You can generally expect to get 8 to 10 years of life out of a hot water heater. As someone who now has to replace their hot water heater, it is important you choose the right size so it serves you well for the next decade. Before you automatically assume the current size water heater is all you need moving forward, it is a good idea to do a quick audit of your household hot water needs. There are three questions you should answer to help determine which size hot water heater you should buy.
Number of Shower Users
The number of water users in your family is the first factor that determines the size of your new hot water heater. Compared to the number of people in the home when the heater was first installed a decade ago, how many people are living in the house now? Also, do you intend to expand the family in the next decade? If so, you should include those potential family members in your calculation of the size of water heater you need.
Number of Baths and Showers In The House
Next, make a list of all the showers and baths in the house. For the baths, write down the amount of water they can hold. If you do not know what size bathtub you have, get your plumber to have a look and let you know.
The reason for making a list of the baths and showers is so your plumber can calculate how much water you use each day. For example, if you have two children who like baths at night, and you have three adults who like showers in the morning, they can estimate how much water you go through at these peak times of use. This will help to determine what size hot water heater will make sure everyone gets their bathing needs filled.
Other Water Appliances In The House
The other item you need to factor in for hot water heater size is the other appliances in the home which use water. For example, do you use hot water for your washing machine? Or do you only run it on a cold cycle? Once you've made a list of all the appliances you have, you also need to record how often you use them. The amount of water each appliance uses each day will also be used to calculate their impact on a hot water heater.
Once you have a full idea of how much water is used and how often, your plumber can make a recommendation as to the best size hot water heater for your family's needs. This can then be purchased and installed so you have plenty of hot water to get you through the next few years.
