Water Heater Recovery Heat Up Times Comparison Chart
Water Heater Recovery Heat Up Times Comparison ChartWater Heater Recovery Heat Up Times Comparison ChartThere isn’t much that can spoil your day quite like taking an ice cold shower, and if you have the wrong hot water heater, this might become your new normal. Make sure you evaluate how long it will take for your new hot water heater to heat up before making your final decision. If your current heating unit is failing, don’t let the stress of the situation to push you into making the wrong decision about its replacement.
So, how long does it take a hot water heater to heat up water again once it’s been depleted?
| Water Heater Type | Time to Heat Back Up |
| Gas – Conventional Tank | 30-45 mins |
| Gas Tankless | 0 mins |
| Electric – Conventional Tank | 60-80 mins |
| Electric Tankless | 0 mins |
Water Heaters Powered by Natural Gas Specifications for a Gas Conventional Water Heater Once the water is in the tank, the normal gas tank water heater will take 30 to 40 minutes to heat it up to the desired temperature. When new water from your water supply is fed into the tank, this early heat up occurs as a result of the incoming water. Some mathematical calculations are required to provide a more specific explanation of why this takes 30 minutes. The size of the heater’s tank is obviously important, since more water will take longer to heat than a smaller tank.
- In simple terms, a BTU is the amount of heat required to elevate one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit in temperature.
- For example, the typical hot water heating unit tank holds 40 gallons of water.
- Thirty-five gallons times 8.3 pounds per gallon is 330 pounds of water.
- For the sake of not having to get into full-blown thermodynamics calculations, we may simplify and say that a 40,000 BTU system with a 40-gallon tank needs half a minute to heat each gallon, which results in a half-hour heat up time.
- For those with larger tanks or lower BTU ratings, on the other hand, it will take longer to heat their tanks.
- Likewise, keep in mind that this is the amount of time it takes for new cold water to be heated in your tank, so plan accordingly.
When all of the warm water in the tank has been consumed, the length of time it takes to warm up additional water is taken into consideration. It will be necessary to restart the gas tank water heater at that point in order to heat new water from the entering groundwater temperature level.
A gas tank hot water heater will take roughly 40 minutes to warm up new inbound water for the very first time.
Electric Conventional Water Heater SpecificationsElectric tank hot water heaters often require double the amount of time to heat water as their natural gas equivalents do. Electric components, while often more cost-effective, are just incapable of matching the high performance of gas-fired systems. It would take approximately one hour for an electric hot water heater to heat the 40-gallon tank described above from the moment new water is introduced. This is why homes with higher water needs typically choose for a whole-house gas tank water heater rather than an electric model.
For the most part, an electric tankless heating unit will provide warm water within minutes, though they may take a little longer than gas systems, due to the power of gas heat.A tankless electrical heater heats water quickly, so it should only take a few seconds before the warm water travels through your pipelines and into your fixture.Things to consider:
- Temperature of the incoming water-For both tankless and tank-style hot water heaters, the temperature of the incoming water will determine how long it takes for the water to heat up to the desired temperature. Due to the fact that tank heating systems conserve water while still maintaining a constant temperature, the incoming temperature should not have a significant impact. Tankless heating systems, on the other hand, supply incoming water as needed only a few seconds before it is released from the faucet. This suggests that if the groundwater temperature level is really low, the water may not heat up as quickly as it otherwise would. When the ambient temperature in the room or area where the heaters are housed is excessively cold, both types of heaters might be adversely affected. Water heater settings-Although water heaters appear to be relatively simple when compared to other household mechanicals, they often require more effort to operate properly. Whether your heating unit 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 impacting its performance. Issues with age and maintenance are similar. If your heating system is like any other mechanical equipment, the age and condition of your system could have an impact on its efficiency, including the amount of time it takes to warm up. In addition, a lack of simple maintenance, such as interrupting work to wipe out silt that may have accumulated in the pipes, might result in decreased efficiency. Those who live in areas with hard water are more likely to encounter pipeline sediment. While it’s easy for the end user to forget, hot water travels from the ground to your home’s plumbing system, where it passes through the heating unit and pipes before reaching the faucet. When your bathroom is located a considerable distance away from the heating system, it is possible that the warm water may take longer to reach there. This should be represented by a knowledgeable technician while setting your system, so it should not be a source of undue anxiety. Along with the length of piping, the width of your pipes may also have an impact on how long it takes your water heater to heat up properly. In that it can carry more water, a larger pipe is advantageous, but it will take more water to be heated before the pressure rises up sufficiently to allow it to push through the remainder of the pipeline system.
