I Am About To Purchase A New Electric Hot Water Heater. Tring To Decide If I Need And 40, 50 Or 80 Gallon?
There are three of us in the house. The heater I am replacing is an 80 gallon. I have a feeling that is overkill. The water for my dishwasher is heated at the diswasher. I wash most clothes in cold water. I’ve been told that it takes less electricity to run an 80 gallon because once the water gets hot it stays hot longer. Have I been misinformed. I’m also looking for one that has a good Enery Star rating.
September 9, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
A 50 gallon hot water heater would be fine for 3-4 people. It will take a lot less electricity to heat and store hot water than the 80 gallon. The only reason you would want an 80 gallon HWH, would be if you had a very large, deep bathtub.
September 9, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
We size according to bathrooms in my area.
A single bathroom house usually requires a 30 gallon heater or more.
A two bathroom house, 40 gallon heater or more.
A three bathroom house, 50 or 55 gallon heater, or more.
Just three of you, and no ‘hot water hogs’ in the house, a 40 will do just fine.
But for the little bit of price difference, go with a 50 if it’ll hookup easy enough.
September 9, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
do you take baths in a row?then a50,f not 40 is fine gas W/H are best.
September 9, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
once the water is hot it is hot it doesn’t matter the size I would go with the 50 myself i have a 50 and it is fine with a wife and two kids
September 10, 2009 @ 1:31 am
If its just three I would go for a 50 gallon at most. Here’s another idea… purchase a “tankless water heater” they are becoming more popular. and they only heat the water when you turn the hot water on at the faucet. no wasted energy constantly heating a tank full of water. http://www.samstownecenter.com/merchants…
September 10, 2009 @ 5:47 am
yup. if you have off peak electric meter, then 80 gal would be the choice. but for what you are doing, my choice would be 40 gal. however, expect a whole range of answers here. i have had 30, 40 and 60 gal heaters. 40 is a good all around medium. 80 is not good for gas heat. i was talking about electric 80 gal water heater. go for 40
September 10, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Go with a 60 gallon tank I bought a 60 gal a few years ago and it was over kill for two of us in house, I wish i had a 40 gal , In the near future I,m changing to tankless heater they are exsencive but will return your $$ in a few years, they only work when there is a demand for hot water they come in many sizes, determin when you need the hot for showers and laundry, then go for the model with the right G.P.M you will need Gallon Per Min.
September 10, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Have you thought about going with a tankless water heater. I have worked on a few over the years. They are more expensive to buy but less money over time.
Check the link:
September 10, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
The 80 is going to use more electricity no matter what anyone else says. Go with the smallest unit that will handle your needs. I would go with what the plumber said. He would know. I have a 40 with 4 of us in the house. But mine is gas and recovers quicker and is much cheaper to run. Go with 50 like Larry the plumber said. Check the energy rating tags when you shop.
September 10, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
I don’t know if an 80-gallon is more energy efficient or not. If you might someday sell your home, that might be a good selling feature.
If you never run out of hot water, I might opt for a 50 gallon. Browse your home improvement store. Check the energy star ratings and costs for different ones.
To really save, turn the thermostat down to 120 degrees on the new one, and insulate it with a water heater blanket. They only cost about $15 at any home improvement store. Easiest to do when you’re installing it. Hope this helps. Good luck!
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Leave a comment