How big a hot water heater do you really need?

When installing a new hot water heater, it is important to choose the right size for your home and family. One that’s too big will increase your utility bills, but one that’s too small won’t provide enough hot water. Here’s how to determine what size hot water heater your family needs.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

Traditional storage water heaters need to hold enough water in their tank to meet your family’s peak demand. Every water heater has a first hour rating (FHR), which you can use to determine if a storage tank is large enough for your family.

To calculate your family’s desired FHR, first tally the number of people in your home. For most families, the number of bedrooms plus one is a good number to use for the number of people. For instance, a three-bedroom house would typically have a family size of four. Then, multiply this number by 12 gallons. That is the FHR. In the three-bedroom example that has four people, the FHR would be 48 gallons.

A hot water heater that has an FHR within a couple gallons of the number you just calculated should meet your family’s needs. You may want to adjust the figure, though, if you have a soaking tub or other special consideration. 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

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters’ capacities aren’t measured in gallons stored but in flow rates. A tankless water heaters’ flow rate should be equal to your family’s peak demand.

To determine what size tankless water heater your family needs, list the water devices you expect to be used simultaneously. Then, add up the flow rates of each. The tankless water heater should have a flow rate equal to the number you arrive at. Many models have a maximum flow rate of 3.5 gallons, which is enough for a sink faucet and shower.

Seek Advice

If you want help calculating what size water heater your family needs, contact us at The Plumbing Source. We’ll go over the math with you and make sure you find a hot water heater that’s the perfect size for your family. Call today! 877-768-7239.