30-Gallon Hot Water Heater Vs. 40-Gallon Hot Water Heater
Heating the water in your house is one of the largest expenses in your home. By some estimates, it is often the second-largest expense, accounting for 11 percent of your utility bill. So making sure that you choose the right water heater for your needs and family size will directly impact your budget. A hot water heater that is too large will only have you needlessly keeping water hot that you don't use, and a heater that is too small will leave you shivering in the shower when the hot water runs out.
Regular or High Demand
Make sure that you have the right size water heater for your needs. Besides running a hot bath and dishwater, regular demand for hot water would include using a washing machine and automatic dishwasher. High demand would be meeting the needs of teenagers and the additional hot water required for whirlpool tubs and oversize baths. Since you will probably have your hot water heater for at least 10 years, look into the future of what your needs will be when choosing a hot water heater.
When Is A 30-Gallon Tank Appropriate?
A 30-gallon hot water heater is really only appropriate in one situation. If your home has only one or two people using hot water at the regular demand level, you can get away with using the smaller tank if it is heated with gas. In actuality, you should only consider a 30-gallon tank if your space for the hot water heater is very limited.
When a 40-Gallon Tank Is Appropriate
A 40-gallon hot water heater gives you a few more options. A 40- or 50-gallon hot water heater is usually what most houses will have installed. If there are one or two people in the home making a high demand for hot water heated with gas, or making regular demand with hot water heated by electric, you can used a 40-gallon tank. If your home has 3 or 4 people making regular demands for hot water heated with gas, you can also use a 40-gallon tank. Other options will require larger tanks.
Cost
The price difference between a 40-gallon hot water heater and a 30-gallon tank are negligible. The difference may be less than $10. It will cost more for the 40-gallon tank to keep the water heated all the time, but if you purchase a well-insulated tank, this cost can be kept under control and the difference will probably be worth it to have hot water when you need it.
Other Considerations
Another consideration in your purchasing decision is recovery rate (number of gallons of water that can be heated in an hour). Find out how quickly your tank recharges after use. The standard recharge is around 40 gallons an hour, but a fast recharge is 55 gallons an hour. Learning the BTUs of the tanks will tell you how quickly a tank can heat the water.
Related posts
A tankless water heater can save money on energy costs.Unlike a traditional tank water heater, which stores heated water until you're ready to use it, a tankless water heater supplies hot water on...
On demand, often called tankless or instantaneous, water heaters heat water only when a demand for hot water occurs, according to the United States Department of Energy. They differ from a tank or...
If your Bosch water heater is not heating water, it needs attention. Your gas utility company may offer to make a free house call to help solve problems with a gas water heater's burner, but it's...
If your 240-volt electric hot water heater stops producing hot water, consider these troubleshooting steps before hiring a professional plumber. In most cases, the system is being overtaxed by hot...
Water heaters supply hot water for sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures.About 25 percent of the average family's utility expenses are spent on heating water, according to the California Ener...
