Sizing A Hot Water System For Your Home, Made Simple

We’ve all run out of hot water when we need and want it the most. It’s one of life’s little irritations – but choosing the right hot water system from the start will make all the difference. Whether you’re happily living alone or managing the hectic demands of a big and busy family, having the right size system means reliable hot water – without wasting energy or money. So, today we answer your most pressing question: What size hot water system do I need?:

With so many options out there, it can be hard to even know where to start. In this blog, we’ll break down how to size your hot water system for your household’s needs – no matter what life looks like inside your front door! We’ll also factor in how the various hot water technologies like storage tanks, heat pumps, and solar systems affect sizing.

What size hot water system do I need?

Hopefully, by the time you reach the end of our exclusive guide, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect solution for your home. So let’s get started!

1. Household size & hot water needs

The size of your household plays a huge role in determining the capacity of your hot water system. What size hot water system do I need for a single person? What size hot water system do I need for a family of 5?

Here’s a breakdown of hot water system sizes based on common household types:

Single-person household: If you’re living alone, your hot water usage is pretty minimal. A system with a small storage tank (25-50L) or an instantaneous hot water system is often more than enough. The latter is especially efficient for singles, as it only heats water when you need it.

Couples: What size hot water system do I need for a family of 2? Well, for two people, whether you’re party-goers or elderly, you can be pretty sure that a slightly larger tank than the one described above, or a compact continuous flow system, is recommended. Storage tanks in the 50-80L range or an instantaneous system with a flow rate of 16-20L per minute will usually cover your needs.

Families of 3-4: Families definitely require more hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. A tank system in the 125-160L range or a powerful continuous flow system with a higher flow rate is ideal. If you’re wondering what size hot water system for a family of 4 works best, this range will ensure your household’s needs are met without running out.

Families of 5 or more: Larger households, obviously, need significantly more capacity. A storage tank system of 250L or more is typically recommended – especially if everyone showers in the morning! The good news is that multiple instantaneous systems can be installed to meet the higher demand.

2. How hot water technologies impact sizing

Choosing the right technology for your hot water system is basically just as important as selecting the correct size. Here’s how different technologies influence sizing calculations:

Tank systems: Traditional tank systems store hot water, so sizing is critical to ensure you don’t run out. These are ideal for larger households, as they can accommodate higher peak demands. Hot water tank sizes in Australia range from small 25L units to massive 400L tanks.

Instantaneous (Tankless) systems: These systems heat water as needed, meaning there’s no storage tank to worry about running dry. However, the system’s flow rate must match your household’s demand. For example, if multiple showers are running simultaneously, a higher flow rate is necessary.

Heat pump hot water systems: Heat pumps are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, but they require slightly larger tanks than electric hot water systems. Wondering what size heat pump hot water system do I need? Consider adding 20-30% to the recommended tank size for your household to account for recovery times.

Solar hot water systems: As we know, solar hot water systems rely on panels to heat water, often combined with an electric or gas booster for cloudy days. The tank size is usually larger to store enough water for times when the sun isn’t shining. If you’re looking into the various hot water system sizes Australia wide for solar setups, consider storage tanks starting at 200L for a family of four.

3. Factors to consider when choosing a hot water system size

In addition to household size and technology, several other factors should weigh into your final decision:

Hot water usage patterns: Do you take long showers or run multiple appliances at the same time? Higher usage patterns may require a larger system.

Climate: In warmer climates, like right here in Brisbane, hot water systems work a lot more efficiently, which might reduce the required size. Conversely, colder climates may need larger or more powerful systems.

Energy source: Electric, gas, and solar systems all have different efficiencies and running costs, which can affect the size you choose.

Future growth: If you’re planning to grow your family or welcome guests now and then, consider opting for a slightly larger system to accommodate increased demand.

Space availability: Storage/tank systems require more room, while instantaneous systems are compact and wall-mounted. So: Make sure your home has the space for the system you’re considering.

4. Estimating the right size with a hot water system size calculator

While general guidelines are helpful, using a hot water system size calculator can give you a more tailored recommendation. These tools consider factors like the number of people in your household, daily usage habits, and your chosen technology. But we can give you a head-start! For example:

• A single person might opt for a 25L electric storage tank or an instantaneous system.
• A family of 2 could need a 50-80L tank.
• A family of 5 would likely require a 250L+ tank or multiple continuous flow units.

However, using verified calculators can help to save you from under or over-estimating your needs.

5. Common hot water system sizes in Australia

In Australia, hot water tank sizes and hot water unit sizes are standardised to cater to varying needs. So never forget that hot water tank sizes Australia-wide depend on what your household looks like, and how you behave.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Small systems (25-50L) are ideal for singles or small apartments.
• Medium systems (80-160L) are perfect for couples or small families.
• Large systems (250L+) are best for larger families or high-demand households.

Electric hot water system sizes are particularly versatile, offering options across all capacity ranges, while gas hot water systems are often chosen for their instant heating capabilities.

Get the right hot water system for your precious home

Choosing the right hot water system size ensures your household always has hot water without wasting energy or money. Whether you’re a single person looking for a compact unit or a large family needing robust capacity, there’s a system that fits your needs perfectly.

Still wondering what size water heater do I need – or do you require expert advice tailored to your situation? Either way, the team at S&J Hot Water Brisbane is here to help. From tank systems to cutting-edge heat pumps and beyond, we’ve got the expertise to guide you through every step of the process.

So: Give the friendly team at S&J Hot Water Brisbane a call today – and let us help you find the perfect Brisbane hot water solution for your home.