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Size A Water Heater For Your Home

If your hot water heater is getting on in years, it's best to determine the type of replacement you will need before it fails. Conventional storage systems are available today with features that increase efficiency. Tankless systems produce hot water on demand, making them a highly efficient system of choice. Getting the right size system for your household will balance needs and costs.

Equipment Type

  • Storage Water Heater: This type of water heater is sized via its First Hour Rating (FHR). This is simply an estimation of the peak demand for heated water when a family uses it most. The Energy Star website has a chart for storage needs that you can use for estimating your FHR needs.
  • Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless heaters only heat water as it is used, or on demand. If choosing tankless, you will need to assess the flow rate, or GPM (Gallons Per Minute), that needs to be supplied at peak times. When using simultaneous access, such as a shower, clothes washer and dishwasher, the GPM needed will have to be determined to adequately produce sufficient heated water. You can find information on sizing a tankless water heater on Energy Star's site.

With the storage, or tanked heater, peak usage, capacity size (gallons) and heating type (gas or electric) must also be configured. For tankless, the difference between the incoming water temperature and desired outgoing hot water temperature, called temperature rise, should also be included in the determination for proper sizing.

Other Factors to Consider

  • Fuel Type: Determine the most energy-efficient fuel for your home. If you have been using electricity, you may find that propane or natural gas is less expensive. Fuel availability and competition in your area should also be considered.
  • Installation. Changing from one type of unit to another may be worth higher installation costs if energy savings will significantly impact future energy bills.

Getting the right size water heater keeps your costs low, while meeting all of your hot water demands. If you need help sizing your equipment, contact our expert plumbers at Rodenhiser. When you have plumbing questions, we're always ready to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about sizing a new water heater and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.

Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Norfolk MA. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

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