Hey there—Mike Sanders here. If you’re eyeing a 50-gallon electric water heater (like the State ProLine Series tall unit), you’ve hit upon a solid, no-nonsense choice. But before you click “Buy,” let's dig into whether 50 gallons is right for your household. We'll cover:
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How much hot water your family actually uses
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The magic of First Hour Rating vs. tank size
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Sizing rules of thumb from reputable sources
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Daily and peak hour usage calculations
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Electric vs. gas sizing nuances
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Efficiency, cost, and other factors
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Mike’s executive summary
By the end of this, you'll really know if a 50-gallon unit suits your family's hot-water needs—no bright ideas, just hard truths.
1. 💧 How Much Hot Water Does a Family Need?
A. What’s peak-hour demand anyway?
Your hot water tank needs to be sized for peak‑hour demand—an hour when everyone showers, loads run, bathroom gets used, etc. You want enough hot water for that one busy hour.
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If you undersize, you’ll be shivering mid–shampoo rinse.
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Oversize? You’ll pay extra to heat water nobody uses.
B. Typical household usage estimates
Industry rules reference internal studies:
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Showers use about 17–20 gal per person
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Sinks, shaving, brushing add a few gallons
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Dishwasher/laundry = ~15–25 gal/load
Mike’s rule-of-thumb: Add up everyone's showers + daily uses during peak hour.
2. 🧮 First Hour Rating (FHR) vs. Tank Size
What is First Hour Rating?
It’s not just tank storage. First Hour Rating is how much hot water the heater can deliver in its first hour of operation when starting with a full tank—incorporates recovery time too
If a heater has a 50-gallon tank but only a 40-gallon FHR, it may fall short during peak use. Always compare your estimated peak usage to FHR—not just tank capacity.
3. 📊 Handy Sizing Charts & Calculators
Here’s what various sources recommend:
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LearnMetrics: Family of 4 = 55-gallon system; add 10–15% buffer
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Chiltern Plumbing (UK): 2–4 people = 40–50 gal; 3–5 = 50–60 gal etc.
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Home Inspection Insider: Family of 4 → 50 gal electric / 40 gal gas
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Energy Professor: 4-person average needs → 50 gal
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Bob Vila and DOE stress considering FHR and household size
In short: For 3–5 people, 50 gal is spot-on for electric, especially if you shower back-to-back.
4. 🏠 Sample Calculations
Example 1: Family of 4, peak usage 7–8 AM
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4 showers (20 gal each): 80 gal
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Dishwasher or sink usage: ~5 gal
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Total peak hour = ~85 gal
You’d ideally want a tank with ≥85 gal FHR. Most 50-gallon electric tanks offer ~58–66 gal FHR; you'd either stagger showers or go larger
Bottom line: If you shower simultaneously, go bigger—or spread usage out.
5. ⚡ Electric vs. Gas: Sizing Differences
Electric water heaters generally have slower recovery than gas.
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A 4.5 kW electric element gives ~58–66 gal FHR for 50‑gal tanks
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A 30,000 BTU gas tank typically delivers 80–90 gal
So for electric:
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Family of 4, quick showers: Go 50–60 gal
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Household that uses hot water heavily within an hour: 60–80 gal
6. ⚖️ Efficiency, Costs & Lifestyle Fit
Energy efficiency
Electric heaters have nearly 100% energy transfer efficiency (minimal heat loss) versus ~75% for gas
Operating cost
Electricity is usually more expensive per BTU than gas. But:
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Electric units are simpler, quieter, and safer (no combustion).
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If your home wiring supports it, a high-wattage electric element heats faster, reducing wait times.
Space & Installation
Tall electric tanks can fit into closets more easily. Gas needs ventilation, flue, and proximity to exhaust.
7. ✅ Mike’s Take: Is 50 Gallons Right for You?
Use this checklist:
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Count family size & peak habits
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1–2 people: 30–40 gal likely enough
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3–5 people: Electric = 50 gal; Gas = 40–50 gal
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5+ people or tandem showers: 60 gal+ might be needed
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Add peak-hour uses (showers + laundry/dishes)—compare to FHR
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Check certification (EnergyGuide label)
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Balance operation cost & recovery needs
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Plan installation location & space
💡 Final Thoughts
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A 50-gallon electric heater is a sweet spot for most households of 3–5 people.
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It handles staggered morning routines well—but simultaneous usage may require a larger tank.
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Electric heat means simplicity and almost full-energy efficiency.
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Make sure to check the First Hour Rating, not just tank size.
Useful Tools & Further Reading
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LearnMetrics Water Heater Sizing Calculator – estimate tank needs with family size and peak load
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Bob Vila’s Water Heater Size Guide – pros weigh in on sizing & recovery
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DOE EnergySaver Sizing Tips – fundamental guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy
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Chiltern Plumbing Sizing Table – straightforward recommendations by household size
📌 Quick Summary Table
| Household Size & Habits | Recommended Tank (Electric) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people, minimal peak | 30–40 gal | Budget-friendly |
| 3–5 people, moderate usage | 50 gal | Good balance |
| 4–5 people, simultaneous showers etc. | 60–80 gal | Consider if heavy users |
| 5+ people, luxury baths or multiple showers | 80+ gal | High demand |
That’s the 50‑gallon question wrapped up—straightforward, numbers-driven, no fluff. If you're smack-dab in that 3‑5 person household, the State ProLine 50‑gal tall electric water heater is just right—unless your mornings are a shower marathon. Let me know if you'd like help estimating your specific daily usage or want help comparing models.
In the next topic we will know more about: Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters: Why the State ProLine 50‑Gallon Is a Smart Pick
