Water Heater Dimensions (with Drawings)

The majority of homeowners don’t prefer cold showers and high energy costs. A good water heater can provide your home with reliable hot water that is also cost-effective. Before purchasing a water heater, ensure that you have determined the correct size you need for your home.

The household size will determine the best water heater size. A 23 to 36-gallon tank water heater can serve a house that has two or fewer people. A 36 to 46-gallon tank is for homes of four people; any more requires 46 to 56-gallon tanks.

Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water. Instead, they heat the water as it passes through coils in the unit.

Because they only heat the water being used, they’re more energy-efficient than traditional storage-tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters are available in electric, liquid propane, and natural gas models.

Most tankless water heaters provide up to 3.5 gallons of heated water per minute. It’s best for someone whose demand doesn’t require hot water in more than two places at a time.

If you have a larger family, the Rheem Professional Prestige Gas Water Heater is a good option. It provides 9.5 gallons of heated water per minute. It has a height of 27. 5 inches, a width of 18.5 inches, and depth of 9.75 inches.

Storage tank water heaters are classified by the amount of water they hold in gallons. To ensure that your household has enough hot water, you need to determine the water used on average. Smaller households can have smaller tanks, while larger households require larger tanks.

Also, consider the storage tank water heater’s recovery rate. The recovery rate is the number of gallons of water it can heat in an hour while refilling the tank. If you have a higher demand for hot water, you’ll need a higher recovery rate.

Follow the recommendations as a guide to find the size water heater you need.

You will need an electric water heater tank capacity of 30 gallons for a one to two-person household. A water heater of this size usually has a height of 49.5 inches and a diameter of 21.63 inches. This heater weighs about 75 pounds.

For a two to three-person household, you need an electric water heater tank capacity of 40 gallons. A 40-gallon water heater is typically 61.25 inches tall by 18 inches wide and can weigh 115 pounds.

A family of three to four people requires a 50-gallon capacity electric water heater. A Rheem Marathon Electric Water Heater is a good option for a household of this size. It has a height of 47.25 inches and a width of 28.25 inches.

In addition to tank capacity, also consider the water heater’s first-hour rating. First-hour rating (FHR) describes how much hot water a tank can produce in an hour when it’s fully heated. FHR determines the water heater’s efficiency and gives an idea of what the heater can handle at peak usage.

Your water heater’s FHR should meet or exceed the number of gallons of hot water needed for each activity performed simultaneously.

To determine your ideal FHR, use the numbers below.

The necessary clearance needed for a water heater will depend on whether the heater is gas or electric. If you have a gas water heater, 24 inches of clearance in the front is ideal. There should also be two inches in the back and two inches on each side of the heater.

Electric water heaters do not require a minimum clearance. However, most electrical equipment codes require a 30-inch working space on the front and sides of the heater. This allows for examination, adjustments, or maintenance of the electric water heater.

The National Electrical Code also recommends a 3-foot clearance in front of electrical equipment. The code recommends a minimum headroom of 6 feet, as well.

Related Questions

Do mobile homes require specific types of water heaters?

Mobile homes do require a specific kind of water heater that can be gas or electric. If you choose to have a gas water heater in your mobile home, be sure to purchase the appropriate connection. The connection type will be propane or natural gas. When purchasing a water heater for a mobile home, consider the location. If you purchase a gas water heater that you will enclose, you need a sealed combustion gas water heater. If there’s outside access, a standard gas water heater will work. Check for accurate measurements before purchasing as mobile home door openings can be smaller than average homes. 

Can I install my water heater in a closet?

If your house lacks a basement or garage, it may be necessary to install the water heater inside of the house. People often install water heaters in closets where they won’t be visible. Before installing, replacing, or repairing the water heater, you’ll need a permit to determine whether or not it’s safe. Water heaters require a certain amount of clearance to function properly. There needs to be a clearance area of 12 inches on all sides of the water heater. You also need a certain amount of airflow for proper ventilation. Building code states that there must be one air opening within 12 inches of the water heater’s upper enclosure. You must install another air opening within 12 inches of the water heater’s lower enclosure. Air ducts required for combustion must be at least 3 inches in diameter.