[Alumifab]

Hello:

I bought a home and need to replace the hot water heater.
The home presently has a 10 year old 50 gallon tank that has plenty of rust and I would rather replace it sooner than later.
I will be the only one living in the home, so I don't need a 50 gallon water heater.
With that said, What do I need to look for when purchasing a gas hot water heater?
I hear about anodes, insulation ratings, etc......but I don't have a clue....

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[rjniles]

Natural gas or propane? Here is a 30 gallon natural gas.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-Pe...ural-Gas-Water-Heater-XG38T06EN38U1/205810268

 

[ddawg16]

Insulate the heck out of it.

 

[ChuckF.]

What do you mean that "the water heater has plenty of rust"? In the water? Is rust visible on the outside of the water heater?

 

[throrope]

I suggest the cheapest one at the box store. I anticipate it will be a 40 gallon since that is the most common size. They get more expensive with oddball sizes, bigger gallons & btu, have better coatings, longer guarantees and higher efficiency starts making them really expensive. You will never get an instant hot to reasonably pay for itself with current gas rates. I don't think bigger first cost in any direction will provide you benefit.

As far as extra blanket insulation, all heaters must meet minimum requirements. Energy is lost from hot surfaces. Put your hand on the one you have and let it tell you how much is lost. I doubt you'll save enough to offset the cost of the blanket for the foreseeable future.

For our family of four, I went from 50 gallon to 75 gallon with heating connections. Even though we have boys, I like not running out no matter how many took showers or how much the washer ran. We even heat our basement with it.

 

[Alumifab]

It's natural gas.
The unit is in the garage and there is a lot of rust on the top of the unit and bottom, not in the water.
Are Rheem decent units??? I saw them yesterday when I was at Home Depot, but then read all of the bad reviews online.
I'm probably overthinking this, but I thought I would ask all of you for advice.