When you buy a new home or move to a new house, one of the first things you need to decide on is what size water heater you want installed. This is because the type of water heater you choose will depend on the size of your home, number of occupants and climate. Depending on your situation, there are several different types of water heaters that could be used in your home. The type you select will depend on where you live, the size of your family and the amount of water you use. There are three main types of water heaters:- Electric tankless water heaters: These are installed indoors or outdoors and use electricity to heat water while it is flowing through the pipes. They are usually used in areas where the water supply pressure is very high or where there are frequent fluctuations in demand for hot water.- Ground source heat pumps: These are used in areas where the soil is naturally warm and can supply enough energy to heat water for a large home. Ground source heat pumps are also a good option for areas with water shortages because they don’t require water to be drawn from the groundwater.- Conventional water heaters: These are installed indoors or outdoors and use natural gas, oil, propane or electricity to heat water while it is in a large storage tank. They are usually the most common type of water heater used in homes.

Which Size Water Heater Should You Choose?

The size of water heater you choose will depend on two main factors: the number of people in your family and the number of appliances and fixtures in your home that use water. Generally speaking, most experts recommend a 40-gallon water heater for a single-family home, a 50-gallon water heater for a two-family home, a 60-gallon water heater for a three-family home and a 70-gallon water heater for a four- or five-family home. The number you choose will depend on the flow of water and the amount of hot water your family uses on a daily basis. You should also take into account the type of water supply at your home. If you live in an area with hard water, you may also want to consider installing a water softening system. If you live in an apartment or a condo, you will likely have a smaller water heater than you would in a single-family home. You may also want to consider installing a smaller water heater if your building has a central cooling system that relies on water from the water main.

Determining the Right Size Water Heater for Your Home

When considering the size of your water heater, it is important to remember that your water heater should be a certain size larger than the water fixtures in your home. For example, if you have a family of four and you have two toilets, two showers and a washing machine, you will need a water heater that is at least 70 gallons. The more water you use on a daily basis, the larger your water heater should be. If you live in a colder climate and use a lot of hot water for heating, you will likely need a larger water heater than someone who lives in a warmer climate and does not use much hot water for heating.

How to Size the Right Water Heater for Your Family

The number of people living in your home will affect the size of your water heater. Generally speaking, families with children will need a larger water heater than families with no children. If you have a child who will be bathing multiple times a week, you will likely need a water heater that can supply a large amount of hot water. On the other hand, if you have a family with children who will not be bathing frequently, you may want to consider installing a smaller water heater. You should also consider the type of appliances you plan to use when determining the size of your water heater. For example, if you plan to install a large number of water-using appliances like a dishwasher and a clothes washer, you will need a water heater with a larger capacity. If you have a new pool or a large garden, you may also want to consider installing a larger water heater.

How to Size the Right Water Heater for Your Home Location

The type of water supply at your home will also affect the size of your water heater. If you live in an area that has an abundant water supply, like a lake or a river, you may want to consider installing a smaller water heater. If you live in an area with a limited water supply, like a stream or a well, you may want to consider installing a larger water heater. Location can also affect the type of water heater you should use. If you live in an area where the soil is naturally warm, you may want to consider installing a ground source heat pump. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to install a conventional water heater.

Conclusion

When choosing the right size water heater for your home, it is important to consider the number of people in your family and the number of water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. You should also consider the type of water supply at your home. There are three main types of water heaters: electric tankless water heaters, ground source heat pumps and conventional water heaters. The size of water heater you choose will depend on the number of people in your family, the number of water-using appliances and fixtures in your home and the type of water supply at your home.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.