A modern household has a lot of different hot water needs. Showering, washing dishes, and cleaning clothes all require a high degree of warm water, and if your current hot water heater isn’t up to scratch, you’re likely on the hunt for a new water system. In this article, we’ll help you determine the correct size for your household needs, taking into account several factors such as household size, water usage, and the type of system. Let’s dive in!
What is Hot Water Capacity?
To understand this issue, you first have to understand the concept of hot water capacity. “Hot water capacity” refers to the amount of hot water a system can deliver at any given time. This capacity is crucial, as it determines whether your household will have adequate hot water for showers, cleaning, and other daily activities at the same time.
What Factors Affect a Household’s Hot Water Needs
Several factors affect how much hot water you need:
- Household Size: More people mean more hot water usage.
- Daily Usage Patterns: Some families use more hot water in the mornings and evenings.
- Appliance Use: Dishwashers and washing machines can significantly increase hot water consumption.
- Bathrooms: The more bathrooms you have, the more demand there will be for hot water, especially during peak times.
How to Calculate the Correct Hot Water System Size
To determine the right size for your hot water system, consider the following steps for finding the perfect water heater size.
Step 1: Estimate Your Peak Hour Demand
The first step is to estimate your peak hour demand, which is the maximum amount of hot water your household will use in an hour. You should consider how your household does tasks. For example, if everyone’s showering, using the dishwasher, and putting a load of clothes in the washing machine at the same time, you’re going to need a hot water system with a large capacity.
Step 2: Consider the Size of your Household
Taking into account the size of your household is vital in deciding hot water system size.
For gas storage tanks, 1–3 people will require a 90-litre tank, 2–4 people will require a 130-litre tank, 3–5 people will require a 170-litre tank, and 4–6 people will require a 200-litre tank.
These are basic guidelines and should be adjusted based on your specific needs and usage patterns.
Step 3: Select the Hot Water Heater That’s Right For Your Household
There are several types of water heaters available, and the type you choose can affect the size you need.
Storage Water Heater
These are the most common and store a large amount of hot water that is ready to use.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand and are measured by the flow rate. They are ideal for smaller homes that have limited space.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
These are more energy-efficient and are suitable for households in warm climates looking to reduce energy consumption. They work by extracting heat from the air to heat the water for household use.
Solar Water Heaters
This system uses solar power and can be a cost-effective solution in sunny climates. The main drawback is the high initial cost.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Water Heater
When choosing a hot water system, consider the energy efficiency and operating costs. While a larger tank may provide more hot water, it may also lead to higher energy bills. That’s why the following factors are important before considering a firm water heater size.
Keep an Eye on the Energy Factor (EF) Rating
The EF rating measures a water heater’s efficiency. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. This rating helps you compare the operating costs of different models.
Consider the Installation and Maintenance Costs for the Water Heater
Consider both the initial installation cost and ongoing maintenance expenses. While tankless systems might have a higher upfront cost, they often have lower operating costs and longer lifespans.
Call OA Plumbing Today
In the end, the key to understanding what the right kind of water installer is key to you is consulting with an experienced plumber or contractor who can give you accurate information over the capacities of different types of water heaters. The second thing is planning ahead. If you predict that your household will get bigger from adding more family members or subletting to roommates.
Now that you’ve read through this blog, you’ll have an understanding about what the right size water system will be for your household. If you’re in need of personalised advice on what kind of hot water system to get, or want to find the right installations, we at OA Plumbing are the ones for the job. With decades in the plumbing industry, we are your go-to team for all kinds of hot water needs. For any kind of help, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help you.
