When it’s time to invest in a new water heater for your home, you have several options to choose from. One of the most important factors to consider is the overall size of the water heater. We’ll share our best tips to help you determine the ideal size of water heater for your home.
Why Is Proper Sizing Important?
The size of the water heater you choose can significantly impact its overall operating performance and your comfort level. If you select a water heater that is too small, it will not meet your hot water demands. This can result in unwanted episodes of cold water and negatively affect your overall well-being.
If your water heater is too large, it will consume excess energy. Thus, opting for an oversized water heater incurs higher costs and wastes money through excessive energy usage. With the assistance of one of our knowledgeable plumbing professionals, you can easily choose an appropriately sized water heater.
Water Heater Types
Depending on your individual preferences, your home can have two types of water heater: the traditional tank water heater and the newer tankless variety. Traditional tank water heaters feature a large cylindrical storage tank with a specific gallon capacity. When you turn on the hot water, it runs until the entire capacity of the water heater has been used. After that, new water can be introduced into the tank to be heated for your next use.
Another type of water heater you can purchase is the tankless water heater. As the name implies, this type does not rely on a storage tank. Instead, it’s a smaller unit that mounts on the wall. Whenever you need hot water at one of your faucets or appliances, the water is heated as it flows through the heater. The amount of water this type of heater can heat is measured in gallons per minute.
A lesser-known type due to its initial price and reliability, a heat pump water heater has recently become an option for those seeking an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution. Heat pump water heaters are energy-efficient systems that use electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air to heat water rather than generating heat directly. This makes them more eco-friendly and cost-effective than traditional water heaters.
Choosing an Ideal Tanked Water Heater Capacity
Generally, the capacity of a tank water heater is best estimated based on the size of your household. If only one or two people live in your home, a 30 to 40-gallon water heater is typically sufficient. For two to three people, investing in a heater that holds between 40 and 50 gallons is advisable.
If you have three to four people living in your home, a 50- to 75-gallon water heater is ideal. For five or more people, you’ll want to install a water heater with at least 75 gallons. One of our plumbing professionals can help you determine the appropriate size for your household, as you must also consider the number of appliances that use water and the number of fixtures.
Choosing an Ideal Tankless Water Heater GPM
Determining the ideal size for your new tankless water heater depends on three main factors: your total water usage, your location, and the number of people living in your home. The capacity of your tankless water heater is expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). It’s advisable to add up the GPM requirements for each fixture in your home to find out the total gallons per minute your new water heater needs.
You can consult the manufacturer’s owner’s manual to find the specific water usage of each appliance and fixture. Generally, a shower uses about two to three gallons per minute. A faucet averages one to two gallons, while a dishwasher consumes about one and a half to two gallons. Most washing machines typically use between two and two and a half gallons per minute.
Tankless water heaters come in sizes from as low as 2 up to approximately 12 gallons per minute. The average household typically requires a tankless water heater with a capacity between 5 and 10 gallons per minute. If your household has more than six family members, you may want to consider a larger tankless water heater. In some situations, you might need to invest in multiple tankless water heaters to satisfy the hot water demands of your entire household. One of our experienced plumbers can assess your needs and help you identify the right size of tankless water heater for your home.
Adjusting When Your Needs Change
It’s essential to remember that when purchasing your water heater, you should consider both your current needs and those you might have in the near future. Unfortunately, as is often the case in life, our circumstances can change over time. For example, you might plan to add an extension to your home that includes an extra bathroom. You may also find that more people are living with you than you originally expected. When your circumstances shift, and your hot water demand rises, you will likely need to upgrade your water heater to accommodate a higher operating capacity.
Top Signs That Your Current Water Heater Is Too Small
Several key indicators suggest that your current water heater is inadequate for your home’s needs. One of the most noticeable signs is that you frequently run out of hot water too quickly. For example, you might observe that your hot water supply depletes rapidly when you attempt multiple tasks that require hot water, such as running the dishwasher while showering.
Other Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Water Heater
In addition to the overall capacity of your new water heater, you should also take other important factors into account when deciding which one to purchase for your home. One of the most critical factors is the type of fuel that your water heater uses.
A water heater can generally operate on one of three fuel types: electricity, natural gas, or propane. Natural gas is typically the most cost-effective option, whereas electricity tends to be the most expensive. Other important factors to consider include smart technology integration, the unit’s efficiency rating, warranty coverage, and its upfront cost.
When purchasing a tank or tankless water heater, consider the recovery rate to ensure there is enough hot water, the space requirements for proper installation, and the warranty for long-term reliability. Additionally, a brand’s reputation ensures quality and performance. By evaluating these factors, you can select a water heater that efficiently and effectively meets your household needs.
Reliable Water Heater Installation Service
Goettl's High Desert Mechanical offers reliable water heater installation services for the entire Verde, AZ, community. We also assist with your heating, air conditioning, plumbing, dryer vent cleaning, indoor air quality, ductless systems, air ducts, zoned control systems, and commercial service needs. Get in touch with our friendly office staff today by phone or by completing our online contact form, and we will respond to schedule your next service consultation with one of our expert plumbers or HVAC technicians.
