Water Heaters - Correct Sizing Of A Gas Hot Water Heater ?

Hello:

Trying to decide on the "right" size for a new gas fired water heater.
Cylindrical type, independent from furnace.

Live in a typical two floor colonial, with three adults living in house.

Have a 40 gal unit now, about 10 yrs old.
"sort of" O.K. regarding what it supplies.

Would most houses of this type now be built with a 4, or with a50 gal size ?

Would 50 be overkill for us ?

Thanks,
B.

Hello: Robert

If the original house came with a 40 gallon tank and it is not up to the standards you want, one size up, to 50 gallon, is not uncommon. More likely preferable. Within limits of course. Providing there is sufficient space in the location and the primary air, used to support combustion, is sufficient also.

Water heater location is highly important. This appliance uses large volumes of air to both support burner flames, air for combustion, and air to assist with the exhausting of fumes up the vent pipe.

Does not matter if the tank has forced air flow up the vent pipe to exhaust fumes or not. The volume of air used and area in the location of the water heater must be exposed to plenty of air. Usually one size up is okay in an existing area of an existing tank. Usually but not always.

So if the tank is located in a closet, enclosure, attic, basement, etc, does not matter. That location must have sufficient space around the tank and plenty of outside air to use for burning (combustion) and exhausting fumes.

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Robert with today's heater you need to make sure more than ever that the exhaust gases can ventilate properly and adhere to the manufactures installations guidelines. Many up size are performed daily not realizing todays water heater have different requirements than the old ones.

50 Gallons is not overkill. Go for it.

Please put in a carbon monoxide detector any time you have a gas appliance. Cheap insurance to save a life. Luck.