Are you considering a new water heater for your home? Before going out and buying the most affordable product you can find, you should ask a plumber about selecting the correct size. Not only will this factor save money on your energy bill, but it will also play a major part in achieving the maximum lifespan for the water heater. If you live in the Orange Beach, AL, area, set up an appointment with GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store. With more than 30 years in plumbing service, these professionals are able to supply the insight you need to make a final decision.

Since water heaters provide hot water for the entire house, it can be difficult to determine the tank size that’s right for you. Here are the top three considerations plumbers recommend for narrowing down your options.

3 Factors for Choosing the Right Sized Water Heater

1. The Amount of Hot Water Used Daily

When was the last time you added up the amount of hot water your family uses? It’s probably a lot more than you realize. For example, a hot shower uses about 10 gallons of water and a dishwasher takes about six gallons every time it’s run. While you may be surprised at the total number of gallons your home utilizes, this information will help to determine which water heater is the best choice for your home.

2. How Often Hot Water Is Used

Once you’ve figured out the approximate number of gallons that are used per activity, it’s time to determine how these gallons are consumed on a daily basis. If you’re a small family with two little kids, the total number will be a lot smaller than if you were a family of six with four teenagers in the house. In short, you need to be sure the water heater can handle all the hot water demands throughout the day, and purchasing the right sized tank will go a long way to ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

3. Which Tank Size Is Correct

All that’s left to decide is what water heater tank is the correct size for your family. The best way to determine this is to round up your total hot water consumption instead of taking it at base value. Why? There might be days when the maximum amount of showers and laundry loads are reached, and you need a water heater that can supply all the hot water you need to complete each task without having to wait.

Want to talk with a professional plumber about your water heater needs? Call GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store at (251) 974-5630 and one of their knowledgeable experts will be ready to answer your questions. Visit their website for more information about their residential plumbing and water heater installation services, and connect with their team on Twitter.