24/7 Answering Service
We rely on hot water for things like bathing, cleaning, and cooking. Routine maintenance can help protect your water heater so it lasts for many years, but it will eventually need to be replaced because of typical wear and tear. A typical water heater is expected to last approximately 15 years if it has a tank setup. For a tankless system, you’ll get about 20 years of routine maintenance. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, let’s look at the basics of determining your home’s ideal water heater size.
Consider Number of People
A large factor we take into consideration when determining the ideal size of a water heater in your home is the number of people who live there. This determines how much water you’ll need throughout the course of the day. If you purchase a water heater that’s far too small for your home, this can drain the tank quickly and leave people without hot water. However, purchasing a unit that’s too large can result in high energy bills as your tank will have to maintain a set temperature whether water is being used or not. A tank that’s too small will also require more water heater repair, since it will acquire more wear and tear from overuse and having to work harder to heat enough water for your needs.
A household with one to two people will benefit from a tank that’s around 25 to 35 gallons. A household with two to four people should upgrade to a water heater that is approximately 35 to 45 gallons. If you have three to five people in the home, 45 to 55 gallons will suffice. A household with more than five people should invest in a water heater that’s about 10 gallons per person. At a minimum, a unit that holds 55 gallons is ideal.
First-Hour Rating
The first-hour rating indicates the amount of hot water that a heater can provide in one hour when fully heated. This offers key information regarding efficiency and convenience. Consider all of the activities in your home that you could have occurring at once. You want a first-hour rating that will, at least, meet that number of gallons of hot water. Exceeding it is ideal.
Consider Your Budget
Budget plays a role in what kind and size of water heater you can purchase. Keep in mind that your initial investment may seem substantial, but you can save money over time by choosing the right-sized heater. Also, there are often incentives and rebates that can help offset the cost of a new water heater, allowing you to afford a unit that’s appropriately sized for your home and your family’s hot water needs.
Think About Gas Versus Electric
You also must determine whether you want to invest in a gas or electric-powered water heater. Pricing can vary in Greenville, TX, and your location may determine your choice. Overall, gas water heaters tend to have a lower operating cost. If you need a large heater, you may benefit from a more efficient power source. Electric water heaters boast easier maintenance and fewer repairs, which can save you money in the long run as well.
Consider a Tankless Hot Water Heater
Consider all the factors that contribute to your hot water usage. If you are concerned that even the largest heater you can find won’t suffice, you may want to consider a tankless model. This provides on-demand hot water whenever you need it. It can also save you money since you don’t have to maintain a certain temperature in a tank. That means the heater won’t have to pre-heat your water and then keep it warm for you; which is a much more energy-efficient way to deliver hot water. While it will take a few moments to warm up water coming out of your fixtures, there will be none of the supply issues of tanked heaters since they don’t have a limited tank capacity. Lastly, tankless models are easier to maintain.
If you would like assistance with choosing a water heater, reach out to our team at Patterson Plumbing in Greenville, TX. We can also help with the installation of your new water heater. We offer other home plumbing services, such as drain repair, drain cleaning, sewer repair, and pipe repair as well. We also offer commercial plumbing services. Rooter services, emergency water heater repairs, and gas leak detection are available, too.
Contact Patterson Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
