A few years ago, I was called in to replace an aging water heater in a rental property, and the landlord requested something reliable but not overly fancy. That’s when I recommended the State ProLine. These water heaters have popped up in quite a few homes I’ve worked on, and they’ve earned a reputation for being workhorses—nothing flashy, but they get the job done. If you’re curious about whether the State ProLine is right for you, here’s everything I’ve seen firsthand.
What Makes the State ProLine Water Heaters Stand Out?
1. Built for Reliability
The State ProLine is designed for one purpose: to last and deliver. From my experience, these heaters are dependable in both residential and commercial settings. The steel tank construction and glass lining help resist corrosion, which is critical for the longevity of water heaters. I’ve seen these units last well beyond the 10-year mark when properly maintained.
2. Wide Variety of Models
The ProLine series is great because it offers a ton of options for different home setups. Whether you need gas, electric, or tankless, State has a ProLine model to fit your needs:
- Gas water heaters: Known for quick recovery times, solid energy efficiency, and reliability. Perfect for families with a high demand for hot water.
- Electric water heaters: These are budget-friendly, easier to install, and ideal for homes that don’t have access to natural gas.
- Tankless options: ProLine’s XE Tankless model offers on-demand hot water with better energy savings over time.
3. Good Energy Efficiency
State ProLine water heaters typically come with Energy Star certifications, especially their high-efficiency gas and electric models. While they aren’t always at the top of the heap when it comes to ultra-high efficiency (like hybrid heat pump models), they do provide solid energy savings for the average household.
Popular State ProLine Water Heater Models
1. ProLine XE High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater
Type: Gas-powered, tank
Best For: Larger homes with high water usage
Pros:
- Quick recovery rate: Hot water replenishes fast, even during heavy use
- Energy Star-certified, so you’ll see savings on your energy bill
Cons: - Slightly more expensive than entry-level gas heaters
My experience: Installed in a family home with three bathrooms, and the owner mentioned how impressed they were with the consistent hot water supply during busy mornings. The gas bills also decreased slightly over time.
2. ProLine Standard Electric Water Heater
Type: Electric, tank
Best For: Homes without gas access or those looking for a budget-friendly option
Pros:
- Simple and reliable
- Affordable upfront costs
Cons: - Slower recovery time compared to gas models
My experience: Installed this model in a vacation rental property. It does its job reliably, though the slower recovery time means it’s better suited for smaller households or those with lower hot water demands.
3. ProLine XE Tankless Gas Water Heater
Type: Gas-powered, tankless
Best For: Homes that need an endless hot water supply and want to save on energy costs
Pros:
- Provides endless hot water on demand
- Compact design: Saves space compared to traditional tank models
Cons: - Higher upfront cost
My experience: Installed this model in a large home where the owners were tired of running out of hot water. It solved their problem, but I also had to emphasize the need for regular maintenance (like descaling) to keep it running efficiently.
4. ProLine Specialty Compact Electric Water Heater
Type: Electric, small tank
Best For: Under-sink or point-of-use installations
Pros:
- Compact: Perfect for tight spaces like under a sink or in an RV
- Heats up quickly for on-demand hot water in small areas
Cons: - Limited capacity; won’t be sufficient for large homes or multiple users
My experience: Installed one of these in a workshop to provide hot water for handwashing. It’s a handy solution for small spaces or as a point-of-use heater.
Pros and Cons of State ProLine Water Heaters
Pros
- Durability: State ProLine models are built with glass-lined tanks and anode rods that help prevent corrosion, which gives them a longer lifespan than many cheaper brands.
- Good Warranty: Many ProLine models come with warranties ranging from 6 to 10 years, depending on the unit. In my experience, the warranty service has been reliable when issues arise.
- Energy Efficiency: State offers high-efficiency models, especially in the ProLine XE series, which are Energy Star-certified, meaning lower operating costs over time.
- Versatility: The ProLine series includes a wide variety of models, including gas, electric, tankless, and even specialty options like compact electric heaters for small spaces.
Cons
- Not as Feature-Rich: While the ProLine series is reliable, it doesn’t come with all the high-tech features like WiFi connectivity, smart diagnostics, or app controls that you might find with premium brands.
- Upfront Costs for Tankless: While tankless options save money over time, they do have a higher initial cost, and installation can be more complex.
- Maintenance on Tankless Models: Like all tankless heaters, State’s ProLine XE tankless models require regular descaling (especially in hard water areas) to keep running efficiently.
Common Issues With State ProLine Water Heaters (And How to Avoid Them)
Even reliable brands like State ProLine can encounter problems if not maintained correctly. Here are a few issues I’ve come across, and how to prevent them:
1. Sediment Buildup in Tank Models
Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency and possibly leading to tank failure.
- Prevention Tip: Schedule a tank flush once a year to clear out the sediment, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
2. Anode Rod Wear
The anode rod is crucial for preventing corrosion inside the tank. If it wears out, your tank can start rusting from the inside.
- Prevention Tip: Check the anode rod every 2–3 years and replace it if it’s heavily corroded.
3. Slow Heating in Electric Models
Electric water heaters, while reliable, can sometimes heat water slower than gas models, especially if the thermostat or heating elements fail.
- Prevention Tip: Make sure the thermostat is set correctly (around 120°F is optimal) and consider upgrading to a larger tank if your household has high hot water demands.
How to Maintain Your State ProLine Water Heater
To keep your State ProLine heater running smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is key:
- Flush the Tank Annually: This prevents sediment buildup and keeps the heater running efficiently.
- Inspect the Anode Rod: Every 2–3 years, check the anode rod and replace it if needed.
- Clean Filters on Tankless Models: If you have a tankless model, make sure to clean the air filters and perform regular descaling to prevent mineral buildup.
- Check the Pressure Relief Valve: Once a year, test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it’s working properly. This is a crucial safety feature.
Final Verdict: Is a State ProLine Water Heater Right for You?
The State ProLine series offers a great balance of reliability, efficiency, and value. If you’re looking for a durable water heater that’s easy to maintain and has a solid warranty, ProLine is a strong contender. It’s perfect for homeowners who need a dependable unit without the fancy features or the premium price tag of higher-end brands.
For most households, the ProLine XE gas or electric models will provide all the hot water you need at a reasonable cost, with decent energy savings over time. If you’re considering a tankless option, just be prepared for a higher upfront cost and stay on top of maintenance to keep things running smoothly.
Whether you’re outfitting a new home or replacing an old unit, State ProLine is a reliable choice that won’t let you down.