Choosing the right size water heater for your home can make all the difference between having hot water and having cold water. Choosing the wrong size can cause you to run out of hot water quickly to according to Simpson Plumbing, increase your energy bill and lead to expensive repairs and maintenance.
To determine the right water heater size, a plumber will first estimate your household’s peak hour demand. Then they’ll use this number to find a tank water heater with a “first hour rating” that’s within 1-2 gallons of your peak hour demand.
How Much Hot Water Do You Need?
The amount of hot water you need to provide for your home depends on several factors. One of the most important is how much hot water you need during a specific hour of the day, known as your “peak hour demand.”
When you’ve determined your peak hour demand, you’ll be able to find out the proper size water heater for your needs.
To calculate peak hour demand, think about all the hot water activities/appliances you typically use during this hour of the day.
Then, use the chart below to add up all the gallons of hot water you need during this hour. You’ll be able to compare your peak hour demand with the first-hour rating (FHR) of the water heater you choose to find the best fit for your home.
How Many People Live in Your Home?
How many people live in your home, and how often they shower, will influence the size of water heater you need. For example, a family of four may need a 50-gallon tank to supply enough hot water for their needs.
But if your family has five or more members, you’ll need a 60- or 80-gallon tank to provide adequate water.
Another factor to consider when sizing the right water heater is how much hot water you need during what’s known as your “peak hour,” which is the first hour of the day that you most need it. You can estimate this using a chart from the S. Department of Energy.
How Many Showers Do You Take?
There are a lot of appliances in your home that use water, like your dishwasher, shower, toilet, faucets and washing machine. And it’s no surprise that the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Showering is a great way to get rid of dirt, dead skin and germs on the surface of your body. It also rinses away allergens, bacteria and viruses.
How Many Water Appliances Do You Have?
Almost every household has at least one water appliance, be it a dishwasher, washing machine or even a bath. Upgrading your home’s water-using appliances and fixtures can make a huge difference to your utility bills, and to the environment as well.
Choosing the right size water heater for your home is a task that requires some research and analysis. The best way to do this is by using an XPERT water heater selection tool. It will help you determine the right water heater size for your household and provide a handy guide to the water-using appliances in your home. It also provides helpful tips on how to choose the water-efficient appliances that are right for your budget and lifestyle. The best way to learn more is to give us a call.
How Many Water Outlets Are in Your Home?
Determining the right size water heater for your home depends on many factors, including how many people live in your house and the number of water outlets you have. Some of these outlets are close to your water heater and others may be located further away. Also, the length of time that you shower each day and the average size of your bathtub are factors to consider. Using the XPERT(tm) Water Heater Selection Tool can help you determine the proper size water heater for your home. You can also find professional water heater installers in your area to assist you with choosing the right water heater.
