By Nate, Owner of NDL Plumbing & Electrical
How to Choose the Right Size Water Heater in Fairport, NY
If you’ve ever run out of hot water halfway through a shower or watched your energy bill spike without explanation, there’s a good chance your water heater isn’t sized right for your home.
I’ve been called out to dozens of homes in Fairport where families are either stuck with a unit that’s too small or wasting money on one that’s way too big.
The truth is, picking the wrong size water heater can cost you daily comfort and long-term dollars.
And if you’re replacing an old one, now’s the time to get it right.
Let’s talk about how to do that.
Why Size Matters (More Than You Think)
Your water heater isn’t just a tank—it’s a workhorse.
It keeps your showers hot, dishes clean, and laundry fresh.
But if your tank is too small, it’ll constantly struggle to keep up, running more often and wearing out faster.
If it’s too big, you’re heating water you don’t use—burning money every month on your RG&E bill.
It’s not about going bigger. It’s about going smarter.
Quick Size Breakdown
Here’s a simple way to look at it based on household size:
- 1–2 people: 30–40 gallon tank
- 3–4 people: 40–50 gallon tank
- 5+ people: 50–80+ gallon tank or a tankless system
But it’s not just about how many people live in your house. You need to think about usage patterns.
- Do you take long showers?
- Run multiple appliances at once?
- Have a jetted tub?
If so, you may need to go up a size—or consider a high-efficiency tankless option.
Gas or Electric? Fairport’s Choice
In Fairport, we see a mix of both.
Gas heats faster and is cheaper to run, but electric is cleaner and easier to install.
If your home already has a gas line, great. If not, I can help you weigh the cost-benefit of switching.
And yes—I install both.
What Most Big Box Stores Won’t Tell You
When you walk into a home improvement store, they’ll try to upsell you based on price, not performance.
But size, recovery rate, first-hour rating, and efficiency all matter. I’ve seen too many folks in Fairport install the wrong unit and end up calling me months later to fix the mess.
When I come out for a consult, I look at:
- Square footage
- Number of bathrooms
- Your daily usage habits
- Insulation and plumbing layout
- And whether your current setup is under- or over-performing
You’re not just buying a water heater—you’re investing in your home’s comfort.
Still Not Sure?
No pressure. I’m not here to sell you the biggest unit or the priciest brand.
I’m here to give you straight answers and install the water heater that fits your family and your home.
If you live in Fairport, give me a call or shoot me a message.
I’ll take the guesswork out of it—and make sure you never run out of hot water again.
