Water heater planning tools

These four tools turn a household's hot-water needs into questions you can take to an installer. They cover domestic water heating: showers, baths, sinks, and appliances. They do not calculate space-heating or cooling loads.

Choose the question you need to answer

Gather better inputs first

Read your current heater's nameplate and EnergyGuide label. Record the model, fuel, tank volume, and first-hour rating where listed. Notice whether shortages happen after several consecutive showers or when several fixtures run together. Those patterns lead to different sizing questions.

Measure fixture flow if practical, or use the fixture manufacturer's specification. For tankless planning, ask an installer or water supplier about cold-season inlet temperature. For budget planning, note access restrictions, existing venting, available electrical service, and how condensate would drain from a heat-pump water heater.

Use the types guide when you have not settled on a system. Compare tankless versus tank before treating a flow calculation as a purchase decision.

Read the result in context

The cost range is an editorial budget scenario, not a quote. Tank gallons are a screening heuristic; the delivery rating and draw pattern still need checking. Tankless heat requirements are calculated at the temperatures you enter, not at an advertised maximum flow. Rebate leads identify places to check; they do not establish eligibility or combine awards.

Move from the result to the relevant cost, sizing, or rebates guide. Then ask a water heater installer to inspect the home and give you a model-specific, itemized proposal.