Planning on installing a new water heater or replacing an existing one in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, and nearby MI areas? It’s important to ensure you get a large, spacious tank to avoid the unpleasant surprise of a cold wash or shower. We know it’s easier just to buy the biggest sizing available, but sadly, that comes with a bigger price tag as well.
So, why spend all the extra bucks if you’ll never really need to use a large heater to its full capacity? And even if you get an excessively large tank, you’ll just be wasting energy as it continuously heats unused water.
Instead, focus on an efficient water heater selection method, which can help you pick an optimal tank size that best suits both your budget and your requirements.
Why Does Water Heater Size Matter?
Leading water heater specialists in Clinton Township, MI, reveal that proper sizing matters due to
– A water heater that’s smaller in size can lead to insufficient hot water and/or an overworked system that leads to frequent repairs(and replacements) or premature breakdown.
– A water heater that’s too big could lead to higher-than-necessary energy bills (to heat water you don’t even use).
A Guide to Determining the Ideal Water Heater Size
Top water heater contractors in Shelby Township, MI, state that to ascertain the ideal tank capacity selection, you should consider the following factors,
1. Household Size Considerations
Obviously, the more people reside in your house, the more water they’ll use. A general way to gauge your water requirements is to factor 12 gallons of water per individual in your household as an estimate.
For a tank-style heater, household water needs, and size are simple indicators of the required tank capacity. You can evaluate the necessary tank capacity (in gallons) and peak usage estimation based on the number of people in the house:
– 1 or 2 people—23 to 36 gallons
– 2 to 4 people—36 to 46 gallons
– 3 to 5 people—46 to 56 gallons
– 5 or more people—over 56 gallons (add 10 gallons per additional person)
However, the total number of members in a residence isn’t the only factor that will affect your water usage.
2. Estimating Water Usage Habits
Some households have multiple bathrooms where members shower or do laundry simultaneously, which will, of course, drive up your water usage.
If your family does lots of small loads of laundry every day instead of a few bigger loads multiple times a week, that will also impact the rate at which you use water and the optimal tank size you’ll need. The frequency at which you do other activities, including washing dishes, mopping, washing hands or faces, etc., will also affect your total hot water consumption.
3. Estimate Peak Water Usage
To create an estimate that considers your overall usage habits, you’ll need to calculate your peak water demand in an hour and measure it against your water heater’s first-hour rating.
The first-hour rating differs from the residential tank size because it calculates how much hot water your heater can deliver in an hour, especially when starting with a fully heated water tank. It also considers heat loss as unheated water replaces the water being used. This first-hour rating is usually mentioned in the top left corner of the EnergyGuide label on your residential water heater.
To estimate the maximum amount of water usage in an hour, figure out what time of day your household uses the hottest water. Next, calculate the total amount of water used during this period.
Leading water heater maintenance experts in Shelby Township, MI, reveal that there’s a general estimate of how much hot water is consumed during some common tasks, including:
– Shower: 1-2 gallons per minute
– Food prep or hand-washing dishes: 4 gallons (2 gallons per minute)
– Washing Machine: 7 gallons
– Shaving: .05 gallons per minute
– Automatic dishwasher: 6 gallons
So if you have two people showering in an hour and the dishwasher and washing machine are running simultaneously, just add (minutes in the shower x 2) + (minutes in the shower x 2) + 6 + 7 to calculate the peak hour usage. You’re in the clear as long as your peak usage remains below your water heater’s first-hour rating!
4. Keep Potential Constraints in Mind
Home water tanks offer an economical and efficient solution for residential water heating needs. Compared to traditional alternatives, they don’t cost as much to install, maintain, or repair, and you can easily heat your water through either gas or electricity.
However, top water heater installers in Sterling Heights, MI, reveal that before you rush out and buy a bigger water tank, you will need to ensure you have enough space to store it. Your current tank location may or may not be adequate to hold a water heater unit much bigger than yours, so you may need to reevaluate.
Water heater experts also reveal that another factor to remember is that when you increase the water heater sizing size, you may also have to increase the size of your exhaust pipe. Having the correct size of the exhaust pipe will ensure that the unit drafts properly and is at no risk of leaking carbon monoxide, which, in itself, can be an extremely dangerous issue to deal with.
Still confused? Contact our experienced water heater technicians to help you determine the appropriate tank size for your residential requirements.
Final Takeaway
Are you looking for expert water heater installation and repair? Look no further than Same Day Plumber! We offer professional and reliable water heater services, including tankless water heater installation and repair in Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, and surrounding MI areas.
Our team of credible plumbers is equipped to install various types of water heaters, including standard and tankless options. We understand that installing a new water heater can be a major investment for homeowners, so we ensure the installation is done correctly and efficiently.
We are committed to providing our customers in Oakland, Macomb, and Genesee Counties with top-notch service and quick response times for any water heater issue. Our experienced plumbers are available 24/7 to ensure your water heater needs are taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Contact us at (248) 520-9197 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
