If you are contacting a plumber in Commerce, MI, from Carter’s Plumbing about a new or replacement water heater, there are some things you need to consider first. You will need to consult plumbers near me first. Among these questions you need to raise is approximately how much water you use.
Here’s what you need to know to figure out the answer to this question.
The Number of People in Your Household
Even if you are not yet ready to consider a new water heater installation, it never hurts to have a good idea of how much hot water you use. One easy way to do this is to go by the number of people in your household. With a tank-based water heater, this works out to:
23-36 galls. for 1-2 ppl.
36-46 galls. for 2-4 ppl.
46-56 galls. for 3-5 ppl.
56 galls. for 5 or more ppl.
First Hour Rating
If a water heater isn’t sized correctly, you could find yourself needing water heater repair in Commerce, MI, more often than expected. Another way to determine if a water heater can meet your anticipated water usage is to go by the first-hour rating. FHR is a measure of how much hot water a water heater can produce within a single hour when it’s fully heated. If a 50-gallon tank has an FHR of 90, this means it can produce 90 gallons of hot water in an hour.
Use Flow Rate for Tankless Models
When it’s time for a water heater replacement, you might consider switching to a tankless unit. If this is what you plan to do, you’ll want to have a good idea of hot water usage so you can choose the right size. With tankless models, water usage is based on the flow rate, which is measured in gallons-per-minute, or GPM. This figure is based on your maximum hot water usage at any given time. Determine the flow rate based on water-based activities and peak usage. For instance, if your peak usage is at dinnertime when you’re running the dishwasher and showering at the same time, a tankless unit with a 5.5 GPM flow rate is typically recommended.
Give Us A Call
Whether you have a traditional or tankless water heater, knowing how much water you use is important. The experienced technicians from Carter’s Plumbing can help you make this determination with even more accuracy as you weigh your options with a replacement or a new installation.
Contact us today about our water heater services in Commerce, MI, and nearby areas. Call Carter’s Plumbing or fill out the online form to schedule an appointment.
