What Size Hot Water System Do I Need?

Running out of hot water is a pain, and it's a problem you can easily avoid by getting the right-sized system for your home. At Enviromate, we know that a perfect fit means you won't waste money heating water you don't need, and you'll save on the purchase price.

On average, each person uses about 50 litres of hot water daily, though this can vary significantly depending on your family’s habits. This guide will give you a good starting point to figure it all out, but for specific advice tailored to your home, it's always best to have a chat with a local hot water specialist like us. We're here to make sure you get the perfect system.

Why does the size of my hot water system matter?

Getting the right size hot water system is a must. If your tank is too small, you'll find yourself running out of hot water all the time, which is not only annoying but also less cost-effective! On the other hand, if you have a system that's too big, you may be wasting your money. This is because it has to work harder to keep a large tank of water hot, even when you’re not using it, which drives up your energy bills. Finding the sweet spot means you'll always have enough hot water without spending extra cash on a system that's too large for your home. 

What factors do I need to consider when sizing a hot water system?

When you’re figuring out the right size hot water system, it’s not just a guessing game. A few key things come into play that’ll make sure you get a system that works for your home and family.

How many people are using it? Count the people living in your place full-time, but also think about how often you have visitors. More people mean more demand for hot water.

Water usage habits: This is a big one. Does your whole family shower at the same time in the morning? Or is your hot water usage spread out across the day? If everyone's using it at once, you'll need a bigger tank to handle that high peak usage.

Appliances: Don't forget your dishwasher and washing machine. They can use a fair bit of hot water, especially if they have a big drum.

Type of shower heads: A water-saving shower head will put less demand on your system, which might mean a smaller tank could be an option.

Number of outlets: If your hot water heater needs to supply a few showers or taps at the same time, you'll need a larger tank to meet the demand.

Gas or electric?: The type of system you choose also impacts the size you'll need. Our local experts can talk you through the best option for your home.

A general guide to what tank size you need

To give you a general idea of the right tank size for your home, we've put together this table. The key factor is peak usage, which is the time of day when your family uses the most hot water at once. For example, if everyone showers in the morning, that's considered high peak usage and will require a larger tank.

Choosing the right-sized hot water system is an important decision that affects your comfort and energy costs. By considering your family's usage habits and needs, you're well on your way to making a decision that will save you money and provide hot water when you need it.

If you still have questions, professional advice is always the best way to be certain. Enviromate Plumbing has your hot water needs covered. Our team of licensed technicians is on call 7 days a week and specialises in energy-efficient solutions for every household.

Whether you need a repair or a complete replacement for a gas, electric, solar or heat pump system, we offer same-day service at a competitive price. As certified service agents for brands like Rheem, Bosch, and Dux, you can trust our experienced team to get your hot water system sorted as quickly as possible.