Tanks → First-Hour Rating (FHR)

Add up morning/evening peak uses (showers, laundry, dishwasher). Example:

• 2 showers (20–30 gal each) + laundry (7–10 gal) ≈ 50–70 gal FHR target for many families.
  Tip: FHR matters more than raw tank size—ask for the spec sheet.

Tankless → Gallons Per Minute (GPM) at ΔT

1. Add simultaneous fixture flows (e.g., shower 2.0 GPM + sink 1.0 GPM = 3.0 GPM).

2. Estimate ΔT (difference between incoming water and 120°F/49°C setpoint).

3. Select a unit whose rated GPM at that ΔT meets your peak demand.
   Tip: In winter, incoming water is colder; pick a model that still meets your GPM with a larger ΔT.

• UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) replaces EF to better reflect real-world performance.

• Condensing gas units recover more heat from exhaust; hybrid heat pumps deliver top efficiency (lowest operating cost).

• Real results depend on set temperature, usage patterns, water quality, and installation quality.

• Atmospheric / B-Vent (legacy gas), Power/Direct Vent, and Condensing (PVC) options—chosen by model and site conditions.

• Combustion air provisions, clearances, and proper slope for condensate lines matter.

• Safety hardware: T&P valve, drain pan & drain, expansion tank (closed systems), seismic strapping where applicable.

• Scale from hard water reduces flow and heat transfer—plan annual descaling for tankless and periodic tank flushes.

• Consider a whole-home softener or conditioner if hardness is high; replace anode rods as needed to reduce corrosion/odour.

• Mixing/tempering valve: Improves safety and stretches usable hot water.

• Recirculation pumps (timer/smart): Faster hot water at distant taps; choose demand-controlled to minimize energy use.

• Leak detection & shutoff valves: Adds protection in finished spaces.

• Smart controls: Vacation mode, usage tracking, and alerts.

1. Site review & permits; verify gas/electrical, vent path, drainage, and clearances.

2. Code-compliant connections (gas/electric), venting, and condensate with neutralizer if condensing.

3. Safety setup: T&P valve to drain, mixing valve, pan & drain, expansion tank (as required).

4. Commissioning: Leak test, combustion/electrical checks, temperature calibration, FHR or GPM verification.

5. Owner walkthrough: Maintenance schedule, filter/strainer locations, descaling/flush ports, app setup (if applicable).

6. Registration & paperwork: Warranties, inspection sign-offs, and rebate submissions.

• Good: High-recovery gas or electric tank (40–60 gal), standard UEF, mixing valve

  • Best for: Budget installs, reliable peak delivery

• Better: Condensing tankless with service valves + recirculation option

  • Best for: Endless hot water, space savings, lower energy use

• Best: Hybrid heat pump water heater (high UEF) with leak shutoff & smart controls

  • Best for: Lowest operating cost, dehumidifies utility space, incentives

(Model availability varies; we present multiple options at your quote.)

• Weigh purchase + installation + energy + maintenance over 10–15 years.

• Tankless and hybrid heat pump models often pay back via lower energy use—especially with rebates and proper maintenance.

• Age: Tanks ~8–12 years; tankless/hybrid can last longer with maintenance.

• Corrosion or leak at the tank body → replacement.

• Major component failures (heat exchanger, control boards) vs. unit age/efficiency.
  We’ll provide a repair-vs-replace comparison including incentives and projected running costs.

• Tank flush: Annually to reduce sediment and noise.

• Anode rod check: Every 2–3 years (tanks).

• Tankless descaling: Annually in hard-water areas; clean inlet screens/filters.

• T&P valve test and expansion tank pressure check.

• Keep setpoint near 120°F / 49°C for safety and efficiency.

Add our Water Heater Protection Plan for annual tank flushes, priority service, repair discounts, and safety checks—including T&P valve testing and anode-rod inspection.

• Will you size by FHR (tank) or GPM @ ΔT (tankless) for my peak demand?

• Do I need gas line/electrical upgrades or a new vent path?

• What UEF and warranty terms do these models carry?

• How will you handle condensate (drain/neutralizer) and expansion tank needs?

• Do you include mixing valve, pan & drain, and permit in the quote?

• What maintenance is required and what’s covered under warranty?

• Get a Water Heater
• Water Heater Repair
• Water Heater Rebates & Incentives
• Water Heater Buyer’s Guide

What size tank do I need?
Match FHR to your busiest hour. Many families land around 50–70 gal FHR, but your household pattern determines the target.

How do I size a tankless unit?
Add up simultaneous GPM and select a model that delivers that flow at your winter ΔT to 120°F/49°C.

Tank vs. tankless—what’s better?
Tanks cost less upfront and deliver strong peak capacity; tankless saves space and energy with endless hot water (requires descaling and proper gas/venting).

Are heat pump water heaters loud or cold the room?
They’re typically quiet appliance-level sounds and can cool/dehumidify the space—great for basements/utility rooms.

Do I need a mixing valve?
We recommend it for safety and to stretch usable hot water, especially with higher setpoints.

What about hard water?
Plan for descaling (tankless) and annual flushes (tanks). Consider a softener if hardness is high to protect efficiency.