When it comes to residential water heaters, bigger is often better. The largest residential water heaters on the market today typically range in tank capacity from 80 to 120 gallons. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when choosing the largest water heater for your home.
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Tank Capacity
The most obvious factor is the tank capacity, measured in gallons. The larger the tank, the more hot water it can store and deliver before running out. An average household needs 30-50 gallons per day. Here are some common tank sizes:
- 30-50 gallons – Smaller homes with 1-2 bathrooms
- 50-80 gallons – Larger homes with 2-3 bathrooms
- 80-120 gallons – Large homes with 3+ bathrooms
So if you have a large home with multiple bathrooms, the biggest residential tank heaters around 80-120 gallons will provide enough hot water capacity for your needs.
Fuel Type
The most common fuel types for large residential water heaters are:
- Gas – Either natural gas or propane. Gas models heat water very quickly but require gas lines in your home.
- Electric – Use electric heating elements. Don’t heat quite as fast as gas but no combustion or ventilation required.
- Oil – Burn heating oil like furnaces. Rarely used for water heating anymore.
Gas water heaters tend to be more popular for large tanks because they can reheat water faster to keep up with high demand. However, electric models are viable too, especially with multiple heating elements.
Energy Factor
The energy factor (EF) measures how efficiently a water heater uses energy. The higher the EF, the more efficient the heater is. Large tank water heaters have these typical EF ranges:
- Gas – .50 to .70 EF
- Electric – .90 to .95+ EF
So electric heaters are inherently more efficient. However, a higher EF gas heater may still be more affordable to operate than an electric model based on energy prices.
Tank Construction
Larger tanks need thick, durable steel construction to handle the extra water weight. Features to look for include:
- Thick steel walls, floor, and top
- Glass or foam insulation to minimize standby heat loss
- Anode rods to prevent corrosion
Insulation and anode rods become more critical for maximizing efficiency and longevity as tank size increases.
Warranty
With proper installation and maintenance, a large well-built tank should last 10-15 years. Look for at least a 6-10 year tank and parts warranty for peace of mind. This protects against early tank failures.
Dimensions
Larger tanks take up more floor space. Dimensions can range from:
- 50-80 gallon – 50-65″ tall x 18-24″ diameter
- 80-120 gallon – 60-75″ tall x 24-30″ diameter
Make sure to measure your utility room or desired installation location to ensure sufficient space. Also account for code-required clearances around the water heater.
Installation
A large tank requires careful installation by a plumbing professional. Some key factors include:
- Sufficient water pressure and pipe sizes
- Properly sized gas lines or electrical circuit if needed
- Adequate floor reinforcement to handle the heavy filled weight
- Venting for gas models
Don’t attempt a DIY installation. Hire a licensed plumber to ensure safe and proper setup.
Cost
Larger water heaters have higher equipment and installation costs. Expect to pay:
- Equipment: $1000-$2000
- Professional Installation: $500-$1000
- Total Installed Cost: $1500-$3000
While pricier, the larger capacity and faster recovery can make the investment worthwhile for some homes. The cost is reasonable considering you’re getting decades of reliable hot water.
Conclusion
If you need lots of hot water and value convenience, a large 80-120 gallon residential water heater is worth considering. Carefully weigh tank size, fuel type, efficiency, durability, dimensions, installation, and cost for your situation. With some planning and a professional install, a large tank can provide plentiful hot water for your family’s needs.