Yes, standard residential 80-gallon water heaters are effectively phased out. Due to strict federal energy-efficiency standards (NAECA), traditional large-capacity electric and gas storage tanks are no longer manufactured for standard residential use.
With electric, the energy standard is phasing out standard 80-gallon tanks, per the Department of Energy's NAECA4 regulations for residential water heaters. These regulations, updated in 2024, mandate that certain electric water heaters will utilize Heat Pump Technology to meet EF ratings.
RheemProTerra 80 Gal. 120-Volt Plug-in Smart Heat Pump Water Heater with Leak Detection and Auto Shutoff and 10-Year Warranty.
Larger households with 5 or more people can need up to an 80-gallon tank, unless their overall usage is low.
For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.
Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 15–20+ years with proper care.
The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for standard tank installation is generally between $1,600 to $2,400. Tankless installation can range from $2,400 to $5,400.
Water Heater Size
30-gallon tank: ~5–7 minutes of hot water. 40-gallon tank: ~8–10 minutes. 50-gallon tank: ~10–12 minutes. 80-gallon tank: ~15–20 minutes.
We recommend going with Rheem, specifically for the Professional Series with 8 Year Warranty.
Yes. The initial cost of converting your tank water heater to a tankless is expensive. Tankless water heaters are 3x more expensive than your average tank water heater. However, the energy savings and supply of endless hot water can outweigh the cost for many.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 12 to 25 gallons (45 to 95 liters) of hot water. The exact amount depends on your showerhead's flow rate and the temperature you prefer (as hot water is mixed with cold):
Yes, they still make 80-gallon electric water heaters, but standard residential 80-gallon units are no longer manufactured. Due to federal energy efficiency regulations, large-capacity residential electric heaters over 55 gallons must utilize hybrid heat pump technology.
The longest-lasting water heater brands are Bradford White and Rheem (specifically the Marathon series). Bradford White is favored by plumbers for professional installations and longevity, while the Rheem Marathon uses a unique fiberglass tank backed by a true lifetime warranty.
While the DOE isn't banning gas water heaters entirely, the new energy efficiency standards effectively phase out many conventional models. Gas-powered units will effectively need to use condensing technology to meet the 2026 requirements—a feature that adds cost and complexity for manufacturers and installers.
The most reliable water heaters depend on the type of unit you need. For traditional tank water heaters, plumbers and industry experts consistently rank A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem as the most dependable brands. For tankless systems, Navien and Rinnai are the top-rated choices.
Bradford White water heaters are widely regarded as some of the most durable on the market. They come with an array of well-thought-out features that enable them to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear that results from regular use. Overall, they have a longer service life than Rheem water heaters.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Traditional 80-gallon water heaters have been phased out due to strict federal energy efficiency regulations enacted by the Department of Energy (DOE). Standard electric models larger than 50-55 gallons are largely unavailable because they can no longer meet the required Energy Factor (EF) ratings.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
The 4-minute shower rule is a sustainability and cost-saving initiative advising people to limit their daily showers to four minutes or less. This practice helps conserve water, reduce energy used for heating, and lower household utility bills by limiting consumption to approximately 36–40 liters (roughly 9.6–10.5 gallons) per shower.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's often include removal when delivering a replacement unit. This is the most convenient option, especially if the old unit is still in place and connected.
Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
As discussed above, the biggest downside of owning a tankless water heater is its higher cost. The initial installation and unit costs are more expensive than a traditional storage-tank water heater.