On Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:16:34 GMT, Malcolm Hoar wrote:
The energy factor tells you how well much of the gas is
converted into hot water. A low rating on a gas heater
means lots of therms (energy) are going up the flue.

Hi Malcolm,

I did more research. Apparently, all GE water heaters sold by HD are made
by Rheem who also makes a water heater with an EF of 0.62 but it's hard to
find in a HD store. I'm gonna try Sears at 800-877-6420.

$360 ($675 installed) GG40T06TVG/182-785 FHR=68 gal EF=0.62 40,000 BTUs
The nearly meaningless specs are 40-gallon capacity & 6-year warranty.

$420 ($730 installed) GG50T06TVG/184-045 FHR=83 gal EF=0.62 40,000 BTUs
The nearly meaningless specs are 50-gallon capacity & 6-year warranty.

I am trying to figure out the calculation for the payback time given the
difference between an EF of 0.59 and the EF of 0.62.

Do you think it's worth it to pay (how much) more and go to more trouble to
find a residential gas hot water heater with the EF of 0.62 (given my
current cost per therm of $1.33)?

Donna
PS I'm gonna try the math for FHR & ER payback calculations here
http://www.gamanet.org/gama/inforeso...n?OpenDocument