How Long Will It Take My Water Heater to Heat Up?
Hot showers are among the most relaxing and rejuvenating sensations we may have in our own homes, and depending on the time of day, in the entire globe. Unfortunately, our hot water heaters aren’t magical gadgets that can produce a limitless supply of hot water on their own own. It takes time for them to transform water that is far too cold to appreciate in a shower into the steaming sweetness that we all adore. However, not all water heaters are created equal, so it’s crucial to understand how long you’ll have to wait when your water heater’s supply is depleted.
The size of the heater determines how long it takes to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Heater powered by electricity To fully heat the water in its tank, the typical electric heater requires approximately double the time of the average gas heater; thus, you should expect it to take between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes to fully heat the water.
Alternatively, if they don’t have a backup energy source, a cloudy day might mean that you won’t be able to use your hot water for an extended period of time.
The fact that this is a relatively new technology means that it is not without its flaws, but who doesn’t like the thought of never having to wait for the shower to heat up again?
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for all of your water heater requirements and to book a free home plumbing examination with a licensed plumber.
Posts related to this one:
- Tankless Water Heater vs. Conventional Water Heater
- Unclogging Your Shower Drain
- Call a Plumber or Do It Yourself
How Long Does a Water Heater take to Recover?
Take a wonderful, warm shower when the water suddenly becomes ice cold, which is a really unpleasant sensation to experience. When will your hot water be able to be accessed again? Alternatively, perhaps this is a recurring trend, and you are perplexed as to what is causing it. It all relies on the recovery rate of your water heater, which is the amount of time it takes to reheat the water tank once it has been depleted. On average, it might take anywhere from 1-2 hours for an 80-gallon tank water heater to recover from a power failure.
It should be noted that this is only a rough estimate. Several factors will be discussed in this article to assist you in making a more specific estimate of how long your water heater will need to recover. These factors include:
- Recovery timings for a typical water heater
- Key elements that impact recovery times for a typical water heater
- Common difficulties that cause recovery times to be delayed
Is your water heater taking an excessive amount of time to recover? Red Cap PlumbingAir can provide you with a water heater repair that is both rapid and efficient. We promise that our skilled plumbers will arrive on time, and in most situations, we will be able to repair your water heater the same day that we identify the problem!
Average Water Heater Recovery Times
Consider the typical recovery time for a water heater and what is considered a “fast” recovery time for a water heater. You will be able to tell immediately if yours is taking substantially longer than normal. An 80-gallon tank with entering water temperature of 62 degrees, for example, will typically recover in the following amount of time:
- 60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater)
- 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater)
- 60-70 minutes (for an electric tank water heater).
You’ll notice that gas water heaters can heat your water far more quickly than electric water heaters. It heats water more quickly because gas water heaters employ burners that reach greater temperatures more quickly than the heating coils in electric water heaters, resulting in quicker heating. Having said that, they are only fast averages for comparative purposes. Several important elements, which we’ll explore next, influence the recovery time of your individual water heater, resulting in a recovery rate that may be greater or lower than the national average.
Key Factors That Influence Water Heater Recovery Times
Compared to electric water heaters, gas water heaters heat water significantly more quickly. It heats water more quickly because gas water heaters employ burners that reach greater temperatures more quickly than electric water heaters’ heating coils do. As a disclaimer, these are only fast averages for the purpose of comparison. In addition to many important considerations, which we’ll explore next, your unique water heater’s recovery time may be greater or lower than the national average as a result of these factors.
1. Tank size
The tank size and First Hour rating of your water heater may be found on the Energy Guide label on the appliance. / Source: Federal Register In general, the higher the tank capacity of your water heater, the longer it will take for it to recover. The majority of home water heater tanks have a capacity of 20 to 100 gallons or more. If your water heater is on the bigger side, it will take longer for the burners or heating elements to get the water up to the desired temperature. Furthermore, as your tank is nearing the end of its supply, recuperation durations for larger tanks become considerably longer.
2. First hour rating
It is possible to determine the tank capacity and First Hour rating of your water heater by reading the Energy Guide label on it. / Source: Federal Register In general, the higher the capacity of your water heater’s tank, the longer it will take for it to return to operational status. Tank capacities range from 20 to 100 gallons for most household water heaters. If your water heater is on the bigger side, it will take longer for the burners or heating elements to get the water up to the appropriate temperature.
Furthermore, as your tank is nearing the end of its supply, recuperation durations for larger tanks become much more time-consuming. With the influx of cold water, the temperature of the hot water in the tank will be significantly reduced.
3. Fuel type
When compared to gas water heaters, electric water heaters take nearly twice as long to restore their heating capacity. Why? Because gas water heaters use gas burners, which can achieve greater temperatures more quickly than electric heating coils, they are more energy efficient. Despite the fact that it is more expensive to install, a gas water heater is extremely energy-efficient, and you will not be without hot water for lengthy periods of time. If you want hot water quickly, it may be worthwhile to make the expenditure.
Additionally, gas water heaters are less expensive to maintain since natural gas is more economical as a fuel than electricity, especially in Florida, which is one of the top natural gas producers in the country.
