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What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

Feb 23, 2022

A general rule of thumb is that a family of four uses up to 50 gallons of hot water per day, but that number can vary depending on several factors. Other things that affect how much your household needs from your water heater include:  
  • Number and ages of household members 
  • Amount of laundry done daily 
  • Bathing frequency 
  • Dishwasher usage 
  • General faucet flow rate

When Should You Replace Your Hot Water Heater

You know it's time to replace your water heater when: 
  • It leaks
  • The temperature of the hot water is inconsistent or there are no "hot" settings at all anymore
  • You can't remember the last time you had a working hot water heater

water heater installation

What Type Of Water Heater Should You Get?

Electric vs Gas-fired

Each type of water heater has its pros and cons so it's really up to your personal preferences as well as any special requirements imposed by local building codes. For example, gas appliances are typically cheaper to operate but they also give off carbon monoxide which can be deadly if levels become too high. Electric heaters don't pose any such danger; on the other hand, they cost more to run and they can't be installed in some locations.

Tanks vs Tankless

 Once again, the choice is largely up to your personal preferences. A tankless water heater can provide hot water when you need it just like a tank model but there are no storage tanks so they take up less space in your basement or in an outdoor enclosure. On the other hand, if you run out of hot water with a tank system, the wait time will typically be longer than when using a tankless design because you have to heat up all of that stored cold water first.

How much does a new water heater cost?

The typical cost for an electric tank ranges between $200 — $2,880. A gas-fired unit costs between $250 — $1,800. Your costs may be higher if you choose an ultra-high or ultra-low temperature heater. Some reconditioned water heaters are available for less, but they usually have to be ordered in advance and may take up to two weeks to deliver.

Water Heater Efficiency 

If your old water heater is 10 years or older, you might be able to save money by replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified unit. The cost of an efficient electric model is about the same as a standard 40-gallon tank, but you'll cut down on energy costs over time. Hang on - how much does a new one cost? You can expect your monthly savings on your utility bill to pay for the higher up-front purchase price within about six years depending on local energy rates and usage habits.

Should I Call A Professional If I’m Not Getting Hot Water?

Although there may be several reasons as to why you wont get hot water, there is only one way to find out and that's by calling a qualified plumber. 
The best person for the job would be either your local plumbing company or local gas fitter. This will ensure that someone who is trained in this type of work will assess your heating system and determine what needs to be done, whether it's an upgrade on your current system or something smaller like fixing a blocked tap. Plumbing companies do also carry all the parts needed to complete most tasks at hand so it could save you money.


Lutz Plumbing can fix any and all issues plumbing related. If you have any questions concerning issues at home please contact us at 913-888-9500

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