Looking for the best new storage tank water heating system for your northeast Ohio home? The key to properly sizing your new storage water heater is its first hour rating. This is the number of gallons that the water heater can provide on an hourly basis, assuming it starts off with the tank filled with hot water. This calculation takes into account the tank’s capacity, the burner or heating element’s size and type.
You’ll find first hour rating helpful in sizing your water heater. It’s conveniently listed on a product’s bright yellow EnergyGuide label, so that you can compare different equipment capacities. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) doesn’t require the label on heat pump type water heaters. For those, try checking with your local HVAC contractor to get the information, or research first hour ratings on the manufacturer’s website.
When sizing your water heater, it’s best to purchase a unit with a first hour rating that covers your household’s specific peak demand or comes within a gallon or two. Choosing the correct capacity water heater ensures that your family will always have enough hot water for its needs, even when everyone (or almost everyone) is using hot water at once. An undersized unit may leave some out in the cold, while a too-large model is a waste of energy. Remember – your hot water heater uses energy in keeping the tank supply hot so that it’s ready for your household needs.
Estimating your home’s peak hour water-heating needs
Think about the busiest hour in the day for your hot water heater, when your home uses the most hot water. Factor in the number of residents in your home and think about what they may be using the water for during that busy high-demand hour. To help with your peak hour demand estimate, refer to this handy chart provided by Energy.gov.
Would you like some help sizing your water heater? Or do you have another HVAC-related question? Talk to the experienced professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re happy to help. Visit our website for valuable home comfort information or just give us a call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about sizing your water heater and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area