Your water heater consumes energy in your home. If your water heater is larger than what you really need, you may be spending more money on gas than actually necessary. However, if your water heater is too small, you may run out of hot water during peak use periods.
The following chart will help you to determine the size of the water heater you need in your home. Consider your family size, and then simply estimate how many gallons of hot water you will need during the course of the hour when there is maximum demand for hot water in your home, which is usually in the morning when everyone is getting ready to start the day.
Approximate Gallon Use:
Shower 10 - 15 Gallons | Bath 15 - 25 | Gallons Shaving 2 Gallons | Washing Hair 4 Gallons | Washing Hands and Face 2 Gallons | Preparing a Meal 5 Gallons | Washing Dishes in Automatic Dishwasher 12 - 15 Gallons | Washing Dishes by Hand 4 Gallons | Washing Clothes - Warm Wash - Cold Rinse 10 - 12 Gallons |
When shopping for your new water heater, look for energy efficiency and year round operating costs of the water heater, before you decide which one is the right one for your household. Look at the Energy Guide label on the water heater for this information.
CA. Lic: 931807