Storage Water Heater Size report
Most domestic water heaters are storage type. These are insulated tanks with 20 to 120-gallon electric heating elements or gas burners. The storage tank positions the hot water at the top of the bottom and the cold entry, allowing you to use the hot water consistently until the hot water in the storage tank is nearly depleted.
Storage water heaters store hot water long-term or temporarily and are equipped with devices to control or limit the temperature of the water. The storage water heaters are commonly used in households that are easy to install and inexpensive. Still, they need to be heated for a long time and available after reaching a specific temperature.
There are many brands of storage water heaters in the market, and the quality varies greatly. Customers should first consider the family's needs for hot water when choosing a storage water heater. The following is a storage water heater sizing guide.
Storage Water Heater Size Guide
The storage water heater is a traditional heater that we commonly use. There is a larger hot water storage tank. The storage tank's capacity should be calculated and selected according to how much hot water you need on average, in case there is not enough water for your household.
Unless you choose a tankless water heater, you will need a larger tank for a larger household. The storage water heater takes up a lot of space, and the electric power required for starting is small. Due to the long-term storage of water in the tank, scale is easy to accumulate in the water tank and pipeline, and it is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and timely maintenance.
Recommended Storage Water Heater Sizes
Storage tank water heaters are classified by the amount of water they hold in gallons. Household size plays a big role in determining the right water heater size.
| Family size | Tank Capacity For High Damand | Tank Capacity For Regular/Low Damand |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | 30-40 gallons | 30 gallons |
| 2 to 3 people | 40-50 gallons | 40 gallons |
| 3 to 4 people | 50-60 gallons | 40 gallons |
| 5+ people | 60-80 gallons | 50 gallons |
How to determine the Right tank water heater size
Storage water heaters range in tank sizes from 20 to 120 gallons; the most common sizes are 40 to 80 gallons, and it is important to match your home needs. To properly size a storage water heater for your home, use the First-Hour Rating. It tells you the amount of hot water the water heater can deliver in one hour. You will find an EnergyGuide label on all conventional storage water heaters.
Another consideration for storage tank water heaters is recovery rate: the gallons of water it can heat in an hour while refilling the tank. The greater your demand for hot water, the higher the recovery rate you need. The higher the BTU input and efficiency, the faster the recovery.
Understanding Your Hot Water Needs
It would be best to determine what time of day you use the highest amount of hot water at home. And keep in mind the number of people living in your home. You can also consider other appliances that use hot water, such as your washing machine and dishwasher.
| Activity | Hot Water Used |
|---|---|
| Clothes washer | 25 to 40 gallons per load |
| Dishwasher | 5 to 10 gallons per load |
| Hand dishwashing | 3 to 4 gallons |
| Tub bath | 15 to 25 gallons |
| Shower | 3 gallons per minute |
| Shampooing | 5 gallons |
| Shaving | 2 gallons |
| Hand washing | 1 to 2 gallons |
| House cleaning | 5 to 12 gallons |
Know Your Space Size
After understanding your hot water needs, consider the available space size for a tank water heater. Large storage tank water heaters require a large area for installation and may not be ideal for small spaces. They are often installed in basements, closets, and places away from general living.
- Lowboys Water Heaters: These units are shorter and broader than a regular tank water heater. Lowboys vary between 30 to 49 inches and hold up to 50 gallons of water.
- Tall Water Heaters: Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches in height and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They're ideal for basements or garages where height isn't an issue.
Conclusion
Tank water heaters come in various sizes, including compact sizes to fit into small spaces. You should determine the right water heater size based on your family size and everyday hot water needs. Remember that the above size charts are general guidelines since no two families' hot water needs are exactly alike.