In conclusion, there is a heater that is suitable for any situation. Consider your requirements before selecting a storage tank, whether traditional or tankless in design. Please remember that South End Plumbing provides all plumbing services and that we are only a mouse click away. We also specialize in tankless water heaters; please contact us for more information. South End Plumbing is one of the few organizations that will provide you with a no-obligation quote. To schedule a visit, please call us at 704-919-1722 or complete the online form.
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:
- The energy source for the water heater
- The size of the water heater
- Rating for the first hour
- Temperatures are rising
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?
Before purchasing a new water heater, take the time to do your research.
For those who value having hot water quickly, continue reading to find out how the type of water heater you choose can affect how quickly your water is heated up.
- Time required to heat water in an electric storage tank is 60–80 minutes. Propane storage tank water heater: 30–40 minutes
- Time required for a propane tankless water heater is 0 minutes.
Keep in mind that these are the lengths of time it takes to heat new cold water that is introduced into the water heater’s storage tank. Storage tank water heaters are self-contained appliances that regularly replenish themselves and heat water for when they are needed. However, if you use up all of the hot water (for example, after a busy morning involving multiple showers), you’ll be stuck waiting for more hot water while your appliance refills from the tank’s empty position. Without a propane tankless water heater, which warms water on demand, it’s possible that you’ll be without hot water during high usage periods.
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. Sized and installed correctly, they powerfully heat water on demand, so it only takes a few seconds to deliver hot water 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 units, like propane tankless water heaters, heat water on demand, allowing for faster delivery 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
Besides water heater type, numerous things might impact how quickly your water heater produces hot water.
- Water heater size: If you frequently 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 read about how to size a water heater when 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 meet your needs during peak usage 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 home where it takes entirely too long 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. Talk to a knowledgeable specialist, such a plumber or propane provider, about your circumstances to guarantee you can stay comfortable with enough hot water.
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. Interested in getting hot water on demand? You should study up on the advantages of tankless water heaters .
How Long Does a Water Heater take to Recover?
Suddenly, the water in your shower turns ice cold, creating an unpleasant sensation. When will your hot water return to its normal temperature? Alternatively, perhaps this is a recurring pattern, and you are perplexed as to what is causing it. Basically, it all depends on your water heater’s recovery rate, which is the amount of time it takes to reheat the water tank after it has been depleted.On average, an 80-gallon tank water heater can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to recover.However, this is only a ballpark figure to work with.
Several factors will be discussed in this article to assist you in making a more precise estimate of how long your water heater will take to recover. These factors include:
- Recovery periods for a typical water heater
- Key factors that influence water heater recovery times
- Common problems that slow down recovery time
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 guarantee that our professional plumbers will arrive on time, and in most cases, we will be able to repair your water heater the same day that we diagnose 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. Then you can tell if yours is taking significantly longer than usual.For example, the average recovery time for an 80-gallon tank with incoming water temperature of 62 degrees is: 1.
- A gas tank water heater will take 60-70 minutes to heat the water. For an electric tank water heater, this is 120 minutes.
You’ll notice that gas water heaters can heat your water far more quickly than electric water heaters. The faster heating is due to the fact that gas water heaters employ burners that reach higher temperatures more quickly than the heating coils in electric water heaters. However, keep in mind that these are only short averages for comparison purposes. Several important factors, which we’ll discuss next, influence the recovery time of your specific water heater, resulting in a recovery rate that may be higher or lower than the national average.
Key Factors That Influence Water Heater Recovery Times
Key factors such as tank size, first hour rating, fuel type, and temperature rise will significantly impact your water heater’s recovery time. Let’s look at these factors in more detail below.
1. Tank size
The tank size and First Hour rating of your water heater can be found on the Energy Guide label on the water heater. / Source:Federal RegisterIn general, the larger your water heater’s tank, the longer it will take to recover.Most household water heater tanks may store anywhere from 20 to 100+ gallons. If yours is on the larger end, it will take more time for the burners or heating elements to heat the water.Andonce your tank nears the end of its supply, recovery times take even longer for larger tanks.As new cold water flows in, it will greatly reduce the temperature of the existing hot water in the tank.
2. First hour rating
The “first hour rating” of any tank water heater is based on the fact that the tank is continually renewing its water supply. This rating informs you how many gallons of water the unit can supply in one hour when it starts with a full tank of hot water. The first hour ratings are based on a variety of factors, including your heating source, burner size, and others. But, as a matter of thumb,the higher your first hour rating, the faster you may anticipate your water heater to recover. Are you curious about your first hour rating?
