Ask Pete: What Is The Right Water Heater Capacity For My Home?

The Question: What Is The Right Water Heater Capacity For My Home?

As a homeowner, recognizing when it’s time to replace your water heater is crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. Signs that a new water heater is needed include age (typically 10-15 years), frequent repairs, higher energy bills, inconsistent water temperatures, or a leaky tank. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient unit can save on utility costs and provide a more reliable hot water supply, ensuring your home remains comfortable and environmentally friendly.

When our customers are ready for a new water heater, they often ask what is the right water heater capacity for their home. Here’s what Pete has to say.

Pete Says:

Determining the right water heater capacity for your home depends on things such as family size, hot water usage patterns, and efficiency needs. To ensure a steady hot water supply without wasting energy, consider both the First Hour Rating (FHR) and the Energy Factor (EF) when selecting a water heater. Consult a professional plumber or use online calculators to estimate your daily hot water demand, and choose a model that caters to your household’s unique requirements.

Typically, a 40-60 gallon tank will work for 1-3 people, and an 80+ gallon tank is best for families of four or more.

What About A Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water, eliminating the need for a storage tank. Their capacity is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), indicating the volume of hot water they can deliver instantaneously. Factors such as temperature rise and energy source impact their capacity. To determine the appropriate tankless water heater size for your home, calculate the combined GPM of all fixtures in use simultaneously and ensure the selected model meets or exceeds this requirement.

Get A Quote On A New Water Heater

We’re happy to come out and assess your water heater. We might be able to extend its life with a few repairs, or it might be time to get a quote for a replacement.

Call us now at 480-388-6093 for a fast, fair estimate from a pro you can trust.