4. Temperature rise
The temperature rise is influenced by the hot water temperature you like. The temperature of the water in your location will vary depending on where you live and what kind of climate you have. As a result, while estimating the recovery of your water heater, it is critical to account for “temperature rise.” The difference between the temperature of the entering water and the temperature you want your water to be is referred to as the temperature increase. The greater the disparity between the two, the longer it will take for the water heater to recover.
If you are a homeowner in the Tampa region, you should know the following:
- It is estimated that your incoming water temperature will be around 72 degrees
- Your targeted hot water temperature is 120 degrees
- And
If the intended temperature is 120 degrees and the arriving temperature is 72 degrees, the temperature rises by 48 degrees. According to the math, your temperature would have increased by 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Let us suppose you live in the state of New Hampshire:
- The temperature of the entering water is around 47 degrees
- Use the same intended water temperature of 120 degrees for the remainder of this discussion.
According to our calculations, the temperature would climb by 73 degrees Fahrenheit. When compared to the Tampa example, this is nearly a twofold increase in temperature, which means the New Hampshire homeowner’s water heater will have to work twice as hard to heat their water as before.
Common Problems That Slow Down Recovery Time
When sediment accumulates at the bottom of your water heater, contact a plumber to have it flushed thoroughly. / Image courtesy of St. Cloud State University Even if you have the most energy-efficient water heater available, you may still experience problems that cause the heater to take longer to recover from. The following are examples of common issues:
Sediment buildup:
It is caused by the dissolved minerals in your water (calcium and magnesium) settling to the bottom of your water heater, which is known as sediment building. Over time, this results in the formation of a thick, crusted coating that might impair the ability of your water heater to heat water.
Broken dip tube:
The dip tube is a component of a water heater that directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank where it may be heated.
In the event that the dip tube fails, incoming cold water will mix with hot water, lowering the total temperature of the water.
Worn heating elements:
Depending on the cause of the failure (normal wear and tear or damage), your tank water heater may have difficulty regaining its previous performance.
Incorrect sizing:
If your water heater has consistently taken an excessive amount of time to reheat, your water heater is most likely too small for your requirements. The tank will never catch up and fully recover if the water heater is too small for your household’s or heating demands. This is because you are drawing too much water from the tank and it will fast empty. Contact a professional plumber to examine and flush your unit if you are experiencing any of the difficulties listed above with your hot water heater.
Water Heater Taking Too Long To Recover? Call Red Cap PlumbingAir.
Red Cap plumbers are standing by to assist you in getting hot water more quickly. Simply contact Red Cap for a water heater repair if you believe your water heater recovery time is too short or if you aren’t sure. We will inspect your water heater, diagnose the problem, and resolve it in a short period of time. If your water heater is running too slowly for your liking and you’d want to upgrade, we’ll provide suggestions for a tank water heater, a tankless water heater, or a solar water heater that will fit your budget and meet your hot water requirements.
How Long Will It Take a Water Heater to Heat Up?
There are a variety of elements that might influence the recovery time of a water heater, as well as how quickly it heats up. The most important things to think about are as follows:
- In terms of water heater recovery, or how quickly a water heater will heat up, there are several variables that might influence this process. What you’ll need to think about the most are the following:
Before purchasing a new water heater, take the time to conduct thorough research. If having hot water as quickly as possible is essential to you, continue reading to understand how the type of water heater you choose can effect how quickly you will have hot water.
How Long Does It Take for Hot Water to Come Back with Certain Types of Water Heaters?
Time required to heat water varies; it may take as little as a few seconds or as long as 60–80 minutes. Whatever sort of water heater you have will determine how much heat you will receive. Here are some typical heat-up times for different types of water heaters, assuming that the equipment are new and appropriately sized for the home: 1.
- Heater time for an electric storage tank water heater is 60–80 minutes
- Propane heater time is 30–40 minutes
- And propane tankless water heater time is zero minutes.
Heater time for an electric storage tank water heater is 60–80 minutes; propane heater time is 30–40 minutes; and a propane tankless water heater is 0 minutes; respectively.
Conventional Gas Tank Water Heater
When starting with an empty tank, a standard gas tank water heater, such as one fueled by propane, can take up to 30–40 minutes to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Gas Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to households with moderate to high hot water consumption, propane tankless water heaters are a popular choice. When properly sized and placed, they have the ability to quickly heat water on demand, delivering hot water in a matter of seconds when needed.
Conventional Electric Storage Tank Water Heater
One of these appliances might take up to 60–80 minutes to heat water, depending on the model.
The use of electricity to heat water is not as efficient as the use of propane, thus it is only a viable choice for small households with low water heating requirements.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
These systems, like propane tankless water heaters, heat water on demand, allowing for quicker supply of hot water than storage tank units. However, they will still take a little longer to heat up than propane does.
Solar Water Heater
The installation of solar panels, which gather energy and may later be used to power a water heater, is a popular choice among homeowners. However, unless you live in a place that receives enough of sunshine throughout the year, you’ll most likely need to supplement the solar system with another water heater that runs on gas or electricity in order to have enough hot water.
