40 Gallon Electric Water Heater
It’s time to replace the old water heater. Where does a homeowner begin? Basic information is the best place to start. A 40 gallon electric water heater is one of the most common sizes. Standard home water heaters usually start at thirty gallons, but a heater that size, which is sufficient for a young married couple is probably going to be too small once a child or two joins the family. The forty gallon tank will serve from two to four people, depending on their overall needs.
First Hour Recovery Rate – The Key Number for a 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater
When choosing a new water heater consider the recovery rate. How soon will more hot water be available? There is a number called the First Hour Factor that will represent how much water is used during a family’s peak need for water that helps determine the right water heater for that family. This usage is usually in the morning when the entire family is taking showers and getting ready for work or school, but it can be at any time depending on individual family needs.
Water heaters are categorized according to the number of gallons the tank will hold, but the sizes of units can vary. Some are tall and rather thin while others are short and larger around. When replacing an old water heater it’s important to make sure that the new heater will fit into the space already allotted for the old one, both in width and in height. A 40 gallon electric water heater averages approximately
Electric water heaters are a bit more expensive to run than those that run on liquid propane or natural gas, but are sometimes preferred because they have higher safety ratings. Buyers can check the Energy Guide to learn how efficient any given model is and what the estimated yearly cost is. To reduce the operating costs of an electric water heater, the homeowner can take some simple steps. Try reducing the temperature of the hot water. A setting of 120 degrees will provide sufficient hot water without making the heater work overtime. The higher the setting the more energy it takes to maintain the temperature.
A homeowner who is handy around the house and is familiar with home projects might decide to take on the installation himself, especially if he already has the right tools for the job. However, if the homeowner cannot install the heater himself or doesn’t want to, he can either allow the store to provide installation or hire a plumber to do the job.
Other Resources for Considering a 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater
A popular consumer’s site lists out important factors to consider when buying an electric water heater…no matter the size. You can check out their top tips here: Consumer Reports.
There is also a nice buying guide on all water heaters..including a 40 gallon electric water heater at Home Depot’s site that you can see HERE