What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

Whether you’re installing a water heater in new home construction or having a water heater replaced, you may be thinking to yourself, “what size water heater do I need?”. If you’re looking to simply replace your water heater with the same size unit, most plumbing companies will have standard sizes in stock, ready to install. If you’re looking to upgrade your water heater to a larger unit, it’s important to know a little about what’s available before making your decision.

What Sizes Do Water Heaters Come In?

Before determining what size water heater your home will need, it’s good to know what sizes water heaters come in. Residential water heaters can range in size from 30 to 100 gallons but the most common sizes for the average home are 40 to 50-gallon tanks. To determine what size water heater you’ll want for your home, it’s best to estimate your Peak Hour Demand (PHD).

What is Peak Hour Demand?

When looking at what Peak Hour Demand is, it’s helpful to also learn about Average Daily Demand (ADD). Your ADD is simply the average amount of water used by your water heater daily; while your PHD is how much water your water heater uses during its busiest hour of the day. For the average family home, the peak hour demand usually occurs during morning hours when everyone is getting ready for the day.

To estimate your Peak Hour Demand, you can use these simple calculations as an example:
Shower (Est. 10 Gallons) X 3 Family Members = 30 Gallons
Sink for Washing and Shaving (Est. 2 Gallons) x 3 Family Members = 6 Gallons
Run Dishwasher or Washing Machine (Est. 6 Gallons) = 6 Gallons

With these calculations representing average routine activity in the morning, your Peak Hour Demand would be at 42 Gallons, which means you need to consider a minimum of a 50-gallon tank. Everyone’s home and routine are different, so consider all the sources of hot water demand in your home before estimating your PHD.

Need Help Choosing What Size Water Heater You Need?

If you’re still unsure about how to determine what size water heater you need, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber to assist you through the entire process. If you’re looking for a water heater replacement in Houston, Nick’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning has a team of licensed plumbers that are waiting to help you make the right choice. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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