An actual water heater EnergyGuide label. Its dollar figure estimates annual energy use costs, not replacement cost.
Photo: Tony Webster ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗ · Resized for web; not otherwise edited1. The whole installation
From a safe standing position, photograph the complete heater and surrounding space. Include the route to it if stairs, a narrow doorway or an attic opening could affect access.
2. The manufacturer label
If accessible without moving equipment or opening a cover, capture the label clearly. Model number, capacity and energy information can reduce guesswork. Avoid showing unrelated personal information.
3. Visible connections and clearance
A wider photo can show visible venting, pipes and nearby room space. Do not open an electrical panel, remove equipment covers, climb into unsafe spaces or touch gas or electrical components to obtain a photo.
What a photo cannot prove
Photos cannot verify hidden wiring, gas sizing, internal condition, permits, safe operation or final installation cost. Our AI-assisted review flags uncertainty for a person to check; it never issues a quote.
What happens to your photos
A person looks at every photo. If you tick the box, an AI checks each photo as you add it and reads the label, so you can retake a blurry one right away. To get you prices, we send local companies your photos, heater details and ZIP code, not your name, email or phone. Only the company whose quote you choose gets your contact details, after you say yes.
Sources
Sources checked September 28, 2026. Prices, codes and rebates change. Check current details with your installer and local permit office.