#Sizer program how to#
#Sizer program install#
#Sizer program full#

#Sizer program full#

The first hour rating is the number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour (starting with a tank full of hot water). To properly size a storage water heater for your home - including a heat pump water heater with a tank - use the water heater's first hour rating. Sizing Storage and Heat Pump (with Tank) Water Heaters Visit the solar water heaters page for more on these calculations. Other CalculationsĪdditional calculations involved in sizing your solar water heating system include evaluating your building site's solar resource and determining the proper orientation and tilt of the solar collector. In very warm, sunny climates, some experts suggest that the ratio should be increased to as much as 2 gallons of storage to 1 square foot of collector area. This helps prevent the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.įor active systems, the size of the solar storage tank increases with the size of the collector - typically 1.5 gallons per square foot of collector. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. Storage VolumeĪ small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. Sun Belt area or 12–14 square feet if you live in the northern United States. For every additional person, add 8 square feet (0.7 square meters) if you live in the U.S. Collector AreaĬontractors usually follow a guideline of around 20 square feet (2 square meters) of collector area for each of the first two family members. Solar system contractors use worksheets and computer programs to help determine system requirements and collector sizing.

Sizing your solar water heating system basically involves determining the total collector area and the storage volume you'll need to meet 90%–100% of your household's hot water needs during the summer. Some types of tankless water heaters are thermostatically controlled they can vary their output temperature according to the water flow rate and inlet temperature. Faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures can sometimes reduce the water temperature at the most distant faucet. Typically, a 70✯ (39✬) water temperature rise is possible at a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute through gas-fired demand water heaters and 2 gallons per minute through electric ones. Most demand water heaters are rated for a variety of inlet temperatures. Be cautious of a water temperature of 140✯ because it increases the possibility of scalding. In that case, you'll need a temperature rise of 90✯ (50✬). For dishwashers without internal heaters and other such applications, you might want your water heated at 140✯ (60✬). In this example, you'd need a demand water heater that produces a temperature rise of 70✯ (39✬) for most uses. You can also estimate the temperature by holding a thermometer under a cold-water faucet. For most uses, you'll want your water heated to 120✯ (49✬). Unless you know otherwise, assume that the incoming water temperature is 50✯ (10✬). To determine temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired output temperature.

#Sizer program install#

To reduce flow rates, install low-flow water fixtures. Measure the amount of water and multiply by 60 to get the gallons per minute (or liters per minute).The flow rate through the demand water heater should be at least 3.25 gallons (12.3 liters) per minute. If you don’t know the flow rate, estimate it by holding a pan or bucket under the faucet or shower head and measure the flow for a minute. For example, let's say you expect to simultaneously run a hot water faucet with a flow rate of 0.75 gallons (2.84 liters) per minute and a shower head with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per minute. This is the desired flow rate you'll want for the demand water heater.

Then, add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). Therefore, to size a demand water heater, you need to determine the flow rate and the temperature rise you'll need for its application (whole house or a remote application, such as just a bathroom) in your home.įirst, list the number of hot water devices you expect to use at any one time.

Tankless or demand-type water heaters are rated by the maximum temperature rise possible at a given flow rate. Sizing Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters If you haven't yet considered what type of water heater might be best for your home, learn more about selecting a new water heater.

Storage and heat pump (with tank) water heaters.įor sizing combination water and space heating systems - including some heat pump systems, and tankless coil and indirect water heaters - consult a qualified contractor.

#Sizer program how to#

Here you'll find information about how to size these systems: Therefore, before purchasing a water heater, make sure it's the correct size. A properly sized water heater will meet your household's hot water needs while operating more efficiently.