Other Factors That Can Affect Water Heater Recovery Time
Aside from the kind of water heater, there are a variety of other elements that might influence how quickly your water heater produces hot water.
- Water heater size: If you regularly find yourself without enough hot water in your home, it is possible that your water heater is too small for your requirements. Be sure to learn about how to size a water heater while you’re researching which water heater is best for your needs. Rating for the first hour: This is the maximum number of gallons of hot water that a unit can deliver each hour, starting with a completely full tank of water. Check the water heater’s manufacturer’s information to ensure that the first-hour rating of the water heater will suit your demands during peak consumption periods. Dimensions of the house: If your water heater is located a great distance away from the appliances or fixtures that require hot water, it may take longer for the hot water to reach those appliances or fixtures as it travels through the pipes. Pipe diameter (inches): Smaller pipes are incapable of transporting as much hot water as larger pipes. The water heater’s age and condition are as follows: Over time, the efficiency of water heaters decreases. Considering that one year for you is equivalent to ten for your water heater, it’s possible that yours is older and less efficient than you believe, and that it’s delivering less hot water than it should be. How long has your water heater been in service?
If Your Water Heater Heats Water Too Slowly
Do you live in a house where you have to wait an inordinate amount of time to receive hot water when you need it? It might be caused by any of the difficulties listed above, or it could be the result of a condition that requires expert treatment. Consult with a knowledgeable specialist, such as a plumber or a propane provider, about your circumstances to ensure that you have enough hot water to keep yourself comfortable.
Keep Reading More
It’s critical to understand how to properly size a water heater before making a purchase to ensure that you never run out of hot water. Are you interested in having hot water available on demand? Learn more about the advantages of tankless water heaters by reading the following article.
How Long Does it Take for Electric & Gas Water Heaters to Heat Up?
An ice cold shower is one of the few things that can completely derail your day, and if you have the improper water heater, this might become your new normal. If your present heater is on its last legs, don’t allow the stress of the circumstance push you into making the wrong decision about your new heater. Before you purchase a water heater, take into consideration how long it will take for your water heater of choice to reach operating temperature. If you want to run a large amount of hot water at the same time, you’ll need a more powerful system than if you merely want to take a hot shower on a consistent basis.
In spite of the numerous variables that might influence the time required, the chart below illustrates the average time required for each kind of water heater to heat up.
How Long It Takes A Water Heater to Heat Up For The First Time
| Water Heater Type | Time Takes to Heat Up |
|---|---|
| Gas Tank | 30-40 minutes |
| Gas Tankless | 0 minutes * |
| Electric Tank | 60-80 minutes |
| Electric Tankless | 0 minutes * |
*If the tankless water heater is appropriately designed and placed, it may offer practically immediate heat. Source of the graph
How Long Does it Take for a Gas Water Heater to Heat Up?
Once the water has entered the tank, the normal gas tank heater will take around 30 to 40 minutes to heat it. When you first fill the tank with water from your plumbing supply, the tank will heat up for a few minutes. A more detailed explanation of why this takes 30 minutes necessitates the use of mathematics. The size of the heater’s tank is obviously important, since more water will take longer to heat than a smaller tank. The BTU (or British Thermal Unit) rating of the heater is the next most important consideration.
- A heater with a higher BTU rating will heat water more quickly.
- Each gallon of water contains around 8.3 pounds of water; as a result, our sample tank has approximately 330 pounds of water to heat.
- If the water is at 60 degrees and you want to bring it up to 120 degrees, you will need to raise the temperature by 60 degrees to do this.
- Because of the lower tank size and greater BTU rating, your hot water heater’s warm-up time will be significantly reduced.
- You will need to keep the following criteria in mind if you want a high-efficiency water heater that will heat your water in the period of time you specify (after it has run out of hot water) and hold a significant volume of hot water.
- The first time you switch on the hot water after your tank has been holding hot water for a while, you should get hot water in a matter of minutes because tanks store pre-heated water, not minutes or hours.
That’s when the gas tank water heater will have to start heating new water from the temperature of the entering groundwater again, which will take longer. In order for a gas tank water heater to heat up new incoming water for the first time, it will take roughly 30 minutes.
How Long Does it Take an Electric Hot Water Heater to Heat Up?
When compared to its gas equivalents, electric tank water heaters often need double the length of time to heat water. Despite the fact that electric components are often more cost-effective, they cannot match with the great performance of gas-fired systems. It would take approximately one hour for an electric water heater to heat the 40-gallon tank indicated above from the moment new water is introduced. As a result, residences with higher water needs are more likely to choose for a whole-house gas tank water heater rather than an electric type.
When it comes to heating water, an electric tank water heater takes 60-80 minutes, compared to 30 minutes for a gas tank water heater.
How Long Does it Take a Tankless Gas Heater To Warm Up?
Tankless water heaters heat your water on demand, which means that the distance between your heater and the device you are using is the only factor that defines how long it will take for you to obtain hot water from your faucet. Ideally, this should not take more than a few seconds with a typical-sized house if the system is functioning properly. It may take a few extra seconds for the water to travel through the water pipes and reach appliances that are located further away from the heater in a large home.
