If it’s time to install a new water heater in your home or replace the old one, the first question you’re probably asking yourself is: “What size water heater do I need?” And it should be! After all, choosing the right-sized water heater for your home ensures a reliable supply of hot water. An improperly sized water heater, on the other hand, can lead to a range of issues — from cold showers to unpredictable temperature fluctuations.

When selecting a water heater, it's important to assess your household's unique hot water needs. Factors like the number of occupants, their shower and bathing habits, and the hot water demands of appliances all play a role in determining the appropriate water heater size. Underestimate your hot water requirements and you might get stuck with an undersized system that struggles to maintain temperature, while overestimating can lead to an oversized and less efficient unit.

In this guide, we'll compare different types of water heaters and explore key considerations for proper water heater size. By understanding your household's hot water usage patterns and needs, you can make an informed decision that directly impacts your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Understanding Water Heater Sizing

When it comes to choosing the right size water heater for your home, one of the key metrics to consider is the unit's capacity. Typically measured in gallons, this storage capacity represents how much hot water the heater can hold and have ready for use at any given time.

Tank water heaters store a set volume of hot water — ranging anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons — that can be drawn upon as needed. This storage capacity makes them well-suited for meeting the demands of multiple, simultaneous hot water uses, such as running the dishwasher while someone is taking a shower.

In contrast, tankless or "on-demand" water heaters do not store hot water. Instead, they heat water only when it is needed, delivering a continuous flow of hot water as long as the tap is running. While tankless units have virtually unlimited hot water, they may be limited in the number of fixtures they can supply at once without compromising temperature.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Water Heater Size

When determining what size water heater you need, it's crucial to match the unit's capacity to your household's unique hot water needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Household Size

Your hot water usage is directly influenced by the number of people in your household. In other words, what size water heater you need for a family of three will differ greatly from what size water heater you need for a family of seven.

Daily Water Usage

Some of the most common household activities that require hot water are showers, washing dishes, and laundry. Taking into account the average hot water consumption rates for these activities, you should estimate 10-15 gallons of water per occupant and size your water heater tank accordingly.

Peak Hour Demand

Consider when the appliances that consume hot water are being used simultaneously. For example, do you run your washing machine while you shower in the morning? Are multiple showers being taken at the same time? These moments constitute peak demand and will determine the limit of your water heater’s size.

Type of Water Heater

Because they’re designed to store large amounts of water, traditional tank water heaters take up more space than their tankless counterparts. Because of this, tank water heaters may be better suited for larger homes while tankless water heaters are generally more functional in constricted environments. You might also consider an energy-efficient solar water heating system, where additional sizing considerations are needed to account for your home’s solar resources and orientation.

Sizing Guidelines for Different Types of Water Heaters

Tank Water Heaters

When sizing a traditional, tank-style water heater, the key metric to consider is the First Hour Rating (FHR). This represents the maximum number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply in one hour, starting with a full tank.

To determine the right FHR for your household, you'll need to estimate your peak hour of hot water demand — that is, the highest volume of hot water your family is likely to use in a single hour. You can use resources like the Energy Saver water heater sizing chart from the Department of Energy to estimate this based on factors like the number of occupants and common hot water uses.

Once you've identified your peak hour demand, match it to the FHR of your desired water heater model (typically be found on the Energy Guide label affixed to the unit). This will ensure the unit can meet your maximum hourly requirements without running out of hot water.

Tankless Water Heaters

Sizing a tankless water heater involves a few more steps. Instead of storage capacity, tankless units are rated by their maximum flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

To size a tankless heater properly, you'll need to:

1. Determine your peak hour of hot water demand and identify the number of fixtures (e.g. showers, sinks, appliances) that may be used simultaneously during that time.
2. Calculate the flow rate (GPM) of each fixture by either checking the manufacturer specs or measuring the flow yourself.
3. Add up the flow rates of all fixtures used during the peak hour to determine your maximum GPM requirement.
4. Factor in the required temperature rise by calculating the difference between your incoming cold water temperature and 120°F, the desired hot water temperature. This will help you select a tankless unit with sufficient heating power.

By aligning your household's peak hot water needs with the flow rate and heating capabilities of a tankless heater, you can ensure reliable, on-demand hot water without any concerns about running out.

Additional Considerations

Energy Efficiency

How long does your water heater take to heat up? The answer to this question — along with the size of your water heater — affects energy consumption and, therefore, the amount you’re paying in utility bills. Water heaters with tanks constitute almost 20% of your home’s energy consumption. Switching to a tankless system can help reduce energy costs by up to 34%. Not to mention, they tend to last longer than tank systems.

Check your system’s (Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating for estimated energy consumption rates and their associated costs. Based on what you find, there may be more energy-efficient types of water heaters available.

Space and Installation

Space limitations in your home might also impact what size water heater you need. Tankless water heaters are typically compact and, in some cases, can be mounted and installed on walls. Tank water heaters, on the other hand, require greater dedicated space. In both cases, pay special attention to installation costs to select the best option for your budget.

