Water heater went out- energy star, and recs?

squeakytaco

Our water heater went out last night (of course, right before vacation - what else can happen?  Tornado, E had 14 bug bites on her head and we had to go to the doctor because they got infected, and now broken water heater!!!!)

Anyway, we won't replace till we get back, but I need to know if anyone knows much about water heaters and their green-ness?  We have a gas heater, so I don't think we can do any of the new heaters that recirculate the hot water or anything?