What size water heater should I get?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hello all I have decided to get a hybrid water heater over a tankless after much research but what I cant figure out is what size to get. I have been told anywhere from 40 to 80.

I will have myself, my mother and my 3 kids who are currently 5,8,9. The house is around 1,800sqft total with 2 full baths and 1 half. Plus washer, dishwasher kitchen sink of course.

I may try add another sink down the road downstairs but for right now its not a concern. Thank you

Oh also right now I'm looking at the Rheem Proterra line from Home Depot. they come in 40, 50, 65 and 80.

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Comments (6)

formulaross20
3 years ago
What size water heater do you have now? Are you satisfied with that size? Those two factors would be my starting basis for determining what size water heater to install.
HU-722310753
Original Author
3 years ago
Well I haven't actually moved into the place yet. I'm buying a new house and im not sure of the size it it currently. It is hooked up to the oil boiler and since that is being replaced with a mini split system the water heater is gonna go too. The water heater I believe was about 8 years old but I didn't catch the size.

Currently at my apartment I have a 29 gallon for myself and my 3 kids and during the summer its not so bad but during the winter then forget about it. I have hot water for maybe 20-25 min of showers then its done. My mother apartment has a 40 and no complaints from her but all only one bathroom and no washer. My apartment has only one bathroom as well but I do have a washer. I do tend to wash clothes with cold water though.
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formulaross20
3 years ago
I understand. For what its worth, most families get by with a 40 or 50 gallon water heater. Yes, poor scheduling of multiple baths/showers will sometimes run out of hot water, but that's under your control.
Stax
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
My wife and I have a 50 Gal GE Hybrid Hot Water Heater - we love it and it saves us considerable money (~$30+/ Month) compared to Electric resistance.

Capacity wise it just keeps up with our demand - however, we have made changes in usage schedule to allow this to occur - and I would add the fact that both of us are Retired. No back to back showers. No showers proceeded by or immediately following a dishwasher load. No granddaughters visiting without shifting out of eHeat Mode and into High Demand/Boost Mode.

If I was replacing my unit, I would spend more for the larger unit. (80 Gal?)
HU-722310753
Original Author
3 years ago
well i went to home depot and spoke tot he guy there, did some online research along with these comments. Then went to lowes.com and it said for family of 5 or more get 80. I went with the rheem 80 gallon hybrid proterra which is supposed to be top of the line. was little over 2k after tax but I got $300 off today with a sale that was ending today. I will also get 1,000 back from the utility company. Im thinking long term the needs will increase as the kids get older Im sure. and also who knows if down the road once I'm past my divorce what the future holds in that respect. Hopefully it was the right choice.
Stax
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You may want to add an Extended Warranty - not something I general advocate - but in this case might be worth it. (" Add 5 Year Extended Protection Plan - $69.97 /ea. (Less than $1.17/month))

Also, don't forget $300 Federal Tax Rebate. Some States forgive the Sales Tax also.

What size water heater should I get?

Comments (6)

formulaross20

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What size water heater should I get?

Comments (6)

formulaross20

HU-722310753Original Author

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formulaross20

Stax

HU-722310753Original Author

Stax

COMPANY

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HU-722310753
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Original Author