Short water heaters are 39” tall on average, have a 23” diameter, and can hold up to 50 gallons of water. Tall water heaters can measure up to 60” tall, hold 100 gallons of water, and have a 40” pipe connection height. The 50-gallon capacity of short water heaters makes them more energy-efficient and cost-effective for small homes.
Full Answer
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
What is the most cost effective hot water heater?
Which hot water systems are most efficient?
- Solar boosted. The most efficient systems available, solar boosted systems are generally boosted by either gas or electricity, but get most of their energy from the sun.
- Natural gas/LPG. Continuous flow gas hot water systems rated at 5 stars or above are the next best option to solar. ...
- Heat pump. ...
- Electric. ...
What is the shortest water heater?
“With the shortest design on the market, multiple water connections and ultra-low NOx construction, the Master-Fit gas water heater was developed to deliver top-performance in demanding commercial gas applications while focusing on simple installation, especially where height is restricted,” said David Chisolm, vice president of marketing.
How hot should I set my hot water heater?
What Factors Should You Consider When Setting the Water Heater’s Thermostat?
- Age. According to the American Burn Association, children below 16 years account for twenty-six percent of admissions to burn treatment centers.
- Immune System Functioning. We need a fully functioning immune system to protect us against infections. ...
- Energy Consumption. ...
- Water Appliances’ Energy-efficiency. ...
Which is better a short or tall water heater?
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.
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.
How tall is a short gas water heater?
Product DimensionsType:ShortHeight:49 3/4"Height w/Draft Hood:53 1/4"Diameter:24"Width:24"4 more rows
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.
What should I look for when buying a gas water heater?
5 Things you Need to Know Before Buying a Water HeaterFuel Source. The most common residential water heaters run with gas or electricity as their fuel source. ... Energy Efficiency. No matter which fuel source you choose, a water heater can be the third largest energy consumer in your home. ... Storage Capacity. ... Space Required.
Should gas water heater be elevated?
How high should my gas water heater be off the ground? Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
Can a gas water heater sit directly on the floor?
Gas water heaters can sit directly on the floor if they are FVIR(flammable vapor ignition-resistant). All gas 30, 40, and 50-gallon water heaters sold to the North American market after 2005 must comply with ANSI Z21. 10.1a-2002 standards and are FVIR.
Does the size of a water heater affect water pressure?
Pipe size. The proper diameter of pipe is necessary to balance water flow and pressure. A larger pipe can provide greater water flow, but if the pressure is low, the flow will be negatively affected.
What size gas water heater do I need for a family of 5?
Water Heater Sizes 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 tall is a 40 gallon short water heater?
48"Product DimensionsType:ShortHeight:48"Height w/Draft Hood:51 1/2"Diameter:22"Width:22"4 more rows
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.
Can I replace A tall water heater with A short one?
Yes, you can replace a tall water heater with a short one. However, to do so, you've to adjust the plumbing height and make sure the pipes are inst...
Can A water heater be too tall?
Yes, a water heater can be too tall. This is primarily because the height of a water heater doesn't diminish its ability to generate hot water. For...
What are short water heaters called?
A short water heater is often called the "low boy." They are often set up in homes with a crawl space or attic rather than a garage or basement. Th...
How many showers can you take with A 50-gallon water heater?
50-gallon water heaters are the most widely used and installed tanks in the US. This is mainly because it supplies warm water for three to five peo...
How tall is a water heater?
Short water heaters are characterized by their shorter and broader design, leading to their nickname "low boy.". They are typically between 30 and 49 inches tall with tanks that usually range between 20 and 26 inches in diameter.
How many inches does a heater pipe need to be?
However, you will still have to compensate for the pipe that connects the heater to the plumbing, typically between 29 and 32 inches.
How does a water heater work?
Speaking of, most water heaters can work off of natural gases, propane, and electricity. More modern varieties are built with more sustainable means and store water to be heated via solar energy or heated by solar panels and cells powering them.
Why are thigh boys called tall boys?
They are more cylindrical than the shorter variety, which has a more diverse shape range. As opposed to the "low boy," and because of their taller build, they have the nickname "tall boy.". Because of their height, it is more difficult to find an excellent place to install them.
What is considered a household larger than three?
A household larger than three. Regularly running out of hot water. Using appliances that consume a lot of water already, such as a dishwasher or washing machine. Don't forget to consider the size and installation requirements of these heaters when considering an upgrade, as it may just not be worth it.
