When you need a large plumbing installation, such as a new water heater, it’s important that you let a trained professional handle all of the heavy work. One misstep can cause water to flood into your home, and faulty installation can mean you’ll end up with some large repairs early on.
But what’s also important is that you let a trained professional choose the proper size unit for your home. To some homeowners, this may not seem like a complicated task. If you have budgetary limitations, you may opt for a smaller system. Or, you may choose a larger unit to ensure you get enough hot water. But these assumptions can cost you money in repairs and on your energy bills over time. That’s why it’s important to let a professional help you through every step of the process.
Here’s why sizing a storage tank water heater is not a job for the inexperienced. And when you need water heater service in Olympia, trust one of the plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing.
Sizing Storage Tank Water Heaters
Sizing a water heater depends on a couple of factors. For one, a technician must determine the amount of hot water used during the busiest hour of the day. This is referred to as the FHR, or first hour rating, because many households use a lot of hot water early in the first hours of the day. A technician may be able to make calculations based on the number of people in the home, but some homeowners have additional water heating needs to take into account.
The home’s FHR should match up to the unit’s FHR. However, you’ll also need to consider the EF, or energy factor. This number lets you know how much of the energy used by the water heater is used as hot water. When factoring the size of the unit into your budget, you should also consider this factor to help you choose a system that is cost-effective over time.
A system that is too small will not get the job done, but an oversized system will cost you a lot more every month. For water heater service in Olympia, let the professionals at Brooks Plumbing do the work for you. Call us today!
