In article VMsKj.891$NM.653@trnddc01,
"Thomas G. Marshall"
. com wrote:

1. Is 80 gallons overkill?

Yes.

The 40-gallon water heater in our old house died just as our three
daughters "discovered" hot water.

I installed a 50-gallon. It was a PERFECT fit for the five of us.

In our next house, built in 1991 with one full and two 3/4 baths, we
have a 50-gallon heater and have virtually never run out of hot water.

2. Am I going to notice a large gas usage increase?

Probably not a LARGE increase. Your hot water consumption is what it
is, whether it is delivered using a 40-gallon tank or an 80. The cost
to heat a gallon of water will be the same with either tank. It's the
standby loss that would make the biggest difference between the two
sizes.

4. Are there any particular brands to look for or stay away from?

I think they're all the same. Price difference will be dictated by
length of tank warranty and BTU input.

Have your plumber install his spec model 50. Done. Have fun!
--

JR