Water Heater Sizing and Type
Direct Energy can assist the homeowner in the selection of the most appropriate size of water heater to meet their family's hot water needs.
A number of factors influence water usage in a home including the number and age of family members and quantity and types of water fixtures. In a home with many points of use (multiple baths, dishwasher, washer, separate apartment, etc.) a larger capacity water heater may be necessary.
Selecting an appropriate water heater is a function of:
- Quantity and type of water fixtures in the new home (which may or may not be related to the square footage of the home).
- Peak usage determined by family size and unique homeowner lifestyle.
Selecting the Size
Use this chart as a guide in selecting the most appropriate size of water heater to meet your homeowners' hot water needs.
Note: This sizing chart is NOT applicable in all situations. Larger homes that have unique water fixtures may require detailed analysis or an engineered solution. The number and type of water fixtures and peak load is paramount in appropriately sizing water heaters.
|
USAGE CLASSIFICATION |
TYPICAL HOME ATTRIBUTES |
| Regular Demand |
|
Minimum of:
Power Vent 50 U.S. Gallons¹
Direct Vent 50 U.S. Gallons¹
Power Vent 60 U.S. Gallons¹
Rinnai Tankless - R75LSi |
- Standard water fixtures
- Approximately 2-3 baths/showers, standard tub
- Home < 2500 sq.ft. (approx.)
- 2-4 occupants
|
Above Average Demand |
|
Minimum of:
High Input Power Vent 50 U.S. Gallons¹
Power Vent 60 U.S. Gallons¹
High Input Power Vent 65 U.S. Gallons¹ |
- Some upgraded water fixtures, 1 soaker tub/whirlpool
- Approximately 3-4 baths/showers
- Home 2500 - 3500 sq.ft. (approx.)
- 4-5 occupants
|
| High Demand |
|
Minimum of:
High Input Power Vent 75 U. S. Gallons¹ |
- Several upgraded water fixtures, 1-2 larger soaker tubs/whirlpools
- 4-5 baths/showers, personal demand/high volume of hot water required
- Home > 3000 sq.ft. (approx.)
- Number of occupants may vary
|
¹ 1 U.S. Gallon = 0.8327 Imperial Gallons = 3.7854 Litres
Typical Hot Water Consumption
Use this chart only as a guideline to help determine your water usage by activity type. These consumption rates are approximate and do NOT apply to all situations.
|
TYPICAL HOT WATER CONSUMPTION2 |
Showers
Standard Bath (1/2 full)
Whirlpool bath
Dishwasher
Hand Dishwashing
Personal use/person/day |
Energy Efficient Shower Head |
2.5 - 3 U.S. Gallons/minute³
20 – 25 U.S. Gallons³
50 – 70 U.S. Gallons³
9 – 13 U.S. Gallons³
1.5 – 3.5 U. S. Gallons³
5 U.S. Gallons³ |
| Laundry Usage |
Hot wash/Warm rinse
Hot wash/Cold rinse
Warm wash/Cold rinse |
30 U.S. Gallons³
19 U.S. Gallons³
9 – 12 U.S. Gallons³ |
² Amounts are hot water use only-not mixed or blended consumption.
³ 1 U.S. Gallon = 0.8327 Imperial Gallons = 3.7854 Litres
Questions to Consider
- Are there any size limitations in height or width for the new water heater?
- How many people are in the household? Is the family growing?
- Are there any high demand hot water appliances or fixtures, such as a dishwasher, jetted or oversized tub, or large volume shower heads or body sprays? Will there be any added in the future?
- Is a Tankless Water Heater right for you?
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