Jen0125 posted...
https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Professional-Achiever-Atmospheric-Heater/dp/B09PBXYGNN
https://www.mclendons.com/2773281/product/ruud-prog40-36p-ru62
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276399038436
this water heater isn't $500 anywhere
can you locate this one new for $500-550?
probably not, but those are also 3 different water heaters. One is NG, one in LP, and one is Electric. Those all appear to have a 6 year warranty. I posted a unit from the same manufacturer with a 12 for half the price.
The unit you purchased IS defenitly nicer than the Home Depot model, but also makes less financial sense. From Depot you will have a 12 year warranty, unless things have changed if it has issues and is deemed needing replaced you get credit to purchase a new one, that will have a another 12 year warranty. If it craps out after the 12 and you buy another that still leaves you with a guaranteed 24 years for the same price as you have spent here. The odds of your current unit needing service or parts after 6 years but before 24 is very high. I would be surprised if it made it more than 16 without needing replaced fully.