3. Fuel type
Electric water heaters take nearly twice as long to recover when compared to gas water heaters. 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.
If you already have gas lines in place, you will save money on installation charges. Additionally, gas water heaters are less expensive to maintain because natural gas is more affordable 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, when calculating 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:
- The temperature rise is influenced by the desired hot water temperature. The temperature of the water in your area will vary depending on where you live and what kind of climate you have in your region. As a result, while estimating the recovery of your water heater, it’s vital to take into account the “temperature rise.” The difference between the temperature of the incoming water and the temperature you want your water to be is referred to as the temperaturerise. With a greater disparity in temperature, recovery time for a water heater is increased in length. As an example, consider the following formula for calculating temperature rise: Water temperature that you would want to have temperature increase due to inflow of freshwater As an illustration, consider the following situation: Residents in the Tampa region who own a property should take note of these tips.
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 incoming water is approximately 47 degrees
- Use the same desired 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 difficulties 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:
Water heater components such as the dip tube force incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it may be heated. A ruptured dip tube causes cold water to mingle with warm water, lowering the total temperature of your drinking water.
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. It may be necessary to fix or replace it, depending on its state of repair.
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 Should a 50-Gallon Water Heater Take to Heat Up?
Whenever you need hot water, our Red Cap plumbers are standing by to assist. Please call Red Cap for a water heater repair if you believe your water heater recovery time is too short or if you are not sure. We will inspect your water heater, determine the problem, and resolve it as quickly as possible. Our recommendations for a tank water heater, tankless water heater, or solar water heater that matches your budget and hot water demands will be provided if your water heater is too sluggish for your liking and you’d want to update.
Draw Efficiency
The draw efficiency of both gas and electric heaters is calculated on the basis of a formula that accounts for 70% of the total storage tank capacity. It is possible to get 35 gallons of use from a 50-gallon hot water heater since cold water replaces hot water throughout the heating process. A 50-gallon hot water heater is ideally suited for three-bathroom homes or for a household with two bathrooms and a washing machine, among other applications. Washing machines require 20 gallons of hot water, dishwashers demand 10 gallons, and a one-person bath takes at least 10 gallons.
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
The quantity of electricity that the device receives is what determines its recovery rating. Gas hot water heaters are more energy efficient than electric hot water heaters, taking approximately half the time to heat up.
A 50-gallon hot water heater’s heating time is determined by the temperature of the water entering the machine and the temperature setting used to heat the water, both of which are controlled by the power supply.
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?
You have arrived to the following page: How Long Does It Take for a Water Heater to Heat Up? Do you have a question about how long it takes for a water heater to heat up? No need to look any farther – our comprehensive guide provides answers to this and many other questions. Continue reading to find out all you need to know.
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
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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
Those with tanks that store and heat water are referred to as storage water heaters. Tankless water heaters do not have storage tanks and heat the water as soon as it is drawn from the faucet, saving energy. These two types of water heaters have a significant variation in the amount of time required to heat water. It might take anything from 30 minutes to an hour and a half for a storage water heater to reach operating temperature. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, makes hot water accessible almost immediately.
If a large amount of hot water is used at the same time, the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute) will decrease, but the water that does come out will still be hot because of the excess heat. Continue reading: The Best Tankless Water Heaters
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.
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.
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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.
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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?
There may be affiliate links in this content, so please be aware of that. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may gain a small fee on purchases made via our links and advertisements. 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 receive 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?
If the water heater has a capacity of 40 to 50 gallons per hour, anything above 40 gallons per hour would be considered an excellent recovery rate. The higher the BTU rating of the burner, the better it is for recovery in general. An average 50-gallon electric water heater with twin heating elements has a recovery rate of 20 gallons per hour, which is satisfactory for most applications. Single element water heaters will, of course, have a lesser recovery rate than their two-element counterparts.
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 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?
Upon entering the tank, a typical gas tank heater will heat the water for around 30 to 40 minutes on average. New water from your plumbing supply is put into the tank, causing it to begin to heat up immediately. Math is required to provide a more detailed explanation of why this takes 30 minutes. Because more water will take longer to heat, the tank capacity of the heater is obviously important. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the heater is the second most important thing to consider.
- For example, the average hot water heater tank contains 40 gallons of water.
- 40 gallons times 8.3 pounds each gallon is 330 lbs of water.
- Without getting into full-blown thermodynamics calculations, we can simplify and state that a 40,000 BTU system with a 40-gallon tank requires one-fifth of a minute to heat each gallon, which results in a half-hour heat-up time.
- However, if your tank is larger or has a lower BTU rating, it will take longer to heat your tank properly.
- It is also important to remember that this is the amount of time it takes for new cold water to be heated in your tank.
- This is because tanks store pre-heated water.
- It will be necessary to restart the gas tank water heater at that point in order to heat fresh water at the entering groundwater temperature again.
How Long Does it Take a Tankless Gas Heater To Warm Up?
Once the water has entered the tank, the usual gas tank heater will take 30 to 40 minutes to heat it up. When fresh water from your plumbing system is put into the tank, the tank begins to heat up. A more detailed explanation of why this takes 30 minutes will necessitate the use of mathematics. The size of the heater’s tank is obviously important, because more water will take longer to heat than a smaller tank. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the heater is the next most important consideration.
- A heater with a higher BTU rating may heat water more quickly.
- Each gallon of water contains around 8.3 pounds of water; as a result, our sample tank has approximately 330 lbs of water to heat.
- To avoid delving into full-blown thermodynamics calculations, we may simplify and state that a 40,000 BTU system with a 40-gallon tank requires one-half of one minute to heat each gallon, resulting in a half-hour heat up time.
- However, if your tank is larger or has a lower BTU rating, it will take longer to heat your tank.
- In addition, keep in mind how much time it takes for additional cold water to be heated in your tank.
- When all of the hot water in the tank has been used up, the length of time it takes to heat up additional water is taken into consideration.
It will be necessary to restart the gas tank water heater at that point in order to heat new water from the entering groundwater temperature again. It will take roughly 30 minutes for a gas tank water heater to heat up new incoming water for the first time.
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
Apart from the variables we’ve already covered, such as tank size and BTU rating, there are a variety of other elements that might influence how long it takes your water heater to heat water for the first time.
- 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, including failing to clear off silt that may be in the pipes might create performance concerns as well. 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 a Water Heater to Heat Up?
Are you in the market for a new water heater but are unsure of how to select the most appropriate model for your requirements? Do you regularly run out of hot water in the middle of a shower and wonder what you can do to fix the problem? Let’s have a look at how long it takes a water heater to heat up in real life. In every family, water heaters serve a crucial function; without them, we wouldn’t have enough hot water for our everyday activities. However, they are not magic machines that can produce an unlimited supply of water, and the rate at which they heat up is dependent on a variety of factors.
How Long Does It Take a Water Heater to Heat Up
In terms of water heaters, there is a tremendous variety of sizes, types, 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. Gas has for long been a favored power-source. 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. The fact that they rely only on solar energy implies that they will take around the same amount of time as an electric unit. That being said, there are solar units available that are completely self-sufficient. On overcast days, you should expect a lengthy wait time if this is the case.
- Instead of creating direct heat, heat pump units use incoming power to transport heat around, so boosting their efficiency(2).Heat pump units are often high-tech, with the ability to operate on a variety of energy-saving settings to meet your needs.
- It takes longer to heat water when the unit is in hybrid mode since the unit consumes less energy, but the heating period is longer.
- In contrast, if you switch to high-demand mode, an electric component of the unit will kick in and reduce the waiting period to around 60 to 80 minutes.If you’re searching for a water heater that requires little to no waiting time, a tankless model is the best option.
- They do not have a tank, which means that the water enters just when it is needed, and it receives heat as it circulates(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 indicates the water heater’s ability to return a full tank to the desired temperature after 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 will typically have two heating elements or a large 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
Another element that can have a significant impact on recovery time is the temperature of the incoming water, often known as temperature increase. It is possible that the inflow water will be at a different temperature depending on where you reside. Generally speaking, the weather is cooler in the North than it is in the South. We refer to the temperature disparity between the entering water and the temperature that has been established on the boiler as “temperature increase.” The colder the intake water is, the longer it will take for the water to heat up to the proper temperature.
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?
Over time, it is likely that your water heater may take longer to heat up. However, if it occurs too soon, keep the following in mind:
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 strange noises coming from the unit, such as popping, knocking, 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 battery’s capacity: Use amultimeterand examine the wires for indicators of voltage. Before you proceed, make sure that they all have a reading of zero. Adjust the temperature as follows: To adjust the temperature, use a flat-bladed screwdriver to 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. Please post your responses below.