Size matters when it comes to tank water heaters. There is nothing worse than your shower turning cold or running out of hot water in the middle of doing dishes. This can happen if your water heater is not sized correctly for your household needs. The size of your water heater directly impacts how much hot water it can store and deliver. You might now be asking, “What size water heater do I need?” We are here to help you figure that out.
Factors That Will Influence the Size You Need
Choosing the correct water heater size for your home is necessary for a consistent hot water supply that meets your everyday needs. To figure out the size that fits your household best, you should consider the following factors:
Household Size and Hot Water Usage
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new water heater is the number of people living in your home. Each person uses hot water for different tasks such as showers, baths, washing dishes, and doing laundry. The more people in the household, the higher the overall hot water usage will be. Here are a few general guidelines:
- For a household of 1-2 people, a 30-40 gallon water heater can get the job done.
- For 2-3 people, a 40-50 gallon water heater is recommended by professionals.
- For 3-4 people, consider a 50-60 gallon water heater.
- For households with 5 or more people, a 60-80 gallon water heater may be needed
While the number of household members is important, you also need to factor in their hot water usage patterns. For example, if you have 5 people living in your home, but only two of them take long showers daily, a smaller water heater may work.
First Hour Rating (FHR)
The First Hour Rating (FHR) is a term you may not be familiar with, but it is a key factor in determining the size of your water heater. FHR refers to how much hot water a unit can supply during its busiest hour, typically right after everyone wakes up and starts their day. It includes the amount of hot water stored in the tank plus the unit’s recovery rate. To make sure you have enough hot water for your household’s peak usage, choose a water heater with an FHR that meets or exceeds your needs.
To determine the required FHR for your home, calculate your peak hour usage. You can do this by adding up the gallons of hot water used by all household members during the busiest hour of the day. Consider the estimates for the following activities:
- Showering: 10 gallons per shower
- Bathing: 20 gallons per bath
- Hand-washing dishes: 4 gallons
- Automatic dishwasher: 6 gallons
- Laundry: 7 gallons per load
- Handwashing: 2 gallons per person
Find your peak hour demand by adding up these values. From there, you should make sure you browse water heaters with an FHR that matches or exceeds your number so you don’t ever have to deal with unexpected cold showers.
Climate and Water Temperature
The climate and temperature of incoming water in your area can also affect your water heater’s performance and size requirements. In colder areas, the incoming water temperature is lower. This means that more energy is required to heat it to the desired temperature. If this is the case for you, you may need a larger or more powerful water heater to maintain a consistent supply of hot water.
Future Household Changes
You should keep in mind any changes in your future household size or hot water usage. For instance, if you plan to expand your family or have guests over frequently, you may need a larger water heater for the increased demand. Planning for the future will help you avoid the inconvenience of needing to upgrade your water heater later.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another important factor of water heaters. The fuel type should be considered for energy efficiency; the two main types are electric and gas-powered water heaters. Choosing a water heater with high energy efficiency ratings can reduce its operating costs and environmental impact. While these models may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings can make them a worthwhile investment.
How to Pick the Perfect Size Water Heater
Now that you know the main factors to consider when choosing a water heater, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of determining the perfect size for your household.
1. Calculate Peak Hour Demand:
As we mentioned earlier, you should add the gallons of hot water used by all household members during the busiest hour of the day.
2. Match FHR to Peak Hour Demand:
Make sure the water heater’s First Hour Rating meets or exceeds your peak hour demand. You can find this information on the water heater’s label or product specifications.
3. Tank Size
Keep in mind that a larger tank can supply more hot water, but it also means higher energy costs for heating unused water. A smaller tank may be more energy-efficient, but you risk running out of hot water during peak usage times.
4. Factor in Recovery Time:
The recovery time is the length of time it takes for the water heater to heat up a full tank of cold water after use. A shorter recovery time means your hot water supply will replenish faster, making it less likely to run out during peak demand periods.
5. Choose the Right Water Heater Type:
Decide between a tank or tankless water heater based on your household’s hot water usage patterns. Tank heaters are ideal for homes with high peak hour usage, while tankless heaters are more suitable for continuous, on-demand hot water needs.
6. Account for Climate and Incoming Water Temperature:
In colder climates, water heaters require more energy. Households in these areas demand a larger or more efficient water heater to maintain a consistent hot water supply.
7. Consider Future Needs:
Think about potential changes in household size or lifestyle that might increase hot water usage and adjust accordingly.
8. Consult with a Professional:
If you’re unsure about the right size, don’t be afraid to consult with a professional plumber. They can assess your household’s needs, calculate peak hour usage, and recommend the best water heater size and type for your home.
Water heaters are a household staple, so it is important to secure one that is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and right for your specific needs.
In the Market for a New Water Heater? Contact Nearby Plumbing Today
If you are still unsure about what size water heater you need, don’t just make a guess. It is important to get the right size for your household’s hot water needs. At Nearby Plumbing, we have a team of experts who can help you determine the perfect size for your home. Our experienced technicians can also install your new water heater to ensure it is working as it should. On top of that, we offer maintenance services to keep your water heater in top shape. Contact us today for all your water heater needs!