Normal household use
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Recommended Size
Tank Capacity
100 gallons
First Hour Rating
90 gal
Daily Use
120 gal
Recommendation
Recommend 50+ gallon tank or tankless
Size by Number of Occupants
Recommended Tank Sizes
1 person40 gal
2 people40 gal
3 people50 gal
4 people66 gal
5 people80 gal
Water Heater Types
Traditional Tank
Stores 30-120 gallons, keeps water hot continuously
Pros: Lower upfront cost, reliable
Cons: Standby heat loss, larger footprint
Tankless (On-Demand)
Heats water as it flows through
Pros: Energy efficient, compact, endless hot water
Cons: Higher upfront cost, may need upgrade
Heat Pump
Uses electricity to move heat from air to water
Pros: Very efficient, lower operating cost
Cons: Higher upfront, needs air space
Quick Reference: Water Heater Terminology
First Hour Rating (FHR)
Hot water available in first hour of use
Recovery Rate
Speed at which heater reheats water
BTU
British Thermal Unit - heating capacity
UEF
Uniform Energy Factor - efficiency rating
Standby Loss
Heat loss from stored hot water
Thermostat Setting
Standard 120°F (prevents scalding)