What Water Heater Size Do I Need in Minneapolis?
Navigating the many water heater options that are available for your home can be daunting. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the right water heater size. Sizing affects efficiency, utility costs, and the overall comfort of your household.
If you're wondering about the best water heater size in Minneapolis for a household like yours, let’s explore the key determining factors:
With some helpful guidance, you’ll be empowered to choose the right water heater size for your needs and budget.
Schedule a free in-home water heater installation estimate with MSP today.
If your water heater is leaking, failing to provide enough hot water or just aging beyond its lifespan, contact MSP Plumbing Heating Air for honest tank and tankless replacement recommendations. You can trust our friendly and knowledgeable team to help you navigate all your best options, including help with financing. Call us at (651) 228-9200 or click below to schedule an estimate online today!
Your Household’s Hot Water Usage
We often take hot water for granted, not realizing how much we need to consume each day. When you're determining the right water heater size, you need to consider your household's actual hot water usage. If you have a large family that needs to get through the shower in the morning or appliances that use a significant amount of hot water, keep those factors in mind when choosing a water heater.
In addition to general use, there are several other considerations to take into account when you're trying to find the right water heater size.
Peak Hot Water Demand
Your peak hot water demand is the maximum amount of hot water your household uses at any given point. If you have several family members that shower back-to-back, take that into account. Also, think about times when your family does laundry and runs the dishwasher simultaneously — these are the times when you're using the largest amount of hot water.
Aim to find a water heater size that can accommodate these high-usage times without leaving any members of your household out in the cold, so to speak.
Recovery Rates
When we talk about recovery rates, we're talking about how fast your water heater can heat water after its initial supply has been depleted. The recovery rate of your water heater depends on its size and type. While a standard tank water heater tends to recover more slowly, a tankless heater can typically heat water as quickly as you can use it.
Regardless of the type of water heater you choose, make sure to select one with a recovery rate that aligns with your peak demand periods.
Tank Vs. Tankless Sizing Factors
Deciding between a traditional tank water heater and a tankless water heater is another important factor.
Tank Water Heaters
Traditional tank heaters come in various sizes to accommodate different household needs. The size of the tank refers to its storage capacity, indicating the amount of hot water it can hold at a given time.
- Smaller tanks, such as 20 or 30 gallons: Suitable for apartments or small households with minimal hot water requirements.
- Medium-sized tanks, like the 40 or 50-gallon ones: Commonly found in average-sized homes and can adequately supply hot water for multiple bathrooms and appliances.
- Larger tanks, such as 60 or 80 gallons: Ideal for larger households with high hot water demand, accommodating larger families or properties with multiple bathrooms and heavy water usage.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, offer a compact and efficient alternative to traditional tank water heaters. Unlike tank heaters, tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, heating water as it flows through the unit. The sizing of tankless heaters is typically measured by their flow rate, expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rate determines how much hot water the unit can provide at a given time.
- 2-3 GPM flow rate: Suitable for low-demand applications such as a single shower or sink.
- 4-6 GPM flow rate: Suitable for households with moderate hot water needs.
- 7 GPM or more flow rate: Caters to homes with high hot water demand or multiple bathrooms. It's essential to consider the flow rate and the number of fixtures you need to supply with hot water simultaneously when selecting a tankless water heater size to ensure it meets your household's requirements.
Fuel Types (Electric Vs. Gas)
When it comes to choosing the right water heater size, you'll also be faced with another important decision: whether to pick an electric or gas water heater. Gas units tend to have faster recovery rates than electric ones, which means they can heat water more quickly. That said, electric heaters can be a more practical choice for homeowners in Minneapolis, as national gas prices are often above-average when compared with other U.S. cities.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy efficiency measures how effectively a water heater can convert energy into hot water. It also factors in the heat a water heater loses while water is stored. The most efficient units can save money over time but often come at a higher price. At MSP, we're here to help you make the right choice as you balance the initial investment on your water heater against the potential for long-term savings.
Choosing the Right Water Heater Size
Finding the right water heater size isn't about buying the biggest water heater you can find. It's about understanding your household's hot water consumption and peak demand as well as your heater's recovery rate. You'll need to compare the pros and cons of different water heater types and fuel sources and determine whether energy efficiency ratings are an important factor for you.
Trust MSP for 100+ years of water heating expertise.
If you need expert water heating advice, MSP Plumbing Heating Air is here to help. Our technicians provide friendly, prompt, and reliable service, and we're ready to help you select a water heater size and type that suits your household’s needs today– and for years to come. From tank to tankless options, we install the industry’s most reliable brands and back up our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
We've served homeowners in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area for more than 100 years and offer same-day service for repairs and estimates in most cases. If you're ready to look into your water heater options, give us a call at (651) 228-9200 or click the button below to schedule a water heater estimate online today.