Hot water streaming through your faucets and shower heads is something that’s easy to take for granted. However, once that water turns frigid, you quickly realize how important your water heater is. Whether you’re in the middle of a shower when the hot water stops flowing or doing something else, you want to know one important thing: How long will it take for the water to heat up again? The answer depends on the type of hot water heater you have.
Gas Water Heater
The typical water heater in most homes has a tank that holds and heats roughly 40 to 50 gallons of water. Gas is the most efficient energy source that a tank water heater can use. In fact, the tank can be completely filled with hot water in only 30 to 40 minutes. If you have an 80-gallon water heater, it could be two hours before the tank is completely full of hot water.
Electric Water Heater
In comparison, a standard tank water heater that uses electricity needs an hour to an hour and a half to fully heat the water. An 80-gallon tank needs more than two hours. Be aware that these are standard times for moderate outdoor temperatures. If the outdoor temperature is frigid and the water entering your home is cold, you can expect longer times for both gas and electric water heaters.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater is designed to heat water on demand. This is because the water passes over the heating element on its way into your home. Because of this, it’s easy to assume that you would never run out of hot water with a tankless system. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Only so much water can pass through a tankless system at one time. If your home has a greater demand than your water heater can manage, you simply won’t have enough hot water. For example, if you’re running the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time, you might experience cold water in the shower.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump water heater extracts heat from the air, so it works more efficiently when the air is warmer. The time it takes to heat water depends on the temperature of the surrounding air and the temperature of the water entering your home. Generally, a standard-size tank needs 1.5 to 2.5 hours to heat up. An 80-gallon tank, on the other hand, could require up to four hours.
If your water heater isn’t keeping up with your home’s demands, an upgrade is in order. Schedule a consultation with your trusted plumber today. If you live in Ormond Beach, FL or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Andy’s Plumbing.
