Many Maryland homeowners wonder, “What size water heater do I need?” Depending on the size of your home, the number of people in it, and your heating source, there are many things to consider before selecting the right water heater size.
First and foremost, choosing the right water heater size begins with understanding the amount and frequency of your hot water usage. Think about you and your family’s habits. The length of the typical bath and shower or the number of times you run hot water from the kitchen sink or bathroom faucet.
Another thing to consider is your fuel source. Is your hot water heater using natural gas, propane, or electricity? Is your hot water heater connected to a boiler? Knowing this will help you narrow down your options to find the best water heater for you.
How is Water Measured?
Your water heater tank capacity is measured in gallons, with the most common capacity being between 40 and 60 gallons of water. To give you an idea of how much water is used per household activity, take a look at the graph below.
| Activity | Average Gallons Used |
| Clothes Washing Machine | 32 |
| Shower or Bath | 20 |
| Dishwasher | 14 |
| Hands & Face Washing | 4 |
Depending on the number of people in your household, your water needs will vary. The average family of 4 can use up to 400 gallons of water per day, so you want to make sure you find a water heater that will meet your household’s needs.
How Many People Are in Your Household?
• 1 to 2 People: Recommended 30-40 gallon water heater
• 2 to 3 People: Recommended 40-50 gallon water heater
• 3 to 4 People: Recommended 50-60 gallon water heater
• 5+ People: Recommended 60-80 gallon water heater
What to Look for In a Hot Water Heater
Water heaters have a ton of specs, but don’t let the long list intimidate you. There are two main things you’ll want to consider when shopping for a water heater.
• Peak Hour Demand – This is the amount of hot water your household uses in a busy 1-hour period (such as the morning before school or at night before bed).
• First Hour Rating (FHR) – This is the amount of hot water that your water heater can make in a 1-hour period.
Tank Water Heater Size
If you’re concerned about having enough hot water to fill a large claw-foot bathtub or multiple showers at once, a tank water heater may be a good option for you. With a large water storage capacity, these water heaters can take up a lot of space. Another downside is it takes some time to reheat before you have a full tank of hot water again.
Tankless Water Heater Size
For sustained hot water use, tankless water heaters generate hot water on demand and make great options for homeowners. Tankless water heaters are also a great option if you live in a small space because they are compact and can be installed in various places.
Still Not Sure What the Best Water Heater Size Is?
Constellation Home can help. We have experience repairing and installing hot water heaters of all kinds and we’re happy to help you find the best water heater for your home. We provide upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and guarantee your complete satisfaction with every job we do. Need 24/7 emergency service? We do that, too. Whether you need help finding the right size water heater or need water heater installation services, our experts are at your service. To learn more about water heaters, check out our Water Heater Buying Guide or contact our team of water heater specialists.
