When your morning shower runs cold, or your dishwasher lacks hot water, it may be time for a new water heater. Yet, when replacing this appliance, many ask, “What size water heater do I need?”
A plumber in Cedar City, Utah, can help determine the right size, but understanding your household demand is essential. In this post, our Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup experts share tips on sizing water heaters according to key factors and considerations.
What You Should Know About Your Home’s Hot Water Usage
Determining the size of your new water heater starts with evaluating your hot water usage. A family of four typically requires a 50- to 60-gallon tank, but several factors, including water-based appliances, influence the ideal size.
Here are average household appliance requirements regarding water usage:
- Showers: 2.5 gallons per minute
- Dishwashers: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Washing machines: 2 gallons per minute
- Kitchen faucets: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Bathroom faucets: 1 gallon per minute
Calculating Flow Rate and Temperature Rise
If you want to know, “What size water heater do I need?” you must learn your household’s ideal flow rate and temperature rise.
Your flow rate depends on how many hot water devices you use simultaneously. For example, running a shower and dishwasher together requires four gallons per minute of capacity.
The rise in temperature in Cedar City is particularly important due to the cold groundwater. An efficient water heater must raise the water temperature from about 50 to 120 degrees for optimal performance.
Sizing Guidelines for Different Households
Your ideal water heater’s size also depends on the number of people in your home and your hot water demand. A larger household typically uses more hot water during peak morning and evening times. To avoid running out of hot water, consider your family’s unique routines and habits when selecting a tank size.
Follow these sizing guidelines based on your household:
- 1-2 people should have a 30- to 40-gallon tank
- 3-4 people should have a 50- to 60-gallon tank
- 5 or more people should have a 60- to 80-gallon tank
Consider both your simultaneous hot water needs and desired temperature for tankless systems. A tankless unit rated for seven to eight gallons per minute can typically support multiple showers and appliances running simultaneously. Cedar City’s cold groundwater means your tankless unit must be powerful enough to achieve a significant temperature rise.
Proper sizing ensures you get enough hot water without paying for excess capacity. An oversized system wastes energy, while an undersized unit leads to cold showers and inefficient appliance operation.
Let Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Address Your Needs
Those asking, “What size water heater do I need?” need not worry when Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is on the job. If your water heater is making knocking noises or not meeting your needs, our experienced technicians can help.
We provide expert services throughout Cedar City, ensuring energy efficiency and reliable performance. Call Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup at (435) 710-7287 to determine the perfect unit for your Cedar City, UT, home.
TOP 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE ROTO-ROOTER IN SOUTHERN UTAH!
1. Roto-Rooter is recognized as one of America’s very top plumbing brands.
2. We are an Emergency Plumber – Available 24/7 to respond to your plumbing emergencies.
3. 80 years of industry-specific experience
4. We only hire top professionals
5. We have a 96% satisfaction rate – check our authentic reviews on Google & other places.
6. We treat your home like it is our own.
7. Our Pricing is transparent and affordable
8. We offer Fast, Free, No obligation Estimates
9. We serve residential, commercial, and government clients.
10. If you choose us, you can expect the very best!
