What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

The water heater is one of the most essential and one of the most needed investments for any home. While this being said, it is further more important to choose the right size of the water heater. Moreover, it is pretty basic to have a suitable size of water heater at your home so that you can get its maximum benefits.

Even if having a suitable size water heater is a basic need for any home, most of the people are often seen confused while finding the right size. This is mostly the case with the people who are planning to buy their first-ever eater heater and thus have no idea about the perfect size.

If you too are one of them, then you have come to the right place. We are today, here discussing the right size of the water heater that you need.

 

How to Determine the Size of the Water Heater Needed?

Size of the family:

Well, the first and the foremost thing that you should consider and keep in mind while selecting the water heater size is the number of your family members. It is quite clear, the more members in the family, the bigger water heater you would need.

In general, the size of the water heater that you need, based on the number of family members, is:

• 1 to 2 members in the family – 23 to 36 gallons
• 2 to 4 members in the family – 36 to 46 gallons
• 3 to 5 members in the family – 46 to 56 gallons
• 5 or more than 5 members in the family – 56 or gallons

For the average family of 4 members, with average usage, would require a water heater of 40 gallons. However, remember this is the only average numbers, your actual required numbers can go up and down based upon your use.

 

The average usage of family members:

Along with the total family members, the average consumption of each family member is also one considerable factor. If the daily consumption of every person in your family is more, even then you would need a water heater with higher capacity.

The average per-person requirement of water for daily work is as follow:

• Bathing – 20 gallons
• Hair washing – 6 gallons
• Hands washing – 2 gallons
• Dish washing – 6 gallons or variable
• Shaving – 3 gallons
• Washing clothes – 30 gallons

These are the average numbers whereas your requirement may vary according to your usage.

However, with these numbers, one can easily estimate the average usage of water in his/her family and thus can then choose a water heater that can provide them with enough amount of water to fulfill these needs.

Moving on, if you are thinking that you are sorted by just considering these 2 factors while making the selection of the water heater size, then you will be surprised that there are some other factors as well which requires your attention. Let us quickly have a look at those factors.

 

Other Considerable Factors That You Should Focus On:

Well, considering the family members and their consumption is for sure the most essential factor to consider while making the selection of the water heater size. Although, it is just not the only factor that should be on your list as there are quite several other factors which should be considered.

Are you interested in knowing about those factors? If yes, then read along.

First hour rating of the water heater:

For all those who are not aware of what is first hour rating for a water heater, it is the amount of hot water a heater can produce in the first hour when it is full and heated. This rating gives the idea about how quickly the water heater can heat the water and reflects the maximum efficiency of the appliance.

You should pick a water heater whose first hour rating value exceeds the total gallons of hot water needed by the family members for their use. Anything less than that won’t do justice to your need of finding a water heater of a suitable size.

 

Available location for the water heater:

The next thing which you should keep in mind while choosing the water heater size is the available location for the water heater.  You can take the help of the experts or can yourself measure the exact location available to be used for the water heater.

• If you have a small location to fit your water heater, then you should go for a smaller sized water heater.
• On the other hand, if you have enough space to fit in your water heater, then a big sized water heater will be suitable

There is no point of buying a water heater which cannot fit in the available space. It will only be a waste of money, efforts and time. Therefore, you should consider your available space for the water heater before making any selection of its size.

 

Electricity consumption:

You should also consider the fact that your chosen water heater will cause fluctuation to the total consumption of electricity. The bigger size water heater requires more electricity to perform its operations while the small size heaters will require lesser consumption.

Though you can always control the electricity consumption by controlling the total use of the heater but it is always better to keep a check on this factor as well while picking the water heater for your needs.

Choosing the right size water heater is an unsaid need and thus you must be aware of these factors to be considered. Keep all these factors in mind and thus be sure that you are moving in the right direction while making your selection of the water heater size.

If you further need any other information or detail related to the selection of the right size water heater, then please do comment below. We are always ready to assist you with our best possibilities and with the required information available.