How Long Does it Take a Tankless Electric Heater To Warm Up?
Tankless electric water heaters work in a similar way to tankless gas water heaters in that they only begin to heat your water when an item requires it. This means that unless you turn on the dishwasher or turn on the faucet, the water will not be warmed. The majority of the time, an electric tankless heater will give hot water in a matter of seconds, but they can take a fraction of the time that gas systems do owing to the greater strength of gas heat. Because a tankless electric heater warms water instantaneously, it should only take a few seconds for the hot water to flow through your pipes and into your fixture once it has been heated.
Factors That Affect Heat Up Time
Tankless electric water heaters work in a similar way to tankless gas water heaters in that they only begin to heat your water when an item requires it to be heated. The water is not warmed until you use it, such as when you run the dishwasher or turn on a faucet. Electric tankless heaters can often supply hot water in seconds, but they can take a fraction of the time it takes gas systems to do so due to the greater heat output of natural gas systems. Because a tankless electric heater warms water instantaneously, it should only take a few seconds for the hot water to flow through your pipes and into your fixture once it has been heated.
- Temperature of the incoming water– For both tankless and tank-style water heaters, the temperature of the incoming water will play a role in determining the amount of time it takes to heat up. Because tank heaters retain water and maintain a constant temperature, the entering temperature should have little effect on them. Instead than storing water in tanks, tankless heaters deliver incoming water on demand, only minutes before it flows out of your faucet. In other words, if the groundwater temperature is really low, the water may not heat up as quickly as it could otherwise. Neither kind of heater is impervious to the effects of extremely cold ambient temperatures in the room or area where they are housed
- Nevertheless, the former is more vulnerable. Water heater settings– Although water heaters appear to be rather basic when compared to other household mechanicals, they frequently have a number of additional features. Whether your heater isn’t operating properly, a professional may be required to inspect it and determine if any settings or calibrations have been altered that are negatively effecting its performance. Maintenance / Expenditure Issues– In the same way that any other mechanical equipment ages and degrades over time, the age and condition of your heater may eventually impact its performance, including how long it takes to heat up. A lack of routine maintenance, particularly a failure to wipe out silt that may have accumulated in the pipes, might also result in performance problems. Those who live in places with hard water are more prone to encounter pipe sediment. When it comes to distance from the appliance, it’s easy for the end user to forget that your hot water is going from the ground to your heater and via the pipes in your home before it reaches the item you are now using. The greater the distance between your appliance and the water heater, the longer it may take for the hot water to reach it. This should be taken into consideration by a knowledgeable installation when setting up your system, so it should not be a significant problem. Pipe Diameter– In addition to the length of the piping, the width of your water pipes may have an impact on how long it takes for the water heater to heat up completely. The use of a broader pipe is advantageous because it can carry more water
- But, it will take more water to be heated before the pressure is high enough to force the water through the remaining pipe system.
In conclusion, there is a heater out there that is appropriate for everyone. Be sure to consider your requirements before picking either a traditional tank or a tankless system.
See our assessment of the top models on the market now that you know how long it takes for both gas and electric water heaters to heat up. With amazing brands like Bosch, Rheem, and Takagi, you’re sure to find something that works for your needs!
How Long Does It Take for a Water Heater to Heat Up?
There is a heater out there that is suitable for everyone, in conclusion. Be sure to consider your requirements before picking either a traditional or tankless system. See our assessment of the top models on the market now that you’ve learned how long it takes both gas and electric water heaters to heat up. With outstanding brands like Bosch, Rheem, and Takagi, you’re likely to find something that works for your needs.
Jump to:
- Approximately how long does it take for a gas water heater to come to temperature. Is it possible to tell how long it takes an electric water heater to heat up
- What factors influence heating time
How Long Does It Take for a Gas Water Heater to Come to Temperature? How long does it take an electric water heater to heat up; the factors that influence heating time; and other questions.
How Long Does It Take for a Water Heater to Heat Up?
A storage water heater (one with a tank) requires some time to heat up the water in the tank before it is ready to use. When it comes to water heaters, though, how long does it take for them to heat up? You should be aware of this whether you have recently installed a new water heater or simply want to determine whether your current water heater is operating as it should. After filling the tank, you should be able to anticipate hot water within 30 minutes (gas) to around an hour and 20 minutes (electric) after doing so.
The size of your water heater, the power source, the First-Hour Delivery rate, and the recovery rate are all factors that influence how long you’ll have to wait for hot water.
How Long Does It Take a Gas Water Heater to Heat Up?
A gas water heater is more energy efficient and can heat water more quickly than an electric water heater. With strong burners located at the bottom of the tank, they use natural gas as a fuel to heat the water stored in the tank. The temperature at which a gas water heater is set, as well as the temperature of the cold water that it must heat, determine how quickly it can heat water. Here are several averages to consider:
- Gas water heaters with capacities of 40 and 50 gallons take 30-45 minutes, while 80-gallon gas water heaters take 60-70 minutes to heat.
