Typically this math breaks down so that families with:
- 1-2 people need a 30-gallon water heater
- 2-3 people need a 40-gallon water heater
- 3-4 people need a 40-50 gallon water heater
- 5 or more people need a 50-80 gallon water heater
Full Answer
How do you determine the size of my water heater?
Measure the amount of water and multiply by 60 to get the gallons per minute (or liters per minute).The flow rate through the demand water heater should be at least 3.25 gallons (12.3 liters) per minute. To reduce flow rates, install low-flow water fixtures.
What size water heater is right for your home?
The key spec that helps us adequately size a water heater is the water heater capacity rating. We talk about 30-gallon, 40-gallon, 50-gallon, 60-gallon water heaters. That number of gallons is the ‘water heater capacity rating’. This is also known as ‘first hour rating’.
How to determine what size water heater?
6 rows · Dec 29, 2021 · Typically, residential water heater sizes range from 40 to 100 gallon tanks. Usually, most ...
How to tell if my water heater is bad?
How big should my water heater be? The most common water heater capacities are 40 and 60 gallons (180 and 270 litres, respectively). They also come in 20-, 80- and even 100-gallon sizes. Choosing a tank that's too big will bump up your electricity bill, while a size too small could cause you to run out of hot water.
What size water heater do I need for family of 4?
For a four-person family, a 50-gallon water heater is sufficient. 50-gallons is good if you're using electricity, and 40 gallons will work for natural gas or propane. Families with more than five persons may benefit from an 80-gallon electric water heater or 50-gallon gas water heater.Nov 30, 2019
Is a 50 gallon water heater enough?
Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people. Energy consumption for 40 and 50 gallon standard water heaters is quite comparable.Nov 19, 2015
What size water heater do I need for a family of 5?
For example, a family of 5 – 7 people may not require a 60 – 80 gallon water heater. In some cases, a family of this size may be able to get by with a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. In addition, a family with 2 members may require a water heater with a water tank that is larger than 30 gallons.Jun 8, 2020
How do I know what size water heater I need?
Look for a sticker on the side of your water heater. It should have the serial number and other information as well as the gallon capacity listed. This is the capacity of your water heater.Jan 17, 2016
How many showers can you get out of a 50 gallon water heater?
On a national average of 8 minutes to take a shower you can can get 2 showers out of a 50 gallon water heater. Based on 17 minutes of hot water run time at 2.1 gallons per minute shower head flow calculation also from a 50 gallon water heater.
How many showers can you have in a 50 gallon tank?
A 50 gallon water heater is the most common tank we install. It is such a common size because it can supply hot water for 3 – 5 people. Considering an average shower uses 17.2 gallons of water you can typically have enough hot water for up to five people to take a shower within an hour.
Is a 10 gallon water heater enough for a shower?
Determining how much hot water your water heater should provide per shower depends largely on the size of your hot water tank. For instance, a typical shower uses about 10 gallons of hot water. So, if you have a 40-gallon hot water tank, you should be able to get four average-length showers out of your hot water tank.Mar 3, 2020
Is a 20 gallon hot water heater big enough?
20-gallon water heaters are a unique size. They're large enough for smaller homes that don't require large amounts of hot water, yet they're an excellent choice for high-demand point-of-use (POU) applications such as bathrooms with showers. The versatility of the 20-gallon size makes these heaters ideal for many uses.
Is a 30 gallon water heater enough?
When all is said and done, here is what the math tells us should work for you: 1-2 people need a 30-gallon water heater. 2-3 people need a 40-gallon water heater. 3-4 people need a 40-50 gallon water heater.
How big is a 40-gallon water heater?
Smith® 40-Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater 18"D x 61-1/4" H | HD Supply.
What size of water tank do I need?
When selecting the size of the hot water cylinder, a simple rule of thumb is that for a typical domestic household, you should allow between 35 and 45 litres for every occupant. That said a mains pressure system can use about 18 litres of water per minute at 40 degrees Celsius if a decent quality shower head is used.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.Aug 25, 2015
How hot is water in a water heater?
Typically, a 70ºF (39ºC) water temperature rise is possible at a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute through gas-fired demand water heaters and 2 gallons per minute through electric ones. Faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures can sometimes reduce the water temperature at the most distant faucet.
