What is a High Recovery Water Heater?
You would be hard-pressed to find a home in the area that doesn’t have a water heater. And out of all the homes with water heaters, you will find several that wish they had a high recovery water heater. But what is a high-recovery water heater, and why do you want to consider this option when you’re seeking water heater replacement in Allen, TX?
When a water heater is in use, it needs a recovery period to refill the tank, and that is what ‘recovery’ means. With the standard water heater, the recovery of hot water is one hour to get 4 gallons. With a high-recovery water heater, the recovery is still one hour, but up to 55 gallons.
If your home seems to always be waiting on the water to heat up again, consider how many occupants live in your house. The more people, the more showers, the more dishes, and the more laundry is needed. A high-recovery water heater could be the answer to get you ‘out of hot water’ with the family!
Are high recovery water heaters more expensive?
Yes, but not astronomically more. But the upfront cost isn’t the only advantage of a high recovery water heater. A high-recovery water heater will be more energy efficient, making the operation less expensive. How are they more energy efficient? Thinking about it, you’re not running water as long as waiting for it to heat up, which means you’re using less electricity or gas too. This will also take ease the hot water pressure too.
Are high-recovery water heaters worth the higher upfront cost?
If you have a large number of people in your house using hot water and there never seems to be enough, then yes, the investment for a high recovery water heater is worthwhile. For a household of 6 or less, probably not the best value.
Based on standard water heaters, use this guide to determine what size you need:
- A household of three: 30-gallon water heater tank
- A household of four: 40-gallon water heater tank
- A household of five: 50-gallon water heater tank
What is the 70% rule for water heaters?
Using a 50-gallon water heater as an example with the thermostat set at 120 degrees. The 70% output rule means that this water heater should provide approximately 35 gallons of hot water before going into recovery mode.
When shopping for a new water heater, it is important to remember the amount of hot water it will deliver within a timeframe is key. Not only do you want a water heater that performs efficiently, but you want to make sure it has the delivery capacity that fits your household’s needs.
The performance capability is measured by the first-hour delivery. This is the amount of hot water you should have in one hour with a fully heated water heater. The hour starts counting down from the time someone starts a shower, a load of dishes or clothes, and how quickly it takes the next person to have the hot water they need.
Which is better, a tankless water heater or a high recovery water heater?
With a high recovery water heater, it will heat the water used by any of the water outlets quickly. To know which is the best option for your household, work with a professional that is experienced and knowledgeable in all types of water heaters.
It is said that a tankless water heater will never run out of hot water. However, it can get overwhelmed with the on-demand from several water outlets at the same time. This means that while one person is showering, the dishwasher or washing machine running at the same time could cut the amount of hot water down in the shower.
What is drain water heater recovery?
This is a great conservation of water! A DWHR (Drain Water Heat Recovery System) recovers heat from water that goes down the drain. A DWHR works simultaneously with showering as it is taking the heat that isn’t being used in the hot water and reuses it.
What are the disadvantages of drain water heat recovery?
Because there is a storage system with a DWHR, the system must be connected to a drain that has the most continuous hot water use. In other words, a bathtub drain would not be compatible.
In Closing
If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, replacing your current water heater with a high recovery may be an attraction to prospective buyers, but it won’t give you a high ROI. If the water needs to be replaced to pass the buying inspection, stay with typical water as opposed to investing in a high-recovery water heater. The best way to get a high ROI is to live in the house and get the benefits of a high-recovery water heater. Consider this option if you’re interested in water heater replacement in Allen, TX. Our team can be there to help – call us at 469-253-5530 to schedule a consultation.