Water Heater Size Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the appropriate water heater tank size based on household size and estimated water usage per person.
Purpose: It helps homeowners and plumbers select the right Bradford White water heater capacity for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The family size is multiplied by the average hot water consumption per person to determine total capacity needs.
Details: Correct sizing ensures adequate hot water supply while avoiding energy waste from an oversized unit or insufficient capacity from an undersized one.
Tips: Enter the number of people in your household and gallons per person (default 12 gal/person). All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why is 12 gallons per person the default?
A: This is Bradford White's recommended average for typical residential use, accounting for showers, dishes, and laundry.
Q2: When should I adjust the gallons per person value?
A: Increase if your household has high water usage (15-20 gal) or decrease for low usage (8-10 gal).
Q3: Does this account for simultaneous usage?
A: The calculation includes a buffer for peak usage times. For multiple bathrooms, consider adding 10-20% to the result.
Q4: How does this work for tankless water heaters?
A: Tankless units are sized by flow rate (GPM) rather than tank capacity. Use our Tankless Sizing Calculator for those models.
Q5: What about energy factor considerations?
A: This calculates capacity only. For energy efficiency, consult Bradford White's Energy Guide labels.