How can a homeowner improve the efficiency of a water heater?
Typical recommendations include insulating an existing tank, replacing the existing tank with a more efficient model using the same fuel or replacing the existing tank with another fuel source, usually natural gas or a heat pump water heater. If the hot water pipes are not insulated in a cold basement, a BPI Accredited Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor will often recommend insulating the first six feet of pipe.