Sizing Guide

Menards Buyers Guide for Residential Water Heaters
Today’s water heater choices are greater than ever: Just in the past few years, signicant advancements have been made
in technology, controls, performance and eciency. With so many options available, we encourage you to take the time to
nd your best water heating solution by using our guide below.
1. Choose an Energy Source
If you are replacing a water heater, choosing a similar one using the same energy source is usually the quickest and
easiest way to restore hot water. However, it is possible in some cases to change your energy source to accommodate a
dierent type of water heater. You may nd new energy-saving technologies and water heater options that would be a
better choice for long-term savings. The most common energy sources are natural gas, liquid propane (LP) and electric.
However, solar water heating systems are also available to reduce energy costs.
2. Consider Available Water Heater Types
Most homes currently have a traditional tank-type (storage) water heater installed. Today’s marketplace has changed
oering more ecient ways to heat water for your home. This is a great time to consider an alternative to a traditional
water heater.
Water Heater Type Features
Tankless Richmond® Encore® tankless water heaters heat water only when it is needed,
so you can enjoy a continuous supply of hot water.
High Eciency Tank-type High eciency tank-type water heaters are more ecient at heating water
and keeping it hot. This means a lower annual operating cost and more
available hot water. Many high eciency models qualify for utility and/or
government rebates.
Traditional Tank-type Menards has a long history of providing traditional tank-type water heaters as
a reliable water heating solution for new construction or quick replacements.
Solar Menards oers solar water heating solutions for those looking to harness
the sun’s energy to heat water and reduce energy costs. Solar energy as a
supplement to your water heating system can save a lot of money over time.
Point-of-Use Point-of-use water heaters are space-saving and designed for installation
under sinks, in home additions, detached structures and more. They deliver
hot water almost instantaneously, so you don’t have to wait.
Including hybrid water heaters
Available in Natural or Propane (LP) Gas
Available in Natural or Propane (LP) Gas, and Electric
Available in Natural, Propane (LP) Gas, or Electric
Available with Natural Gas or Electric
backup energy sources
Available in Electric
3. Choosing the Right Size
There are dierent ways to determine the right size water heater that best ts your needs. The most common way is by gallon capacity or
the number of people per household. The table below references the Uniform Plumbing Code. Instead of sizing a water heater by its gallon
capacity, this table shows the minimum amount of hot water available in the rst hour for specic number of bathrooms, bedrooms and
number of people.
Sizing Table by Available Hot Water over the First Hour in Gallons
Number of Bathrooms 1 to 1.5 2 to 2.5 3 to 3.5
Number of Bedrooms / People 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 3 4 5 6
First Hour Rating in Gallons 42 54 54 54 67 67 80 67 80 80 80
The rst hour rating in gallons is found on the “Energy Guide” label. This rating is listed as gallons of hot water available in the rst hour.
Non-storage and solar water heaters should be sized to meet the appropriate rst hour rating as shown in the table.
Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Flow rates vary depending on temperature of cold water supply. Flow rates
shown are based on 70˚ temperature rise.
Typical shower heads allow up to 2.5 gallons of water ow per minute; typical
faucets - up to 2 gallons of water ow per minute. Tankless model selections and
availablity are subject to change without notice.
Bathrooms per Home
Gallons per Minute
3.6 4.3 4.7
Up to 2
Bathrooms
Up to
3
Bathrooms
3+
Bathrooms
Tank-type Gas & Electric Water Heaters
Up to 2
People
Up to 3
People
Up to 4
People
Up to 5+
People
Household Size
Gallon Capacities
Electric
Gas
28-36 36-40 50 55+
29-30 38-40 40-50 50+
Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar water heating systems are only available through special order. We highly
recommend consulting a professional plumbing contractor before you purchase
this alternative water heating system.