Gas water heater, how do I see how efficient it is and do I need jacket for it ?

Question

Hi, I am on tight fixed budget and I want to know what I should look for when checking out the efficiency of my water heater. I live in Or where it gets down to about 30's most winter nights. My water heater is in the garage. I live alone. age 56, so I don't use much and with kids grown and gone now, I have to try and re-think things. Should i get a smaller one or buy a jacket to cover it or what can I do to keep gas costs down> I know I bought it within the last 8-10 years or less ???? help for dino 56 :)

Answer 1

I assume that your garage isn't heated, so having your water heater in the garage is exposing it to the cooler temps. No matter how effecient it is you'll be losing heat from it. So, a jacket is a fine idea. Also, while you're at it, get some pipe insulation (the stuff that looks like a wacky noodle toy) and cover the pipes with it coming to and from it. The cost to just go out and buy a smaller more efficiant one versus just putting the insulation on the one you have now wouldn't be noticeable for a few years. And even then, if you bought a smaller one and put it in the garage, you'd have to buy a jacket for that one also, unless you relocated it inside your house somewhere, and that'd be a few hundred dollars by itself to get the plumbing done. Hope this helps!