The demands made on a commercial water heater are much greater than those made on a residential water heater. However, like residential customers, business owners must choose a water heater that they know will be able to adequately do its job, that will last for years and that will help save the company money. With so many options available for building managers, how do you know what type and size water heater to choose for your company? We can help point you in the right direction.

Commercial Water Heaters vs. Residential Water Heaters

The greatest difference between residential water heaters and commercial heaters is in the sizing options. Generally speaking, residential water heaters don’t usually come in a great variety of sizes. They can come in different types such as gas, electric, tankless, etc. However, the majority of homes can get by with common sizes. In contrast, commercial water heaters come in a variety of sizes and it is up to businesses to hire a knowledgeable professional to gauge their business’s needs.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Commercial Water Heater

Choosing the right size commercial water heater should not be a guessing game. Choosing the wrong size will mean that your unit will not meet the needs of your business and will end up being a waste of money. So what factors go into deciding what size water heater to use for your business? An experienced commercial water heater sizing professional takes into account these characteristics:

• The number of fixtures (dishwashers, sinks, showers, pools and more) that require hot water
• Your hours of operation (24/7, lunch hours only, etc.)
• Your peak business hours (when your business uses the MOST hot water)
• Your geographic location
• Venting requirements and/or restrictions

Commercial Water Heater Applications

Some common commercial water heater applications include:

• Restaurants: Obviously, restaurants require a great deal more hot water than many other businesses. Moreover, problems can arise when hot water levels are not being met. A business may even violate health code regulations when water is not hot enough to adequately clean dishes, utensils and other items.
• Hotels: Hotels also have very exact hot water requirements as they usually have an onsite restaurant or kitchen. They must also supply hot water to multiple units within the establishment. This is why many large hotels have several water heaters on hand.
• Apartment buildings: Large apartment complexes also usually have several units on hand as they must supply hot water to multiple units.
• Salons: Often salons must have access to hot water throughout the entire day for hairdresser sinks, spa baths and hot towel treatments.
• Fitness centers: Health clubs also have a nearly non-stop need for hot water for pools, showers, hot tubs, saunas, etc.

By using this information and the right manufacturer/seller to guide you on cost-effective and efficient water heaters, we hope the choice of which commercial water heater to buy will be an easier one. We sell units from a variety of manufacturers and feel confident that we can meet your business’s hot water needs. We can do so with units such as our Rheem Ruud universal commercial water heater and our AO Smith 100 gallon water heater. So, make the right choice for you and your customers.