Which is better, a short water heater or tall?
To help you choose, here is a detailed differentiation between the two types of water heaters:
- Tall Water Heaters Are Costlier Than Short Water Heaters Since short water heaters have a lower water storage capacity and are smaller in size, the upfront cost of these ...
- Short Water Heaters Are Energy Efficient This is a significant benefit of buying a short water heater. ...
- Short Water Heaters Have A Higher GPM Flow Rate
How tall is a tall water heater?
What Is a Tall Water Heater? As its name says, tall water heaters are indeed tall. They are made to be around 50 to 76 inches in height and will be able to hold up to 100 gallons of water. Ideally, they’re installed in your basement or garage – wherever they can be close to your home’s plumbing system.
What is the standard height of a water heater?
They usually store between 30 and 50 gallons of water but can hold as low as 10 gallons. Taller water heaters can be exorbitantly different. They can have a height that ranges anywhere between 46 and 60 inches tall and a diameter between 18 and 21 inches wide. They are more cylindrical than the shorter variety, which has a more diverse shape range.
What size tankless water heater is best?
Top 6 Best tankless water heater for Condo
- SioGreen SIO 18 tankless water heater. The SioGreen SIO 18 is a tankless water heater perfect for condos that suffers from hard water. ...
- Rheem RETEX-24 tankless water heater. The Rheem RETEX-24 (Electric tankless water heater) is a noiseless, on-demand water heating system. ...
- Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 tankless water heater. ...
What is the difference between a medium and tall hot water heater?
Short water heaters vary between 30 to 49 inches and hold up to 50 gallons of water. The nickname for tall water heaters is “short boy.” Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They're ideal for basements or garages where height isn't an issue.
Are tall water heaters better than short?
Short water heaters are generally more energy-efficient as they have a lower power rating. They also heat the cold water faster than the tall ones due to the lower water volume in the storage tank.
How tall is a medium water heater?
Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches in height and can hold up to 100 gallons of water.
Is a larger water heater more efficient?
All other things being equal, the smaller the water heater tank, the higher the efficiency rating. Compared to small tanks, large tanks have a greater surface area, which increases heat loss from the tank and decreases the energy efficiency somewhat, as mentioned above.
Can a water heater be too tall?
Oversized water heaters consume more energy than properly sized models, so your utility costs are noticeably higher. Plus, bigger models are more expensive upfront, so you've also wasted money on the initial equipment purchase. The same goes for tankless water heaters that are too big – they waste energy and money.
Is there a big difference between a 40 gallon and 50 gallon water heater?
50-gallon water heaters have a longer lifespan. In general, 40-gallon heaters last for about eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks.
What size water heater do I need for a family of 4?
60 gallonWater Heater Sizes The answer to this question will vary depending on the total number of kids you have. For example, a family of 3 to 4 people should purchase a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank.
How do you know what size water heater you need?
You can estimate the necessary tank capacity (in gallons) based on the number of people in the house:1 or 2 people—23 to 36 gallons.2 to 4 people—36 to 46 gallons.3 to 5 people—46 to 56 gallons.5 or more people—over 56 gallons (add 10 gallons per additional person)
How tall is a 40 gallon tall water heater?
20.25 in Product Height (in.) 58.875 in Product Width (in.) 20.25 in.
Are high efficiency water heaters worth it?
Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home's energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills.
What are the two most crucial things to consider when sizing storage tank heaters?
For storage tank heaters, there are two important factors in sizing: the amount of water it holds and the recovery rate, which is the amount of water it can heat in one hour.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.
Is a short or tall water heater better?
Tall water heaters work better if you have higher hot water demands, and short water heaters work best if you have space constraints.
What is the difference between a tall and short hot water heater?
Tall water heaters usually provide more hot water for larger homes, when short water heaters work best for households of only 2 - 3 people.
How tall is a standard water heater?
Tall water heaters reach up to 76 inches, and short water heaters top out at 49 inches.
How do I know what size water heater I need?
Measure the space you plan to put the water heater, considering ventilation equipment on top and how easy it will be for you to change out the anod...
Short
Short water heaters measure an average of 39” tall, but they can stand as tall as 49”. The minimum height for a short water heater is 30”, and their diameter is never smaller below 20”. Short water tanks on the larger end of the spectrum can have a diameter as wide as 26”.
Tall
The average tall water heater measures 53” tall and you generally find them in homes with a basement. Tall water heaters can stand up to 60” tall and you must have the space to accommodate a 40” pipe connection height.
Differences
Aside from the obvious height difference, short and tall water heaters differ in several ways. Between the energy efficiency, capacity, and installation process, short and tall water heaters have plenty of differences. They may function largely the same way, but there are key differences that affect the cost and convenience of the water heater.
Similarities
Short and tall water heaters are similar for the most part, and their main differences come from the capacity. Beyond capacity, short and tall water heaters function the same way and are available in the same variety. You need to install both short and tall water heaters in an area with access to the plumbing system.
Is a Tall or Short Water Heater Better?
