Water Heater Sizing

New Construction…
3 Bedroom
3 Bathroom
Whirlpool Tub (40 - 50 Gallon)
Dishwasher…
Washing Machine…
New 50 gallon Bradford White Electric Water Heater…

Would you recommend replacement?

Was the water hot when the jetted tub was done filling?

Unit is undersized (although NEW) and in need of replacement…
I just check the design specs…
and recommend accordingly…

First hour recovery is 122 gallons? I’m not sure I understand that reference sheet you provided.

UPC requires a minimum first-hour rating of 62 gallons for 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Does that include a large tub, Jeff?

I think the 122 galons is overkill but I am not an engineer.

There’s no specification for “large” tubs, but that is the minimum design criteria for your “standard” full-bathroom.

Jeff.
The attachment is from Bradford White
it is a Spec Site to be used by Builders / Architects.
I have been using it for many years…

http://rightspec.bradfordwhite.com/Sizing/Residential.aspx

I am not saying the 50 Gallon Heater is inadequate…
The Manufacturer of the Unit that the Builder chose to install…
Says it is Inadequate…

All I can say is that I wish at times, when teenagers are using the shower, that the water heater was 5 gallons instead of 60 gallons…:twisted:

Ok, now I see it. 122 is the tank capacity…

It appears the recovery rate on the electric water heaters is very low, which could explain why such large tanks are suggested.

I have a 50 BW gas-fired water heater in my home, which has a first hour rating of 85 gallons.

So in your case, yes, I would suggest a larger tank, or multiple tanks.

Today’s house had 3 bedrooms and a jetted tub and they had a 80 gallon tank.

I have a 4 bed/3 bath, without a whirlpool, and a 50g electric. We run low on hot water quite a few times…6 people

Your scenario is perfectly normal in Port St. Lucie, FL, where there is little to no natural gas or propane in use.

Pete,
Natural gas is the norm in this area…
50 Gallon Gas (Natural or LP) would have been within the sizing spec…
50 Gallon Electric… Inadequate by Manufacturer Specification…
I think the Builder / Architect
overlooked the difference…

Heck, I have a 3 bed/1 bath and a 60 gal. electric and at time take a cold shower…

Electric water heaters have a slow recovery rate thus the larger storage requirements.

The Architect knows that and missed
The Builder knows that and missed…
The Muninicipal / City Inspector knows that and missed…

If the Buyer hires an Inspector and the Inspector does not comment…
who pays for the NEW Water Heater…

LOL
:slight_smile: