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Water Heater Formula:
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The Water Heater Calculation Formula determines the appropriate size of a water heater based on peak hot water demand and the recovery rate. This ensures adequate hot water supply during periods of high usage.
The calculator uses the water heater formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the required water heater capacity by dividing the peak hourly hot water demand by the recovery rate factor.
Details: Proper water heater sizing is crucial for ensuring sufficient hot water supply, energy efficiency, and preventing system overload. Undersized heaters can't meet demand, while oversized units waste energy.
Tips: Enter peak demand in gallons per hour and recovery rate as a dimensionless value. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is peak demand in water heater calculations?
A: Peak demand refers to the maximum amount of hot water required during the busiest hour of usage, typically measured in gallons per hour.
Q2: How is recovery rate determined?
A: Recovery rate is a dimensionless factor that represents how quickly the water heater can heat incoming cold water to the desired temperature.
Q3: What are typical recovery rate values?
A: Recovery rates vary by heater type and model, but typically range from 0.5 to 2.0 for residential water heaters.
Q4: Should I consider other factors when sizing a water heater?
A: Yes, additional factors like incoming water temperature, desired output temperature, and simultaneous usage patterns should also be considered.
Q5: Can this formula be used for all types of water heaters?
A: This basic formula works for most conventional storage water heaters, but tankless and heat pump water heaters may require different calculations.