Most of us take our water heaters for granted. Yet during Minnesota’s cold winters, having hot water is a necessity. So whether you’re replacing your old water heater or equipping your new home with this essential appliance, it pays to put some thought into the size you choose. Here’s some help if you’re lost when wondering “How do I choose a water heater for my home?”
Household Size
The number of people in your home is probably the biggest consideration in debating a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater. Generally speaking, smaller heaters are sufficient for one to three people, assuming everyone uses an average amount of hot water. On the other hand, a 50-gallon heater is a better option for larger households of four to six people or families with higher-than-average water demands.
Household Routines
In addition to thinking about how much water you’ll use, examine your household routines. Do multiple people shower in the morning? Does anyone like to take extra-long showers? Do you run the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time? If you answer “yes” to these questions, then it’s better to go bigger when deciding between a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater.
Available Space
Of course, the water heater’s size and the space available for installation are important considerations. A larger appliance is usually both taller and wider than a smaller one, so if you’re tight on space you may face challenges. Before making a purchase, talk with the plumber who’ll install it to see what will fit and if modifications could be made to accommodate a bigger water heater.
Recovery Rate
Choosing a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater requires more than just going over your needs and checking your available space. Once you go down the rabbit hole of asking “How do I choose a water heater?,” you’ll probably find yourself with some follow-up questions like “What the heck is ‘recovery rate’?”
Simply put, recovery rate refers to how long it takes a water heater to replenish hot water after use. This really matters in a Minneapolis winter, where cold incoming water requires more energy to heat.
Gas water heaters typically have faster recovery times than electric, but capacity also has an impact. Opting for a 50-gallon water heater with a faster recovery rate could save you from taking a cold shower by providing more hot water, faster.
Energy Efficiency
Another factor when considering a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater is keeping utility bills manageable. While there are high-efficiency models in any size, there are trade-offs. Even with better insulation and maximum efficiency, a larger tank still requires more energy to keep water hot. On the other hand, if a smaller water heater struggles to keep up with your family’s needs, you might burn a lot of energy due to more frequent heating and reheating.
Budget and Long-Term Factors
Naturally, your budget will influence your decision. On average, a 40-gallon water heater costs less than a 50-gallon model. However, it’s important to factor in long-term expenses like your energy bills and potential replacement costs if a smaller tank fails to meet your needs. It’s also a good idea to talk to a home maintenance professional who can explain available Minnesota rebates for energy-efficient home appliances.
Other considerations like expanding your family or anticipating higher water usage also come into play. Having a child, bringing a senior parent into the home, or adding a bathroom can all increase hot water demand. While a smaller tank might be sufficient today, a larger water heater is better for preventing premature replacement.
So, How Do I Choose a Water Heater?
Looking closely at all of these concerns should help you determine if a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater is the best option for your Minnesota home. To summarize:
Choose Smaller If:
- Your household has fewer people and usage is moderate
- You have limited space
- You need to save on up-front costs
Choose Larger If:
- There are four or more people in your home, or you have a high hot water demand
- You want to future-proof your home for increased water needs
- You prefer a buffer against running out of hot water
When you’re debating between a 40- vs. 50-gallon water heater, Tomms Property Solutions is ready to help with expert advice, quality installation, and exceptional service. With our comprehensive 360-degree home service, we’ll keep the hot water running and lend a helping hand with more than 20 other maintenance issues. Give us a call today!