The average gas water heater holds around 40 gallons of water and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to heat water from 40 degrees to 120 degrees. It will take around 40 to 50 minutes to heat up a 50-gallon unit. It takes around 60 to 70 minutes for a big 80-gallon gas water heater to reach operating temperature. Of course, this is only a rough estimate, and actual costs may vary depending on the age and model of the vehicle.
How Long Does It Take an Electric Water Heater to Heat Up?
Electric water heaters require more time to heat up than gas water heaters. To heat the water, these machines make use of electrical heating components that are submerged within the tank. They require almost double the time to heat up. The amount of time it takes is affected by the wattage of the heating element and the temperature that has been set on the water heater. Here are some averages, on the other hand:
- In comparison to gas systems, electric water heaters take a little longer to heat up. These systems heat the water by circulating it via submerged electrical heating components located inside the tank. Their heat-up time is almost double that of conventional models. The wattage of the heating element and the temperature at which the water heater is set determine how long it will take. Here are some averages, on the other hand.
If you have a 40-gallon electric water heater that uses 5500 watts and is set to 120 degrees, it will take around an hour to an hour and 20 minutes to heat the water.
It will take around an hour and 45 minutes to an hour and 50 minutes to heat a 50-gallon electric unit. It will take around 2 hours for a big, 80-gallon electric water heater to reach the desired temperature.
6 Factors That Affect Water Heating Time
We’ll look at the elements that influence how long it takes to heat water heaters now that you’ve seen that they may take anything from half an hour to more than 2 hours to heat up.
First-Hour Delivery Rate
A rating for first-hour delivery (FHD) is given to all water heaters. When the water heater is fully charged, the FHD tells how many gallons of hot water it can deliver in an hour. The flow rates for FHD are provided in gallons per hour (GPH). A high FHD rate indicates that you will receive more hot water more quickly than you would from a unit with a lower FHD rate, which means you will save time and money. A FHD rate of around 60 to 80 GPH is appropriate for a 50-gallon container.
Recovery Rate
The recovery rate of a water heater refers to how many gallons of hot water the device can deliver each hour while it is being utilized. It informs you how quickly the water heater can recover (also known as refill) with cold water and heat it back up to normal temperature. Due to the fact that it takes less time to heat up hot water in a unit with a high recovery rate, it will supply hot water faster. A high recovery rate water heater, on the other hand, will be able to swiftly heat cold water that enters the system, regardless of how much hot water you’re consuming at once.
Power Source
The power source of a water heater (gas or electricity) has a significant impact on the amount of time it takes to heat water. Electric water heaters are notorious for taking a long time to heat the water. This is due to the fact that using electrical heating components rather than gas burners is less efficient. A typical 50-gallon gas water heater may have a flow rate of 80 to 90 GPH, but an average 50-gallon electric water heater may have a flow rate of 58 to 66 GPH, depending on the model.
Water Heater Type
How long it takes for water to heat up depends a great deal on the type of power source used (gas or electricity). Electric water heaters are notorious for taking a long time to heat up the water they provide. Because electrical heating components are less efficient than gas burners, they are used less frequently. A typical 50-gallon gas water heater may have a flow rate of 80 to 90 GPH, but an average 50-gallon electric water heater may have a flow rate of 58 to 66 GPH, depending on the manufacturer.
Water Heater Size
The size of a storage water heater, measured in gallon capacity, has a significant impact on how rapidly it can heat water. Storage water heaters may typically hold anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of water, depending on the model. Smaller tanks heat water more quickly (and run out of hot water more quickly) than larger tanks because there are fewer gallons of water to heat. This is analogous to heating water in a tiny 2-qt. saucepan on the stove instead of a large 12-qt. stock pot on the stove.
Larger tanks, on the other hand, do not take as long to heat up as you might expect.
Because large capacity gas water heaters feature a larger gas burner, they heat water faster than smaller capacity gas water heaters.
Even so, if you have a 30-gallon water heater, you won’t have to wait nearly as long for it to heat up as you would if you had a 50- or 80-gallon one. Continue reading: The Best Small Water Heaters
Original Water Temperature
The temperature of the starting water has a significant impact on the amount of time it takes for a unit to heat it up. If the water temperature at the input is low, the water heater will have to work harder to increase the water temperature to the setting you’ve selected. Temperatures in cooler areas are typically about 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the water entering the system. In warmer areas, the temperature is around 50 degrees. It takes some time for the water heater to heat the water from 40-50 degrees to 140 degrees.
To assist you in locating local plumbers in your region, we have teamed with Networx.
Find a Plumber in your area.
So, How Long Does It Take for a Water Heater to Heat Up?
In most cases, if you have a gas water heater set to 120 degrees and the incoming water is about 50 degrees, you should not have to wait more than 30 to 50 minutes for hot water (in 40 and 50-gallon units). A 5500-watt electric water heater set to 120 degrees will provide hot water after about 50 minutes if the incoming water temperature is roughly 50 degrees. This will require a little longer wait time. It will take around one hour to one hour and forty-five minutes (in 40 and 50-gallon units).
If your water heater takes longer than around 2 hours to heat up, you should contact a professional to inspect it.
