Water heaters are essential for every home as they provide hot water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning. To avoid being surprised by cold water, homeowners should learn how long it takes for this appliance to heat up. The time it takes to heat water depends on the heater type.
Please keep reading to learn how long it takes different heaters to heat water.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR GAS WATER HEATERS TO HEAT UP?
An average gas water heater typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to heat up. New water from the water supply gets fed into the tank during this period.
The size of the heater’s tank and its BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating determine how long it takes to heat water. The higher the BTU rating on the system, the less time it takes to warm up. Similarly, a smaller-sized tank will heat up more quickly than a large tank.
To put things into perspective, a 40,000 BTU system with a 40-gallon tank will heat up in half an hour.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATERS TO HEAT UP?
A tankless gas water heater will heat water instantly.
The time it takes to receive this hot water depends on the distance between the heating unit and the appliance using it. If the unit operates correctly, this should take a few seconds in a regular-sized house. Water might travel through the pipes a little longer with a large house to reach appliances further from the heater.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS TO HEAT UP?
An average 40-gallon electric water heater typically requires double the time to heat up compared to its gas counterpart. This translates to a 60- to 80-minute waiting period.
For this reason, electric models are ideal for smaller homes and water needs. Homeowners with a larger water demand should invest in a whole-house gas tank system rather than an electric model.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR TANKLESS ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS TO HEAT UP?
Tankless electric water heaters also heat water instantly. However, they can take a little longer to supply warm water. Still, the waiting time should be a maximum of a few minutes.
GET THE WATER HEATER MAINTAINED AND REPAIRED PROFESSIONALLY
If a water heater takes significantly longer to heat up or fails to do so altogether, the appliance is probably malfunctioning. Several damaged elements can cause a water heater to stop producing hot water, including the temperature-pressure relief valve and gas control assembly.
Hiring a professional water heater repair service can ensure the appliance starts working correctly quickly. In addition, these professionals can regularly maintain the water heater, thus preventing hot water problems before they can affect the entire household.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.