How do I choose a hot water heater?

When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, consider the following:
  1. Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating will not only affect the water heater's annual operation costs but also its size and energy efficiency. ...
  2. Size. ...
  3. Energy efficiency. ...
  4. Costs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on energy.gov


How do I know what size hot water heater I need?

You can estimate the necessary tank capacity (in gallons) based on the number of people in the house:
  1. 1 or 2 people—23 to 36 gallons.
  2. 2 to 4 people—36 to 46 gallons.
  3. 3 to 5 people—46 to 56 gallons.
  4. 5 or more people—over 56 gallons (add 10 gallons per additional person)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bobvila.com


What kind of water heater should I install?

Energy efficiency: Choose a heat pump, Marathon Series, solar, or tankless water heater. Saving space: Tankless is the best option. Eliminating utility costs: Install a solar water heater. Instant hot water: Recirculation pumps are the way to go.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pvhvac.com


What is a normal size hot water heater for a house?

For 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons. For 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons. For 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons. For 5+ people: 60-80 gallons.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on plumbingtoday.biz


What is the difference between 40 and 50 gallon water heater?

50-gallon water heaters have a longer lifespan. In general, 40-gallon heaters last for about eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ecmservice.com


What Size Water Heater Do I Need? Solved! | Water Heaters 101



Which is better a tall or short water heater?

In comparison to tall water heaters, the short ones are almost 40% more energy efficient. Opting for appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings is always a wise choice. Low energy consumption will result in low energy costs and help you save some money.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on waterheaterreviewssite.com


What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World
  1. A.O. Smith. ...
  2. Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ...
  3. Kenmore. ...
  4. Bradford White. ...
  5. American Standard. ...
  6. American Water Heaters. ...
  7. Bosch. ...
  8. EcoSmart.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sunrisespecialty.com


What size water tank do I need for a family of 4?

Start with Your Household Size

So, for a family of 4–5 people, you will need to get a tank that is able to hold at least 50–60 gallons. For a family that is bigger than 5, you will need to look for tanks ranging up to 80 gallons.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thewaterheatercompany.com


Is a 50 gallon water heater enough for a family of 4?

For a four-person family, a 50-gallon water heater is sufficient. 50-gallons is good if you're using electricity, and 40 gallons will work for natural gas or propane. Families with more than five persons may benefit from an 80-gallon electric water heater or 50-gallon gas water heater.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homeinspectioninsider.com


What size water heater do I need for a 4 bedroom house?

Water Heater Sizes

For example, a family of 3 to 4 people should purchase a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wmhendersoninc.com


What are the 3 types of water heaters?

There are five main types of water heaters; conventional, tankless, heat pump, solar, and condensing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ygrene.com


Which type of water heater is most popular?

1. Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater. This style of water heater is the most popular and probably the one you are most familiar with.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homestratosphere.com


What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on prudentreviews.com


Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?

Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pippinbrothers.com


How many showers can you put in a 50 gallon water heater?

A 50 gallon water heater is the most common tank we install. It is such a common size because it can supply hot water for 3 – 5 people. Considering an average shower uses 17.2 gallons of water you can typically have enough hot water for up to five people to take a shower within an hour.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fastwaterheater.com


How long can you shower in a 40 gallon tank?

A 40-gallon water heater can provide up to 2 showers in an hour (if you're not using any other water appliances).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aztecplumbing.net


Should I buy a 40 or 50 gallon water heater?

Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people. Energy consumption for 40 and 50 gallon standard water heaters is quite comparable.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on savehomeheat.com


How long of a shower can you take with a 20 gallon tank?

I generally take a 5-10 minute shower on a 20 gallon HWH which is fine for me. I don't think changing the temperature will make a difference, yes it'll increase temperature for those 30 gallons but after that it'll drop temp until the temp can build up again. The low flow showerhead I think is your best bet.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on biggerpockets.com


What is the lifespan of a water heater?

While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nachi.org


How do I choose the right water tank?

Let's look at how to select the right water tank for your home.
  1. Step 1: Find out how much rain you can expect. ...
  2. Step 2: Calculate your rainwater harvesting capacity. ...
  3. Step 3: Work out how much water you'll need. ...
  4. Step 4: Decide on your tank size. ...
  5. Step 5: Choose your tank's location. ...
  6. Step 6: Select your tank's materials.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on asctanks.com.au


Is a tankless water heater worth it?

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on abacusplumbing.com


Is 40-gallon water heater enough?

What size of a house is a 40-gallon water heater good for? Based on typical water usage, a 40-gallon water heater should provide enough daily hot water for 2-4 people in a household.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ricksplumbing.com


What kind of water heater lasts the longest?

A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, sometimes even longer. Also called “on-demand” water heaters, these appliances do not work continuously to maintain a supply of hot water—and, as a result, they last longer than their tank-style counterparts.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bobvila.com


Which water heaters last the longest?

Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ajalberts.com


Are Rheem water heaters good?

Rheem is a good, mid-level water heater brand that's not too expensive. Its reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable water heaters makes it a good choice for most homes. The company sells water heater models in gas, electric, tankless, solar and hybrid styles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on toptenreviews.com