Thomas J. Fannon & Sons

It’s not out of the ordinary for homeowners to think that bigger is better when it comes to their homes. However, this isn’t the case when getting a new water heater. In fact, it’s very important that you choose a heater that’s the proper size for your home. In today’s post, your water heater and ductless split systems expert, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, shares some helpful tips for choosing the right size of water heater for your home. 

Does Size Matter?

While the belief that “bigger is better” holds true in certain instances, this can work against you when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency and water bills. Using an oversized water heater will waste energy since you’ll be using more heating than you actually need. The heat will be lost through your water tank’s walls and pipelines every time the water has to be reheated. Conversely, undersized heaters won’t be able to heat up your water’s temperature to comfortable levels.

Best Sizing Estimates

Much like air conditioner units, your water heater’s size has to be proportionate to the number of people using it. Listed below are some good estimates:

• For 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons
• For 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons
• For 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons
• For more than 5 people: 60-80 gallons

Do You Have an Undersized HWater Heater?

Not only does an undersized water heater provide inefficient heating, it also causes overheated water due to the heat slowly building up in the tank. It can also lead to condensation buildup and pilot flame outages. Listed below are common signs of undersized water heaters:

• An insufficient supply of hot water
• Heavy condensation
• Rust buildup on the flue tubes and burners
• Premature tank failure
• Overheating water

Keep in mind that a poorly-sized heater can create problems that will reduce the lifespan of the unit significantly, to the point that it won’t be covered by a warranty. Having a properly-sized water tank will minimize your heater’s workload, effectively prolonging its lifespan.

Trust in Thomas J. Fannon & Sons. Our mission is to provide our customers with quality service and workmanship to ensure that they stay warm and comfortable. We can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality. Call us now at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form.