You Might Also like:
- What size water heater do I require
- What is the average cost of a water heater
- And how long does a water heater last
How Long Does It Take a Water Heater to Heat Up?
In order to determine what size water heater I require, as well as how much a water heater costs on average, and how long a water heater lasts, please see the following sections:
How Long Does It Take a Water Heater to Heat Up
In terms of water heaters, there is a tremendous range of sizes, styles, and fuel or power sources to choose from. All of these factors have an impact on the time it takes for the water heater to heat up.
Gas Water Heaters
Natural gas boilers are one of the most efficient and long-standing methods of heating water in a household. For a long time, gas has been a popular source of energy. One of the advantages is that energy expenses are kept to a minimum. As an alternative to employing electric components, they heat the water with gas burners that are located at the bottom of the storage tank. As a result, their recuperation period is much shorter. Generally speaking, a standard gas water heater does not take long to heat a full tank of water, however the time may vary depending on the size.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are somewhat less efficient than gas water heaters. These make use of electric heating components that are contained within the tank, similar to a toaster or an oven.
The recovery period of these units is somewhat longer than that of gas-fueled machines. If you have a 40-gallon tank, you may anticipate to get hot water in between 60 and 80 minutes. You’ll get hot water in around two hours if you have an 80-gallon storage tank.
Solar Water Heaters
No other source of energy besides the sun provides electricity for solar water heaters (1). However, because we can’t rely on him to be there at all times, they are frequently backed up by a normal electric water heater. It follows that they require approximately the same length of time as an electric unit. Having said that, there are solar units on the market that are solely powered by solar energy. On overcast days, you should expect a lengthy wait time if this is the case. On really rainy and dreary days, there may be no hot water at all.
- However, instead of directly creating heat, they make use of the incoming power to circulate the heat, so boosting their efficiency (2).
- This is often comprised of a hybrid mode as well as a high-demand mode.
- In hybrid mode, the waiting period for hot water might be up to two hours, depending on the size of the water storage tank used.
- If you’re searching for a water heater that requires little to no waiting time, a tankless water heater is the best option.
- They do not have a tank, which means that the water is brought in on demand and is heated as it circulates through the system (3).
- Having said that, the average waiting time is less than a minute in most cases.
Factors That Influence Heating Time
The anticipated waiting time is merely a best-guess estimate at this point. Water heaters are impacted by a variety of factors, all of which can have an impact on how long it takes for them to heat up. Some are ubiquitous across all sorts, but others are more specialized to a single type only.
1.First Hour Rating
It is indicated by the first hour rating that the water heater can supply a certain number of gallons within the first hour of operation. It displays the water heater’s capacity to return a full tank to the proper temperature once it has recovered from a power failure (4). A high ranking for the first hour indicates a lower waiting time. In order to determine this value, we need to know the fuel source, tank capacity, and size of the heating components or burners (5).
2.Size of Water Heater
The size of your water heater is another element that might affect how long it takes to heat water. As you can see from our previous samples, a greater tank size requires more time to heat up. This is simply due to the fact that there is more water to heat. Larger tanks would often feature two heating elements or a huge burner to reduce the amount of time it takes to heat up.
Despite this, a smaller tank will heat up more quickly. Having said that, the smaller tank will almost certainly run out of fuel sooner than the bigger ones. Consequently, even though you’ll have hot water in shorter time, you’ll most likely run out of hot water after doing only small activities.
3.Inlet Water Temperature
An other aspect that might influence the heating time is the size of your water heater. Because of the bigger tank capacity, it takes longer to reach the desired temperature, as seen in our previous instances. Because there is more water to heat, the temperature has increased. A big burner or two heating elements will be used in larger tanks to reduce the amount of time it takes to heat them. Despite this, a smaller tank will heat up more quickly than a larger tank. Having said that, it is probable that the smaller tank will run out of fuel more quickly than the bigger one.
4.Fuel Type
As you can see from our previous examples, the kind of fuel makes a significant impact in recovery time. When it comes to heating water, gas water heaters are significantly faster than their electric counterparts. This is due to the fact that gas burners attain temperatures that are far greater than those of electric heating components.
Why Is It Suddenly Taking Longer?
Fuel type, as seen in our previous instances, has a significant impact on recovery time. In comparison to their electric counterparts, natural gas water heaters heat water far more quickly. This is due to the fact that gas burners attain temperatures that are significantly greater than those of electric heating components.
1.Sediment Buildup
Sediment accumulation is the most likely cause of your water heater’s unexpected inability to heat water quickly. This is a frequent problem that occurs over time as your machine becomes older. Although it is possible that it will occur sooner if you have hard input water or if you ignore upkeep. When the minerals contained in the water begin to settle on the inside of the tank, this is referred to as sediment building. The phenomenon can occur even with soft water that is low in minerals, although it will often take a bit longer before it becomes evident.
These are located on the tank’s walls and around the heating components, where they can severely impair the tank’s capacity to heat the water in it.
- The unit takes slower to heat up, and you’ll run out of fuel far more quickly than you did previously
- There are weird noises coming from the device, such as popping, banging, or hissing. Increased energy bills by a significant amount
The most effective method of resolving this problem is to cleanse the tank on a regular basis. If, on the other hand, you have an electric unit and the heating elements are broken beyond repair, you will need to have them replaced.