Why are water heaters installed vertically?
They are also most commonly installed vertically which allows for faster delivery of the hot water. However, there were some instances where this is impossible, and less efficient means are used for installation. This is where the similarities end, however, and the differences begin.
Do water heaters have auxiliary rooms?
Most of the time, they include the conventional water tank that keeps water inside. Additionally, you'll want to look for auxiliary rooms to keep them in, such as garages, attics, or crawl spaces for the smaller varieties.
How many gallons of water can a tall water heater hold?
A tall water heater will provide more than enough since its large tank can store up to 100 gallons. However, you’ll need a lot of power for your tall water heater to work efficiently. Suppose an electric-powered water heater has you worrying about your monthly electricity bills.
How much space do tall water heaters need?
Tall water heaters are aptly nicknamed “tall boys.”. Because they’re so tall, they need an extra 30 to 40 inches of space for their respective plumbing fixtures to work correctly. If you’re planning on getting a tall water heater, make sure first to measure how much space you have in your garage or basement.
Why is a water heater important?
It won’t matter if a heater is tall or short as long as it gives you that much-needed heat and warmth at the comfort of your home.
What is the function of a thermostat on a water heater?
A thermostat acts as a thermometer and temperature controller of the water heater’s heating mechanism.
How much hot water does a tank water heater deliver?
First, see the capacity of your water heater. Tank water heaters usually only deliver 2/3 of hot water, as the remaining 1/3 is cold water that enters the tank.
How long does it take to heat a 50 gallon water heater?
It would be best if you also got used to estimating when to refill your water heater and for how long you need to fill it. It takes about 20 minutes to refill a 50-gallon tank and another 20-60 minutes to heat it.
What is the most prominent part of a water heater?
The most prominent part of a water heater is its tank , usually covered with insulating polyurethane foam outside.
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.
How tall is a water heater?
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. The nickname for tall water heaters is "tall boy.".
How much water does a short water heater store?
Most short water heaters used for "whole home" water heating store anywhere from 30 to 50 gallons of water. However, there are short water heaters that store as little as 10 gallons of water. Advertisement.
What kind of water heaters work with propane?
Short and tall water heaters work with natural gas, propane or electricity and can also store water for solar water heating systems or work with a heat pump system that works in conjunction with the heating and cooling system for a home. While the plumbing height can be adjusted for either a short or tall water heater, ...
What is the third place water heater?
Next to heating, cooling and refrigeration, your water heater comes in third place in terms of energy use and costs. As a general rule, you should take an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach in selecting a tall or short water heater.
How wide is a water heater tank?
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.
Can you adjust the height of a water heater?
While the plumbing height can be adjusted for either a short or tall water heater, it is a best practice to install the pipes vertically for faster delivery of hot water through the plumbing system and into the faucets of rooms. Advertisement.
How tall is a 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.
How big is a water heater tank?
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.
How many gallons of water can a water heater hold?
Typically, they have diameters that range from 20 to 26 inches, which results in a maximum capacity of around 50 gallons. As with a tall water heater, you’ll have to consider the height of the plumbing connection needed to connect a short water heater to the plumbing of your house.
Where is a water heater suitable?
They are suitable for places like basements and garages. In areas like these, the height of the space allows the heater to fit easily. In addition to the height of the water heater, you’ll have to accommodate the height of the plumbing connection needed to connect the water heater to the plumbing of your home.
Can a short water heater work with a tall water heater?
However, if you have limited hot water needs, a short water heater may work for you even if you have the available space to accommodate a tall water heater. This will leave you more space to use for other purposes—at it may save you some money, too.
Is a heat pump good for cold weather?
Heat pumps aren't that good when it's cold, but considering OP is in Texas, it should be fine. At one point the rebates were so much that the water heater was free after rebate. As for the tall/short question, it all depends on where the vent is for the water heater. If you're going to put in the vent, I'd typically go with the medium/tall which is what the stores normally carry. That way when it goes, the store is more likely to have it in stock and it's a straight swap. Going from electric to gas, you probably have to put in the chimney vent. Basically I'd go with whatever is cheapest and in stock.
Can a water heater condensate?
There is no condensate such as there is with an air conditioning unit. However, any water heater requires access to a safe drain location in the event that the tank leaks or the pressure relief valve is tripped.