When to Consult a Professional

Whenever working with water-based plumbing around electricity, it’s important to consult with a licensed plumber or HVAC professional who will take appropriate safety precautions when installing or replacing new water heaters. Especially in complex household configurations or when solar/hybrid systems are installed, professional assistance is necessary. 

Water heater specialists like T. Webber are experts when it comes to water heater repair and replacement. They will guide you through the accurate sizing and installation of your new unit, taking into account all of the factors reviewed in this article.

Talk to Us Today

Whether you’re considering a tank water heater or a tankless system, choosing the right size is the first step in your selection process. There are different types of water heaters to choose from, each with its pros and cons depending on your household size and energy requirements. 

Contact T. Webber today for personalized advice and water heater installation services. We will assess your household needs before you make a decision, ensuring you make the right choice!

Especially during those hot, summer months, having a well-functioning air conditioner is vital for maintaining a comfortable living space. But the minute something goes wrong with your AC unit, it can send you into a sweaty panic. Chill out! Together, we’re going to look at some of the most common AC issues homeowners face so that we can troubleshoot — and potentially fix — these minor problems ourselves, no sweat.

Inadequate Cooling

Is your air conditioner running but not cooling the house effectively? Perhaps you’ve noticed inconsistent temperatures from room to room.

Some of the possible causes might include:

•        Dirty air filters
•        Incorrect thermostat settings
•        Refrigerant leak
•        Blocked or closed vents

Solutions

The best way to fix an AC system that’s not providing enough cool air is to perform routine maintenance. First, ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct mode and temperature. If it is, you should regularly be replacing or cleaning air filters. Inspect and unblock any vents.

If none of these solutions work, call an HVAC specialist to check for and fix potential refrigerant leaks.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioner won’t even turn on in the first place, there may be a problem with the thermostat or circuit breaker. 

Some of the possible symptoms might be:

•        Tripped circuit breaker
•        Faulty thermostat
•        Power issues
•        Internal problems like a blown fuse or broken capacitor

Solutions

Depending on the air conditioner problem, you might be able to fix it with a simple flip of the switch. First, ensure the unit is plugged in and that there are no power outages. Next, try resetting the circuit breaker and replacing the thermostat batteries. You’ll also want to check thermostat settings to confirm that the mode is set to “cool.”

When all else fails, contact an HVAC professional to inspect the unit’s internal components. 

Strange Noises

Those strange noises coming from your air conditioner aren’t just irritating; they could be your AC telling you that something is broken and needs fixing.

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your system — things like banging, squealing, grinding, or hissing — it might signal one of the following AC issues:

•         Loose parts
•         Debris in the unit
•         Worn-out motor bearings
•         Fan blade issues

Solutions

Try turning off the unit and checking for loose or foreign objects. If you can’t identify any visual abnormalities, schedule a professional maintenance check to locate and fix internal AC issues.

Water Leaks

Have you noticed any water pooling around your unit? That puddle might be a result of any of the following:

•         Clogged condensate drain line
•         Improper installation
•         Low refrigerant levels

Solutions

First, ensure proper installation and leveling of the unit itself. If your inspection comes back satisfactory, try cleaning the condensate drain line using a wet/dry vacuum.

Still can’t figure out what’s causing the air conditioner issues? Contact a specialist to check refrigerant levels and resolve the problem professionally.

High Energy Bills

Our energy bills can fluctuate depending on the season, but if you’re experiencing a noticeable increase in energy consumption and costs then it may be a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner.

Those high energy bills might be a result of:

•         Inefficient operation due to lack of maintenance
•         Old or outdated unit
•         Leaky ducts

Solutions

Once again, the best remedy is prevention. Schedule regular maintenance checks to avoid common AC issues in the first place. You might also inspect for and seal any leaky ducts yourself if you have the means.

Last, with advancing HVAC technology, you should consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. T. Webber can help you choose the best AC unit for your living space and perform a professional installation.

Bad Odors

Your air conditioner shouldn’t smell like sulfur, smoke, or car exhaust. If you notice musty, unpleasant odors coming from the unit, that might be a sign that it has any of the following issues:

•         Mold or mildew buildup
•         Accumulated dirt and debris
•         Burned-out wire insulation

Solutions

First and foremost, make sure that you clean or replace air filters regularly. If you still notice a persistent, burning smell, you might also consider hiring an electrician to inspect and replace any faulty wiring.

If the smell just won’t go away, schedule a professional cleaning and repair of the unit.

Recap

As we’ve learned, regular maintenance is the best way to fix common air conditioner problems by preventing them before they even occur. Make sure you’re routinely cleaning and replacing air filters and inspecting the unit and its parts for dust/debris build-up. 

If, despite your best preventative efforts, you’re still experiencing any of these AC issues, address them promptly and seek professional assistance from T. Webber. We make air conditioning maintenance and installation a breeze with limited-time coupons and special offers.

Don’t wait for air conditioner issues to get worse. Contact us today to schedule your AC service.