generated stays in the unit instead of some going up the flue. Also, the Marathon is like a "Thermos" in that it keeps the water hot once you have made it. It's the most efficient water heater made.

Many people are now building tighter, more efficient homes than they used to and indoor air quality is becoming a concern. Any fossil fuel water heater can be a problem with carbon monoxide, NOX, and other pollutants needing to be vented. You can eliminate this issue entirely, however, with the energy-efficient, electric Marathon.

For more information on the Marathon water heater, please contact us at 618.827.3555 or 800.762.1400. Or please email us and we will contact you!

Would you like some additional information on the tankless water heater vs. the conventional one? Click here!
 

 

Contact Us

Address: 7420 U.S Highway 51 South
PO Box 100 Dongola, IL 62926

Tel: (618) 827-3555 Fax: (618) 827-3585

Toll Free: (800) 762-1400

E-mail: Go to our Contact Page

Website: www.SIEC.coop