Do I need 1 or 2 water heaters?

Author: Tate Moore Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Consider Efficiency In fact, having a second tank installed may actually make heating water for your home more efficient. The second water heater could be placed in a strategic location or to one side of the house so that the water has to travel a smaller distance in order to reach the appliances that are using it.

Is it better to have two water heaters or one big one?

The advantage of TWO heaters is that you get twice the recovery rate, since EACH one will heat water at the same rate as the single 80 gallon one will.

Is one water heater enough?

For example, the needs of a family of two with one bathroom and a clothes washer should be adequately met with a 30-gallon water heater. For every additional bathroom in your home, add another 3-1/2 gallons to the tank capacity. If you use an automatic dishwasher, add another five gallons to this total.

Why would you have two water heaters?

Greater efficiency can be achieved by installing multiple, smaller tankless water heaters throughout the home. Hot water is then drawn from nearby tankless appliances instead of being lead through the home's entire plumbing system from basement to point-of-use.

How many water heaters do I need?

A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.

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Can I replace a 40 gallon water heater with a 50 gallon?

The diameter of the 50 gallon unit is only 2” bigger than the 40 gallon model, and the other dimensions and venting requirements are identical. No venting or gas piping revisions are needed going up from one size to the other.

Can you use one water heater in two bathrooms?

Yes, of course. Because this is a storage type. Solution: You may ask plumber to connect hot water pipe to other place, such as one usage point on bathroom, another one in the kitchen.

Does a house need two water heaters?

You may need more than one water heater if you have a greater need for more hot water than a single tank can provide. After all, water heater tanks only go up to a certain size and capacity.

Can you replace a 50 gallon water heater with a tankless water heater?

A 50-gallon water heater should be replaced with a tankless system with a 10 GPM flow rate just to be safe. Selecting the right flow rate ensures you won't experience cold showers or excessive energy costs. Proper sizing optimizes performance, providing hot water on demand without unnecessary waste.

How big of a water heater do I need for a family of 2?

For 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons. For 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons. For 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons.

Do I really need a 50 gallon water heater?

If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, you might consider a 50-gallon water heater. This size is beneficial if someone in your family takes long showers or if you have to do laundry frequently. The initial cost of a 50-gallon water heater will be more than a smaller model.

Does Home Depot install water heaters?

The Home Depot partners with local, licensed and insured professionals to help homeowners choose the right water heater for their home. If you live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store and call us before noon at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT, our team offers same-day installation.

Should I get 40 or 60 gallons water heater?

Forty-gallon water heaters are perfect for homes with one or two people or those living in smaller spaces. On the other hand, 60-gallon water heaters are suited for larger families (of three or more) or if you have a large tub or hot tub.

Can you put 2 hot water heaters together?

Twinned heaters can be served by a common expansion tank large enough to handle their combined volumes, or each heater can have its own properly sized expansion tank. These must be rated for potable water and a minimum pressure of 150 psi.

Why are 80 gallon water heaters so expensive?

For those considering an 80-gallon gas water heater, expect the initial costs to be higher compared to smaller units due to the increased material and manufacturing requirements.

Why don t more people use tankless water heaters?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Is there an IRS tax credit for a tankless water heater?

The federal tax credit for tankless water heaters can lead to significant savings for homeowners. Eligible tankless gas water heaters must have an ENERGY STAR certification and a UEF of greater than 0.95. Homeowners can claim up to $3,200 in tax credits for eligible home improvements in a single year.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.

Does it make sense to have 2 tankless water heaters?

For example, taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a tankless water heater to its limit. To overcome this problem, you can install two or more tankless water heaters.

Does a 50 gallon water heater use more gas than a 40-gallon?

A 50-gallon water heater is going to be more expensive. This is because it is a larger unit and it will use more energy to operate. If you are on a budget, a 40-gallon may be the better option for you.

How many water heaters does a house need?

Typically speaking, for your average home with 4 or less bathrooms and 5 or less people, you can get away with installing just 1 centralized tankless water heater.

Can you run 2 showers with a tankless water heater?

The right tankless water heater can definitely take care of all your family's hot water needs, including taking multiple showers at once. If you're considering upgrading to a tankless water heater, it's essential to work with experienced professionals.

Can 1 person replace a water heater?

In short: Yes, you can install a water heater on your own. There are, however, a lot of things to take into consideration. For one, you need to know what you're doing, and you need to have the proper paperwork or permits to do it.

Is it better to run water heaters in series or parallel?

In situations where hot water volume requirements are frequently in high demand, parallel may be the best solution. Large volumes of water are heated and ready for the demand.

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