What Size Water Heater Do I Need for My House?
You’re taking the last shower of the morning and, what was once steaming two hours ago, is now ice cold. You know the feeling. You check your water tank and realize it’s just too small when you bought it before having two teenage children who play sports and eat from every plate in the kitchen. Constant showers, constant clothes washing, and dishwashing lead to cold showers very quickly. It’s time to consider a new water heater, but how many gallons do you need for you and your family?Calculating Water Heater Size
How many people are in your household is a great place to start calculating water heater size. On average, hand washing takes about 2 gallons, running the dishwasher uses 14 gallons, a bath or shower for one person is 20 gallons, and washing a load of laundry is 30 gallons. I you’re in a family of four, a 50-gallon water tank should cover all those showers and washings. Another number to calculate when buying a new water heater is the First Hour Rating (FHR). When a water heater tank is fully heated and waiting for activity, the FHR shows how efficiently the tank can handle refilling and heating in that peak hour of usage where showers and washing happen. For example, if you buy the 50-gallon hot water tank, it should have an FSH of 90, telling you it can provide 90 gallons in that peak period.
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- 1 or 2 people — 23 to 36 gallons (30-gallon tank).
- 2 to 4 people — 36 to 46 gallons (40-gallon tank).
- 3 to 5 people — 46 to 56 gallons (50-gallon tank for electric, or 40-gallon tank for gas).
- 5 or more people — over 56 gallons, adding 10 gallons per additional person (80-gallon tank for electric, or 50 gallon-tank for gas).
Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters
Electric Water Heater Benefits: | Gas Water Heater Benefits: |
Lower Purchase Price | Typically Lower Operating Costs |
Wider Range of Sizes | More Energy-Efficient |
Safer (no risk of gas leaks) | Able To Operate Without Power |
24/7 Emergency Service
(859) 278-0281