Palm Beach Plumbing: How to Choose a Water Heater
Use this handy guide to choosing the right size water heater.
Enter the answers in the boxes, then total them up.
| Number of people in household | ________ |
| Number of tubs and/or showers | ________ |
| Add 1 for a dishwasher | ________ |
| Add 1 for a washing machine | ________ |
| Add 1 for a whirlpool tub | ________ |
| Miscellaneous additions* | ________ |
| TOTAL | ________ |
Other things to consider:
- If children are entering their teen years, you may want to add 1 to miscellaneous additions.
- If you want a more efficient water heater, consider an upgrade to a high-efficiency heater.
- If you find yourself running out of hot water, add 1 to miscellaneous additions or upgrade to a quick-recovery and/or high-efficiency water heater.
- If there is a whirlpool tub, use a 50-gal. or higher gas or electric heater as a minimum.
After totaling the boxes, use the following chart to determine the size of water heater necessary.
If Total Is...
| GAS | 4 or less: 30 gallon water heater |
| 5 to 7: 40 gallon water heater | |
| 8 or more: 50 gallon water heater | |
| ELECTRIC | 4 or less: 40 gallon water heater |
| 5 or 6: 50 gallon water heater | |
| 7 or 8: 65 gallon water heater | |
| 9 or more: 80 gallon water heater | |