Did you know that the lifespan of a water heater depends on the type of system you have? Therefore, when choosing one, you must follow some recommendations to make a wise decision!
One of the main aspects when purchasing a new water heater is its size. How to choose the right one?
Have you ever wondered: “What size of water heater do I need”? We have good news: You have come to the right place! Here, you can find a short guide to picking the best option.
How Much Hot Water Do You Need
Determining the correct size for your home’s water heater can be a bit tricky. However, if you consider the right aspects, you can find the answer in less time than you think.
First, you must know your hot water usage habits. Is your family big? If so, you may need a water heater tank with a larger capacity.
You should also know how many water appliances you use. Do you need to employ two or four at the same time? In that case, you may need a much larger water heater. As you can see, this step is important in determining what kind of device you should buy to ensure you have enough warm water all day.
How a Water Heater Capacity Is Measured
In the United States, a water heater tank capacity is measured in gallons. Also, the most common models on the market hold 40-60 gallons.
Therefore, if you prefer traditional devices and choose a storage-tank water heater, you should also take into account its capacity in gallons compared to how much water you use in your house. These are the two key aspects in this regard:
Peak Hour Demand
The term “peak hour demand” indicates how much hot water you and your family use during a busy hour.
First-Hour Rating
Also known as FHR, the first-hour rating describes the amount of hot water a heater can produce in the same period (one hour).
In this sense, if you want to determine the correct size of the water heater you need for your home, you should consider these two aspects and do some math. However, we want to help you make the process easier, so we outline the steps you need to follow here:
- Add the hot water demand of all the devices you have in your home and will use during the “busy hour”
- Calculate the average amount of hot water in gallons, for example, if you use the washing machine and take two showers a day, that equals 65-70 gallons
- Determine the type of water heater (if you need one that will work during the “first hour,” then you should make sure that the water heater can produce 65-70 gallons of water in that time)
Other Factors That Influence the Size of Water Heater You Need
However, if you have a family of four or more, everyone showers several times a day, or you have to wash the dishes at least three times, the average amount of water can be much larger.
In addition, how many gallons of hot water you need can also vary depending on whether you use a bathtub or a shower, for example.
Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater can be the perfect solution if you have a large family or need to draw hot water from two or more sources at the same time.
If you want a gallon water heater that is not visible, this one may be the perfect choice since it is easy to hide, depending on the model.
Tankless water heaters are rated based on how many gallons of hot water they can produce per minute. Therefore, again, you must do some math. These are the steps you must follow to calculate the amount of water you need:
- Add the hot water that your household uses simultaneously (if you want to run the dishwasher while taking a shower, for example)
- Determine the average temperature of the groundwater, depending on the state where you live (in northern areas with colder climates and there’s cold water, you need a tank that makes the water temperature rise higher)
- Choose a tankless water heater gallon size depending on the result of your calculations (don’t forget to estimate the flow rate)
[Related: How Long Does It Take To Install a Water Heater?]
Work With the Pros
Do you still have doubts about the type of gallon water heater you need? Don’t worry! We can lend you a hand!
At Stellar Plumbing, we know you can find many water heaters on the market, and we understand how difficult choosing the right one can be. Our team can advise you to pick the size that fits your household’s hot water needs.
Whether you need an electric water heater or a small-size tankless water heater, our specialists can help you at every step of the process, from estimating the flow rate to determining which model is best for you and making the installation. Call us today!