What is the first hour rating on a water heater?
The first hour rating is the number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour (starting with a tank full of hot water). It depends on the tank capacity, source of heat (burner or element), and the size of the burner or element. The EnergyGuide label lists the first hour rating in the top left corner as "Capacity (first hour rating).". ...
What temperature should a dishwasher be?
For dishwashers without internal heaters and other such applications, you might want your water heated at 140ºF (60ºC). In that case, you'll need a temperature rise of 90ºF (50ºC). Most demand water heaters are rated for a variety of inlet temperatures. Typically, a 70ºF (39ºC) water temperature rise is possible at a flow rate ...
How to determine temperature rise?
To determine temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired output temperature. Unless you know otherwise, assume that the incoming water temperature is 50ºF (10ºC). For most uses, you'll want your water heated to 120ºF (49ºC).
How many people can fit in a 50 gallon tank?
A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.
How to calculate peak hour?
To estimate your peak hour demand: 1 Determine what time of day (morning, noon, evening) you use the most hot water in your home. Keep in mind the number of people living in your home. 2 Use the worksheet below to estimate your maximum usage of hot water during this one hour of the day—this is your peak hour demand. Note: the worksheet does not estimate total daily hot water usage.
How big is a 50 gallon water heater?
For example, a 50-gallon tank water heater can be as much as six feet high and 22 inches in diameter . But a tankless option with comparable output—for instance, the Takagi Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater (available from SupplyHouse )—is just 20 inches high, 14 inches wide, and less than 10 inches deep.
How many gallons of water does a tank heater need?
You can estimate the necessary tank capacity (in gallons) based on the number of people in the house: 1 or 2 people—23 to 36 gallons. 2 to 4 people—36 to 46 gallons. 3 to 5 people—46 to 56 gallons.
What is the FHR rating for a water heater?
In addition to tank capacity, consider a water heater’s first hour rating. The first hour rating (FHR) describes how much hot water a given tank can produce in a single hour when it’s fully heated. This figure reflects the appliance’s efficiency (how quickly the water heater can reheat the water) and gives an idea of what it can handle ...
How many gpm does a dishwasher need?
Dishwasher—3 gpm. Clothes washer—3 gpm. For example, if your peak usage occurs after dinner when you’re running the dishwasher and taking a shower at the same time (3 gpm + 2.5 gpm), you’ll need a tankless water heater with a minimum 5.5 gpm flow rate. Next, determine the temperature of the water entering your house.
Do tankless water heaters store hot water?
Tankless water heaters do not store hot water. Instead, they heat it as it’s needed. “Flow rate is the key spec when sizing a tankless water heater,” O’Brian says. The following information will help you estimate your family’s flow rate needs.
What does FHR mean on a heater?
The FHR rating indicates how many gallons of water a heater can produce at any given hour. You will find this number on the Yellow Energy Guide Label. (see below)
How to calculate FHR?
Easy Calculation. Step 1: tally the number of people living in your home. If you have a family member that is there frequently, or on a regular basis (but not full time), like a step child for example, count them in as well. Step 2: multiply the number of people in your household by 12. This is the FHR.
What is peak hour demand?
Your peak hour demand. This is the amount of hot water your household uses during the busiest time of day for your family. For example: taking 2-3 showers at the same time, while doing laundry, and running a dishwasher. (see below how to calculate peak hour demand).
How old is too old to have a water heater?
Technology provides for adequate supply while saving energy. Water heaters that are more than 10 years old are doing your home more harm than good. Learn about the different types of hot-water heaters, which are the most energy efficient and how to get money back in federal tax credit.
How to meet water needs?
Learn some handy numbers to help you meet your water needs. Reduce Hot Water Use. Think of all a household's water-related activities: warm showers, clothes washing, dishwasher loads — all of which are dependent on the water heater. Nearly 90% of the energy used washing clothes comes is due to water heating. Try changing subtle behaviors ...
How to reduce energy bills in house?
Cut energy bills with the green alternative to electricity and natural gas. Extend your water heater's life span by draining the tank annually to remove any sediment that may have built up. From thermostats to drafty windows, get tips for saving energy and money around the house.