2.Needs Troubleshooting
If sediment accumulation isn’t the problem, it’s possible that the heating components or the thermostat need to be checked out for problems. If you have an electric heater, this is a rather simple technique; but, if you have a gas heater, you’ll need some prior knowledge. This is also one of the reasons why we advocate consulting with a professional. If your unit is powered by electricity, the following is a basic description of how to troubleshoot:
- Turn off the electricity: Before you handle any electrical components, make sure the breaker is in the “Off” position. To gain access to the thermostat, follow these steps: Using a screwdriver, remove the access panel from the wall. Afterwards, carefully remove the insulation to reveal the upper thermostat. Check the power: Make use of a multimeter to check for indicators of voltage on the cables. Before you proceed, make sure that they all have a reading of zero. Adjust the temperature as follows: Use a flat-blade screwdriver and turn the arrow displaying the temperature. Reduce the temperature by a few degrees to see if it helps. To sum it up: Insulation and the access panel should be replaced. When you’re ready, switch on the breaker to bring your water heater back to life.
Alternatively, if the recovery time is still too slow, it is possible that the heating components need to be replaced.
Another possibility is that your water heater is just not large enough to meet your hot water requirements.
This Took a While…
The amount of time it takes for a water heater to heat up is dependent on a number of things. Generalization: Gas-powered devices are substantially faster than electric-powered ones. On the other hand, it is possible that the recovery time abruptly rises, which might be an indication of silt accumulation. If this is the case, flush the tank or contact a professional for assistance with a new system. How long does it take your water heater to get to temperature? We’d love to read your responses, as well as any additional questions you may have.
How Long Should a 50-Gallon Water Heater Take to Heat Up?
Several factors influence the amount of time it takes a water heater to heat up. The average gas unit is substantially faster than the average electrical unit. There are occasions when the recovery time increases unexpectedly, which may indicate the presence of silt accumulation. If this is the case, flush the tank or contact a professional for assistance with a tank replacement. The time it takes your water heater to heat up is important to consider. Let us know what you think in the comments section below, and please include any other questions you may have.
Draw Efficiency
The amount of time it takes a water heater to heat up is dependent on a number of things. The average gas unit is substantially faster than the average electric unit. However, it is possible that the recovery time will rise rapidly, which might be an indication of sediment accumulation. If this is the case, flush the tank or contact a professional for assistance with a tank replacement. How long does it take for your water heater to get to temperature? We’d be interested in reading your responses, as well as any additional queries you may have.
First-Hour Rating
The total amount of water drawn from the hot water heater in gallons during one hour – with the unit set to a water temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit – determines the unit’s first-hour rating, which is determined according to the tests specified by the United States Department of Energy for the unit. The results of the unit’s energy efficiency tests are shown on the unit’s sticker. Testers pull three gallons of hot water per minute for the duration of the test, which terminates when the drawn hot water cools to 25 degrees.
Amount of water drawn during this hour shows the hot water heater’s full-hourly capacity (FHR), which provides an indicator of how much water is available during peak use periods throughout the day.
Recovery Rating
In accordance with the tests required by the U.S. Department of Energy for the unit, the total volume of water pulled from the hot water heater in gallons during one hour – with the unit set to a water temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit – determines its first-hour rating. The unit’s energy guidance sticker displays the results of the unit’s tests. Based on a 3-gallon draw per minute, the test is completed when the drawn hot water cools to 25 degrees. After the temperature hits 135 degrees for a second time, the process is repeated in the same manner for an additional hour continuously during the course of the hour.
Amount of water drawn during this hour shows the hot water heater’s full-hourly capacity (FHR), which provides an indicator of how much water is available during peak use periods of the day.
Electric Hot Water Heater Recovery
It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes for a 50-gallon hot water heater with 5,500-watt elements set to 120 degrees to heat water that comes into the unit at a temperature of 60 degrees. In contrast, when the water entering this same tank is 40 degrees, it takes 1 hour and 47 minutes to heat it to the desired temperature. It takes 1 hour, 6 minutes for water that is 70 degrees when it enters the tank to reach its maximum temperature of 120 degrees.
Gas Hot Water Heater Recovery
When calculating the recovery time for an electric hot-water heater, reduce the results by two to get the recovery time for a gas unit. Water entering a 50-gallon tank at 40 degrees Fahrenheit heats up in about 53 1/2 minutes to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the case of 60-degree water entering the tank, the time it takes for the water to reach the 120-degree temperature is around 40 minutes. It would take 33 minutes for water that was 70 degrees.
How Long Does it Take for a Water Heater to Heat Up?
Please keep in mind that this content may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may gain a small profit on purchases made via our links. Briefly stated, less water warms more rapidly than more water; hence, the volume of water you are heating, as well as the temperature at which it is heated, influences how soon you will get it.
Does Your Hot Water Flow Seem Too Slow?
