What Size Water Heater Do I Need For My Home?

Do you need to upgrade your home’s hot water heater? Before buying the shiniest water heater you can find at Home Depot, you should first determine what size water heater you actually need.

When is it time to replace my water heater?

But first, do you really need to replace your home’s water heater? Here’s how to tell if your home water heating system needs an upgrade:

• Age. How long have you had the water heating system? Standard water heaters usually last around eight to twelve years, so if your system has been with you for more than a decade, it would be better to buy a new one than to repair it.
• Cold showers. If your household has been suffering from freezing showers for far too long, this could indicate that it’s time to replace your unit.
• Rising electricity bills. If your water heater is inefficient, it’ll have to work harder to generate hot water. This means it has to use more energy.
• Reddish discoloration. Don’t freak out. The reddish tint in your water isn’t something from a horror movie. But when you do notice a reddish tint in your water, it could be a sign of corrosion.
• Frequent repairs. Have you spent hundreds of dollars on repairs? Sometimes, it’s more economical to replace your water heater than to repair it. Your water heating system should only be repaired twice a year at most.

What size should my home water heater be?

Not all water heaters were made the same. Some water heaters won’t be able to meet your household’s hot water needs. To get an estimate of what size water heater you need, follow this cheat sheet:

• 1 to 2 household members = 30- to 40-gallon tank
• 2 to 3 household members = 40- to 50-gallon tank
• 3 to 4 household members people = 50- to 60-gallon tank
• 5 or more household members = 60- to 80-gallon tank

It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the most accurate method of sizing a water heater. You should also consider your household’s daily water usage habits. For example, if your family of five uses numerous appliances at once, you may need a larger water heater. If you buy a water heater that’s too small, your water heater will have to work harder. As a result, your electricity bills will rise, and you’ll have to deal with costly tune-ups, too.

What is the “first-hour rating”?

Aside from your household’s usage, you should also consider the water heater’s first-hour rating (FHR). The FHR describes the amount of hot water the tank can produce each hour

When shopping for a water heater, you should look for a unit with an FHR that’s more than the amount of water you need during the busiest hour of the day. For instance, if your household usually uses 70 gallons of water from 8 A.M. to 9 A.M., look for a water heater with a tank that’s at least 75 gallons.

Talk to the pros

There are other methods of figuring out what size water heater you should get. Of course, you should also consider the space you have in your home. That’s why it would be best to consult licensed plumbing experts. They can help you calculate the right size water heater for your home, as well as recommend ways to be more energy-efficient. For more information, reach out to Beeson Mechanical Service at 317-535-9338!