Essential Considerations for Choosing the Best Water Heater in Florida

Choosing the right water heater for your Florida home is more than picking a popular brand or the cheapest option. Your choice affects comfort, energy bills, and how well your system handles Florida’s unique climate and frequent power outages. Whether you’re upgrading your current system, preparing a home for sale, or advising clients on smart home improvements, understanding the types of water heaters, the right water heater size, and how power outages affect performance will help you make the best decision.

Gas tank water heater

Understanding the Types of Water Heaters

Water heaters come in several types, each with pros and cons that matter in Florida’s climate and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

Tank Water Heaters

• Electric Tank Water Heaters

These store hot water in a tank ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. They use electric heating elements and usually cost less upfront. However, they tend to use more energy over time, which can increase your utility bills.

• Gas Tank Water Heaters

Powered by natural gas or propane, these heat water faster than electric tanks. They require proper venting and gas access but offer quicker recovery times, which is useful for larger households.

Tankless Water Heaters

• Electric Tankless Water Heaters

These heat water on demand without storing it. They are compact and energy-efficient but may struggle to supply enough hot water if multiple fixtures run at once unless sized properly.

• Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Also heating water instantly, gas tankless models provide a high flow rate and endless hot water. They are ideal for large families or homes with high hot water demand.

Each type has different installation needs and operating costs. For example, gas models need venting and gas lines, while electric models require sufficient electrical capacity.

Choosing the Right Water Heater Size for Your Household

Picking the correct water heater size is crucial. Too small, and you’ll run out of hot water during busy times. Too large, and you’ll waste energy heating water you don’t use. Here’s a simple guide based on household size:

Household Size	Recommended Tank Size (gallons)
1–2 people	Up to 30 gallons
2–4 people	38–40 gallons
3–5 people	47–50 gallons
5+ people	55+ gallons

For tankless units, size is measured by gallons per minute (GPM), not storage capacity. For a household of 3–5 people, aim for a unit that delivers at least 7 GPM to handle multiple fixtures simultaneously.

Household Size	Recommended GPM (Tankless)	Recommended kW (Electric Tankless)	Notes
1–2 People	3–5 GPM	12–18 kW	Good for 1 shower at a time
2–3 People	5–7 GPM	18–24 kW	Handles 1–2 fixtures at once
3–5 People	7–10 GPM	24–36 kW	Ideal for 2–3 simultaneous uses
5+ People	10–12+ GPM	36–48 kW	Best for large families or high-demand homes

Modern tankless water heater

How Power Outages Affect Your Water Heater Choice

Florida’s frequent storms and power outages make it important to consider how your water heater performs without electricity. Here’s what to expect:

Type	Behavior During Power Outage
Electric Tankless	No hot water (fully electric)
Electric Tank	Limited hot water (only what’s stored)
Gas Tankless	No hot water (needs electricity for ignition/control)
Gas Tank (standing pilot)	Still works (no electricity needed)
Gas Tank (electronic ignition)	No hot water

The most reliable option during outages is a gas tank water heater with a standing pilot light. It continues to provide hot water even when the power is out. On the other hand, electric tankless and gas tankless models are the least reliable during outages because they depend on electricity for ignition or heating.

Tankless vs Tank Water Heater: Which Works Best in Florida?

Deciding between a tankless and a tank water heater depends on your household’s hot water needs, budget, and lifestyle.

• Tank Water Heaters

These are better if you want a steady supply of hot water stored and ready. They work well in homes where multiple people use hot water at the same time. However, they take up more space and can waste energy keeping water hot all day.

• Tankless Water Heaters

These save space and energy by heating water only when you need it. They are great for smaller households or homes where hot water use is spread out. But if your household has high simultaneous demand, you’ll need a larger or multiple units to avoid running out.

In Florida, where energy efficiency and space can be priorities, tankless models are popular. Still, the risk of power outages means you should weigh reliability carefully.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Water Heater

Choosing the right water heater means balancing upfront costs, energy efficiency, household size, and Florida’s weather challenges. Consider these key points:

• Match the water heater size to your household to avoid running out of hot water or wasting energy.

• Choose the type of water heater that fits your home’s fuel access and your comfort needs.

• Factor in power outage reliability, especially if storms are common in your area.

• Think about long-term energy costs, not just the initial price.