What’s in a Tank Size?

Picture life without your water heater. Tasks and chores such as doing the dishes or washing laundry take forever because you need to boil water to get a proper clean.

Showers are out of the question, and baths take an extra long amount of time because you must boil water and then wait for that short time period where it comes down to a bearable temperature. In short, your water heater is a vital part of your home.

And as such, you should be operating a water heater that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your household. Here are some tips about choosing the best water heater for your home:

Determining the Best Tank Size

Many people think that water heaters come in a one-size-fits-all option. This is not true. Water heaters are sized based on the maximum and minimum needs in the home. When it comes to sizing a water heater, it’s not best to go big or go home.

If you choose a water heater that is too big, you’ll be wasting money on heating water that is not needed, while if you choose a water heater that is too small, you’ll consistently run out of hot water at inconvenient times.

The best way to determine what size water heater you need is to go by the First Hour Rating, or, FHR. This figure stands for the amount of hot water needed at the busiest time of the day in your home. The FHR of the water heater is typically located on the label.

To calculate your own FHR number, multiply the number of bedrooms in the home plus one by 12. This will give you an accurate idea of what size water heater to get.

What Sizes are Available?

Water heater manufacturers know there are many different types of families and households out there that need unique and personalized equipment to safely and efficiently heat their water. This means that the market is full of options, from 45-55 gallon tanks to 100-gallon tanks.

Homeowners can even choose the energy source used to heat their water heater from solar power to electricity and gas.

Some homeowners choose to even forgo the water tank and invest in a tankless unit, which connects directly to the plumbing. Depending on the size of your home and how many people are living there, you can easily find a tank size that is right for you.

How to Go About Installing a Water Heater?

Many plumbing projects are perfectly safe to DIY. Unclogging a toilet or changing the washer on a dripping faucet are all things that individuals with minimal experience can handle.

Installing a new water is not one of those things. If you are replacing a water heater or installing a water heater in your new home, it’s always best to call a professional.

A trained eye will be able to help choose the right water heater for your home and install it without incident. Additionally, an expert will know the proper settings to make sure the new water heater is working safely and efficiently in your home.

For more information on professional water heater services in South Windsor, CT, call 860-896-3342. Schedule an appointment with Water Heater Medic today for fast and effective water heater repair and installation services.