3 Gallon Shower. 30 Gallon Load of Laundry. What Size Water Heater Do You Need?
Whether you are buying a water heater for the first time, or replacing an old hot water heater, there are some factors you should keep in mind when shopping:
How Much Room Do You Have?
You want to make sure that you don’t buy a water heater that is too large to fit in the space you have available. Measure the space and bring those measurements with you when shopping for the new water heater.
Electric, Gas, or Propane?
You can choose between an electric water heater or a gas water heater, and they are not interchangeable. Be sure the unit you buy is designed to work with your energy source.
Choose an Energy-Efficient Water Heater
A very high percentage of a Toronto household’s energy costs go toward heating the family’s hot water. The average family uses an amazing amount of hot water — twenty-five percent or more of a family’s energy expenses come from just the cost of running the hot water heater. Therefore, when selecting which hot water heater to buy, it makes a lot of sense to choose the most energy-efficient model possible. Even if this model costs a little more upfront, it will save a lot of money in the long run. Most retailers who sell hot water heaters will post a sign on each unit indicating how much energy it uses, as well as the average yearly cost of running it. This information is called the Energy Factor (EF), which is calculated after a mandatory evaluation conducted on all water heaters. It takes into account usage, standby loss, insulation, and more. Since the “Energy Star” rating has not yet been applied to hot water heaters, you will want to use the EF (Energy Factor) rating, as well as individual energy-efficiency information posted on each unit. Simply compare numbers from one unit to another.
Choose a Water Heater with a Good Warranty
Because so many manufacturers have cut costs to lower the expense of the manufacturing process, most water heaters today will not last much longer than their warranty. Go for the heater with the longest warranty. But a long warranty alone is not sufficient protection — you also need to look at the warranty exclusions. Sometimes these warranties have fine print that may exclude the most common causes of hot water heater failures.
Choose the Right Size of Water Heater
Finding the right size of water heater to match your family’s needs is important. If you choose a water heater that is too small, you may find that just as you lather up the shampoo in your hair the water turns cold. But if you choose a tank that is far too big, you will have a higher-than-necessary Toronto utility bill each month just to heat the tank. Ask yourself now whether you frequently run out of hot water. If so, check the size of your current water heater — you will know you require a larger size. If the current size seems adequate, ask yourself what your future needs are. Remember, you are buying one water heater to last several years, so consider whether your family will expand, or whether you plan on adding a hot tub, spa, jacuzzi, or oversized bathtub in the future. Are you a laundry-heavy family? Any additional future needs must be factored in when sizing your hot water heater. Even if there are only two of you in the home now and you have no intention of growing your family or increasing your water needs, it is always recommended that you size the water heater for the house — in case you ever decide to sell. An undersized tank would not be a desirable selling point and may even prevent the home from passing inspection. Hot water heaters range in size from 20 to 80 gallons, but the most common sizes used are 40–50 gallons.
As a general rule of thumb, you can use the number of people in your Toronto household to determine the water heater most likely required under normal demand. Normal demand is based on a home with typical appliances such as a washing machine, dishwasher, and standard bathtubs. Extra demand would apply to a home with a hot tub, spa, oversized bathtub, teenagers, or even small children (due to large amounts of laundry). For a family of 1 or 2 under normal circumstances, a 40-gallon tank should be sufficient; more than normal demand would probably require a 50-gallon tank. For a family of 3 or 4, a 50-gallon tank usually suffices under normal circumstances — for greater demand, a 50-gallon gas water heater is likely still sufficient, but if your tank is electric, consider an 80-gallon heater. Gas heaters are generally able to heat water faster. For a family of 5 or more, a 50-gallon gas heater is probably adequate under normal circumstances; if your tank is electric, an 80-gallon heater is recommended. For more-than-normal demand, consider a 75-gallon gas tank or possibly a 120-gallon electric unit, if your space can accommodate. You may be surprised at how much water everyday activities use on average:
- Showering – 3 gallons/minute
- Bathing – 15–25 gallons per bath
- Shaving – 1–3 gallons
- Washing hands – ½–2 gallons
- Washing dishes – 4–6 gallons
- Running dishwasher – 5–20 gallons
- Running clothes washer – 25–40 gallons
- Cleaning house – 5–12 gallons
- Food preparation – 1–6 gallons
Use a Professional Plumber for Installation
Installing a water heater is not a job for the layperson. It involves plumbing work as well as gas or electric work. Mistakes in installation are one of the most common causes of injury and water heater failures, so this job is best left to your professional Toronto plumber. Installation also requires knowledge of current local code ordinances to ensure the tank is installed in a way that passes those codes for Toronto. Your plumber will also be familiar with Toronto’s water quality and any unique characteristics.
For further direction and guidance, consult a knowledgeable Toronto plumber. They will be able to share a wealth of information and make professional recommendations.