3 Things To Consider When Choosing A Hot Water Tank For Your Tiny House

Many Americans who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint are beginning to build tiny houses. These small spaces meet basic housing needs while still offering some of the perks that larger homes can provide. Access to a hot shower is one of those perks, as long as you choose the right hot water tank to include in your tiny house.

Here are three things you should consider when selecting the right hot water tank for your own tiny house in the future.

1. The amount of space you have available.

Square footage is a precious commodity in a tiny house, so it's important to take these space restrictions into account when selecting a hot water heater. Your best bet is to opt for a tankless water heater since these units take up much less room than a traditional hot water heater with a storage tank.

As an added benefit, a tankless water heater will last longer. Traditional water heaters last between 10 and 13 years while a tankless unit can run strong for 20 years.

2. The type of fuel you want to use.

Every water heater requires fuel in order to generate the hot water that your tiny house needs. If you made the transition to a tiny house in an attempt to reduce your carbon footprint, you might want to invest in a hot water heater that is fueled by the sun.

There are two major types of solar-powered hot water heaters: direct and indirect. If you live in an area where the temperature rarely dips below freezing, then a direct solar-powered heater should meet your needs. An indirect system circulates a heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and heat exchanger, making these types of systems the perfect choice for tiny houses in areas where freezing temperatures are common.

3. How much hot water you will need access to.

Determining how much hot water your tiny house will use is essential when it comes to investing in a hot water heater that is big enough to accommodate your needs.

To determine what size water heater you need, determine how many hot water devices you will use simultaneously. Add up the gallons per minute each device will use to determine your flow rate. Be sure that you invest in a hot water heater with a flow rate that exceeds your needs.

Finding the right hot water heater for your tiny home doesn't have to be difficult. Consider a tankless system to conserve space, a solar-powered system to conserve energy, and be sure to find the hot water heater that is large enough to meet your hot water needs. For more information about the subject, click here. 

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