When it comes to heating your home, nothing beats a reliable water heater. But it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your home, particularly if you’re renting and don’t have the opportunity to see what size hot water tank is appropriate for your home. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right water heater for your home, including the size of your family, how often you use hot water, and even if you have a natural gas or electric water heater installed. Here are some tips to help you find the right water heater for your home:

Check your home’s water consumption.

The first thing to do is check your water consumption, particularly if you’re renting and don’t have access to your water bill. This will help you determine the size of water tank that is appropriate for your home. It’s also a good idea to check the water pressure in your home. High water pressure can help ensure that your hot water is as hot as possible, particularly if you have a low flow water heating system. If you have low water pressure, you may want to consider installing a pressure regulator to help make the water flow more efficiently through your water heater.

Consider your natural gas or electric water heater.

If you have an existing water heater, it’s important to consider the make and model of the water heater. Some water heaters are larger than others, and it’s important to choose one that is sized appropriately for your home. If you have an electric water heater, it’s important to make sure that the power source in your home is up-to-date, particularly if you live in an older home. If you have a natural gas water heater, you’ll want to make sure that you have an adequate gas line and regulator installed.

Determine your hot water needs.

Next, you’ll want to determine your hot water needs. This will help you determine the size of water tank you need. Generally, you’ll want to have at least 20 to 25 gallons of hot water available at all times. This will allow you to comfortably bathe your family and/or guests, and wash your clothes. If you have a large family, it’s also a good idea to have some hot water on hand in case of emergency.

Be sure it’s in your budget.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a water heater is your budget. While there are many models of water tank out there, it’s important to make sure that you’re within your budget. This will help ensure that you have a quality product that will last for years.

Find the right size for your home.

Finally, you’ll want to find the right size of water tank for your home. Generally, a large water tank is best in a two- or three-bedroom home, while a smaller water tank is recommended in a one-bedroom home. It’s important to note that the typical water tank capacity for a one-bedroom home is about 15 gallons. This is because a smaller water tank is typically less efficient than a larger water tank, and is more likely to run out of hot water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water heater for your home is a great way to make sure that you have a reliable source of hot water. Be sure to take into consideration your water consumption, your hot water needs, the size of your home, and your budget. With these things in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right water tank for 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.