Water Heater Sizes
Water heating is a thermodynamic process that utilizes sources of energy to heat water above its normal temperature. Hot water is usually in very high demand in most homes for purposes of cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Using hot water for industrial applications is also common practice. Heating water at home has for a long time been done in water heaters such as kettles, which cannot provide a constant supply of hot water. The need for a constant hot water supply has brought to the use of relatively larger water heating appliances otherwise known as boilers to the forefront.
Water heaters are available in various types and sizes. The most common are the tank water heaters, designed to store water and utilize energy from sources such as electricity, geothermal and others to heat the water. These water heaters are specifically designed for industrial or commercial purposes and are often found in modestly large capacities. The common water heater sizes in this category include 30, 40, and 50-gallon units, which are the standard sizes. It is also possible to find tanks ranging from 2.5 gallons to 19 gallons.
Tankless water heaters are another type that have the ability to provide instant hot water whenever the need arises. These heaters do not require any storage capacity and can thus come in a variety of sizes. Tankless water heaters are small by design, often the size of a loaf of bread or even a laptop. In fact, the largest tankless water heater is rumored to be the size of a suitcase. Given their tiny size, tankless hot water heaters can actually be mounted on a wall and be operational. This gives them an edge over tank water heaters.
There are certain factors to consider when selecting the appropriate water heater for your needs. Water heater size will be a key element here as it determines the weight of the tank and has a direct bearing on the transport and delivery course. Another factor to consider is the after sales service i.e. how easy is it to access and replace parts. It is also important to look into the efficiency of the water heater and its convenience to use. With these factors in mind, you should easily be able to identify the water heater that satisfies your specifications.
It is equally important for you to be able to pick a water heater of the right size. This may necessitate a visit to the manufacturers’ sites and obtaining an update from the source. Alternatively, chatting up an experienced contractor can give you valuable insight on the size that suits you. When it comes to size, tankless water heating technology seem to have an edge. They have a reputation for being efficient and provide a longer lifespan. Anyone wishing to buy a water heater would do well not just to go looking for affordability, but also the right size that fits well with the space that he or she has for installation.