Hot water heater flow rates may be determined with the use of a simple formula that only requires two variables to be entered into the computer. One possible version of the formula is as follows: Available hot water is determined by the size of the hot water tank and the rate of heat input. Hot WaterIn layman’s terms, the volume of water you are heating, together with the amount of heat you apply to it, affects how soon you will have warm water. Consider a tiny point-of-use water heater or a water heater for a recreational vehicle.
- To determine whether or not your water heater’s recovery rate is slow, do certain basic measures that are often utilized by many plumbers in the industry.
- to 9 a.m.
- The peak use reflects the greatest amount of water that the water heater can handle.
- If it is capable of managing peak hours, it is capable of fulfilling the remainder of your requirements.
- Add extra 20 gallons to accommodate two more baths for a household of four people.
- The entire amount of water is 90 gallons.
- Any unit’s maximum draw capacity is around 70% of its total capacity.
- That implies that with a 50-gallon water heater, there is always 35 gallons of hot water accessible at all moment.
- In accordance with this prediction, bathing while also washing dishes and clothing at the same time will result in running out of hot water very rapidly.
Either don’t do it, get a higher capacity hot water heater, or replace your tank-style hot water heater with a tankless water heater is the Einsteinian answer to this enormous planet-destroying problem. Who would have thought it!?
Recovery Efficiency
Another element to consider while scaling is the amount of time it takes to recover. While gas heaters heat water more quickly, their recovery efficiency is lower than that of electric heaters. For gas water heaters, the efficiency is 75%, whereas for electric water heaters, the efficiency is 100%. Gas hot water heaters, on the other hand, even at lower recovery efficiency, generate more hot water and do it much more quickly than their electrically powered equivalents. Gas heaters with a 30,000 BTU burner create 27.3 gallons per hour at 75 percent recovery efficiency, but electric heaters with a 750-watt heating element produce 3.1 gallons per hour at 75 percent recovery efficiency.
The output of an electrical hot water heater rises with the addition of more heating elements and the use of greater wattages.
One hour’s worth of heating with an electrical heating element results in 20.5 gallons of 100 percent increase when using a 4,500 watt electrical heating element.
The 20,000 BTU burner has a 33 percent lower BTU output than the 30,000 BTU burner (BTU example).
What is a Good Water Heater Recovery Rate?
In addition, recuperation time should be taken into account while sizing. While gas heaters heat water more quickly, their recovery efficiency is lower than that of electricity heaters. It is 75 percent for gas water heaters, while it is 100 percent for electric water heaters. Gas hot water heaters, on the other hand, even at lower recovery efficiency, generate more hot water and do it much more quickly than their electric equivalents. Gas heaters with a 30,000 BTU burner create 27.3 gallons per hour at 75 percent recovery efficiency, and electric heaters with a 750-watt heating element produce 3.1 gallons per hour at 75 percent recovery efficiency, respectively.
A higher wattage and more heating elements on an electrical hot water heater result in increased output.
This electrical heating element has a six-fold increase in power over the previous sample.
The Major Factor
The image is courtesy of HotWater.com. Don’t get yourself mixed up. The amount of water being heated, the method by which it is heated, and the amount of water being utilized are the elements that determine how long it takes the water heater to heat up. The amount of water heated each hour is specified in the heating rates. The capacity of the storage tank indicates how much hot water is immediately accessible when you turn on the faucet. You might consider upgrading to a larger tank if your family is large, has several bathrooms, and has several hot water-consuming activities occurring at the same time on a frequent basis.
Greater tank capacities are designed for homes who require a big volume of hot water in a short period of time.
As a result, a 40-gallon tank will meet your demands, and you will save money by not purchasing a larger 50-gallon tank that you will not need.
See the water heater recovery table in the preceding section.
When using an electric water heater, increase the time by half to 1.5 hours. It goes without saying that you will never have to be concerned about the recovery rate with a tankless water heater. Another point to consider in the discussion over whether to use a tank or not.
How long does it take a new water heater to heat up?
Alisande, I’ll have to acknowledge that when more evidence comes to light, it causes some rethinking in my own way about some things. However, based on what you’ve said thus far, I believe you’re in good health for the time being. It appears that air in the system was the source of your initial problem, as mentioned by the others. However, based only on your description and the absence of any technical data, it appeared to take longer to bring the water up to the temperature you were comfortable with.
My opinion is that your relative did not raise the water temperature to the same level as you.
In my opinion, a 50 gallon tank is a reasonable capacity for one person, and I believe that if you keep the temperature at 115-120 degrees, you will not run out of hot water provided everything is functioning properly.
At this time, my recommendation is mostly in accord with your point of view.
Please notify us if anything new occurs; the more information you can provide up front, the greater the quality of the responses you will receive.
You’ll soon become known as the “hot water guru” in your neighborhood.
Making a livelihood these days necessitates the acquisition of a job and the participation in as many hustles as one is capable of.
Many are sold, many are processed for use in the perfume business, and many are used in the production of medical Oris Root products.
Someone mentioned another topic in one of the forums, and I assumed they must have recognized who I was talking about.
I just pi$$ them off every now and then when I come over and start messing with with things since, to me, these are recreational activities.