Tall and short water heaters are similar in function, but tall models are better for big houses and families. They have a large water capacity that is enough to support multiple showers and plumbing fixtures. You generally need a tall water heater if 3 or more people live in your home to accommodate the hot water needs.
Related Questions
Small water heaters are up to 40% more energy-efficient than tall water heaters because of the water capacity. A larger water heater can generally hold 40%-50% more water than small water heaters, and that is more wasteful.
Tall Water Heater
Tall water heaters have storage tanks that are between 46 to 60 inches tall and have a diameter that ranges from 18 to 21 inches. They can store up to 100 gallons of water. They are suitable for places like basements and garages. In areas like these, the height of the space allows the heater to fit easily.
Short Water Heater
Short water heaters have storage tanks that are between 30 to 49 inches in height. They have wider diameters to offset the lost water storage capacity due to them being shorter than tall water heaters. Typically, they have diameters that range from 20 to 26 inches, which results in a maximum capacity of around 50 gallons.
Conclusion
Whether you go with a tall or short water heater is dictated mostly by the available space you have for putting the heater. If you have limited space, then a short water heater may be your only option.
Tall
Tall water heaters installed in homes range in height from 46 to about 60 inches. They have cylinder shapes that range in diameter from 18 to around 21 inches, and typically store anywhere from 30 to 100 gallons of water.
Short
Short water heaters installed in homes range in height from 30 to 49 inches. They have wide and round tanks that range in diameter from 20 to 26 inches. The nickname for short water heaters is "low boy." They often installed in homes that have a crawlspace instead of a basement or inside of a closet inside the home or the garage or attic.
Similarities
Most short and tall water heaters are conventional storage tank water heaters that contain water inside of the tank. They can be installed inside the interior spaces of a home or in auxiliary areas such as a garage, basement, crawlspace or attic.
Differences
The major differences are height, gallon capacity and required height for plumbing connections. Tall water heaters range are about 16 inches taller, can hold up to 50 more gallons of water and require 10 inches more height for plumbing connections. Other than that, there is no distinguishable difference in performance.
How Does a Water Heater Work?
They may not look like much, but water heaters are ingeniously designed for convenience and longevity. It’s just a large container with a heating device on the bottom – sort of like a big self-heating kettle.
What Is a Short Water Heater?
At a modest height of 30 to 49 inches, short water heaters are indeed short. They are wide, round tanks that usually have a diameter of 20 to 26 inches. Adding to that, it has a connecting pipe that’s between 29 and 32 inches. This water tank is less than five feet tall and could very well be shorter than most adults.
What Is a Tall Water Heater?
As its name says, tall water heaters are indeed tall. They are made to be around 50 to 76 inches in height and will be able to hold up to 100 gallons of water.
Should I Get a Short or Tall Water Heater?
Deciding on whether to get a short or a tall water heater depends entirely on the state of your home. Both water heaters function the same way, and their only difference lies in their size and capacity.
Can a Water Heater Explode?
Because water heaters utilize pressure and high temperatures, it could explode once reaching dangerous levels. This usually happens when the pressure is so severe that the temperature and pressure relief valves can’t relieve the tank.
How Do I Maintain my Water Heater?
Now that you know what water heater you’re looking for, be mindful of how to keep it in tip-top condition.
Short, Tall, And Everything in Between
Being able to have hot water in your own home may be considered a luxury – but it’s one that everyone deserves. Whether you’re lounging in your bathtub or having a hot shower after a long day, water heaters are essential for your overall health.
Tall Water Heaters
Tall water heaters range from 18 to 21 inches in diameter and are about 46 to 60 inches tall. When it comes to storage tank capacity, tall electric water heaters can store up to 100 gallons of water. However, installing a tall water heater will require a room with sufficient space to accommodate it.
Short Water Heaters
As the name suggests, short water heaters are small and compact. They are about 20 to 26 inches in diameter and about 30 to 49 inches high, depending on the model. Short water heaters can typically store up to 50 gallons of water.
Differences Between a Tall Water Heater and Short Water Heater
Physical differences are not the only factors that form the basis of the tall vs short water heater debate. While tall heaters are physically larger with high storage capacities, short water heaters have their own benefits as well.
How to Choose the Best Water Heater
Choosing the perfect water heater is not just about selecting the brand and model with the best features. While the features of a given model are undoubtedly important, it’s equally crucial to check the model’s compatibility with your requirements.
Conclusion
Both tall and short water heaters are equally efficient in warming cold water and providing a premium performance. However, they fulfill different needs. If you want to make the most of your investment, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two types of appliances.
Water Heater Sizes
There are multiple sizes of hot water heaters available and you must determine your average water usage to help guide your decision on size. To further narrow down your search, you'll want to keep in mind a few key factors:
What Size Water Heater Do I Need?
If you’re going with a storage tank water heater, here’s a rough guide for storage tank capacity:
Making a Decision
We hope this guide has helped clarify the different factors and sizes you should consider before purchasing a new water heater. At Total Home Supply, we carry an assortment of both storage tank and tankless water heaters, all available with free shipping to anywhere in the contiguous United States.