How to Choose the Right Water Heater Size

Having an efficient water heater in your home is crucial for your everyday chores, but you need the right size to ensure the best, long-term results. As your trusted plumber in Lake Elsinore, CA, A.M. Plumbing & Rooter can provide you with professional insights and help you size your unit. Here’s how to go about the process.

Determine the Peak Hour Demand

Sizing your traditional or tankless water heater based on your home’s size is a common misconception. You might live in a huge home, but your water consumption might be low. For this reason, base on your peak water usage instead. 

You can determine this by assessing the hot water heater usage during the busiest hour when several family members go about their routine. For instance, if everyone in your home showers in the morning, you may consider this as your peak hour. This will give you an idea of the right capacity for your unit.

Estimate Based on Household Size

If you’re getting a tank-type unit for your water heater installation, you may estimate the proper capacity in gallons based on the number of people in your household. You can use the following guide below:

• 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons
• 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons
• 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons
• 5+ people: 60-80 gallons

This is just a loose estimate, and the ideal tank size will still depend on your hot water usage. A tank that’s too small may not produce enough hot water or cause the unit to overwork, resulting in frequent water heater repair in Lake Elsinore, CA, or premature replacement. Meanwhile, a tank that’s too big might cause your energy costs to skyrocket by heating water you don’t even use.

Consider Flow Rate and Temperature Rise

If you’re going for tankless water heaters, note that they have no storage and heat the water as it flows out for usage. That said, the correct size will depend on the flow rate and temperature rise. The flow rate refers to the gallons per minute (GPM) of supplied hot water, while the temperature rise is the difference between the desired water temperature and the temperature of in-flowing water. Calculating these two can be complicated, so it’s best to seek professional water heater services.

If you need help with water heater sizing or need other plumbing services, look no further than A.M. Plumbing & Rooter. Book an appointment with our team today.