One key factor to consider when buying a storage tank hot water system is the time it takes to heat the water. Tanks that take longer to heat water can cause inconveniences in a household during peak demand hours. Luckily, most factors that influence hot water availability are within the user's control. Therefore, you can take the right measures to ensure you never run out of hot water. Here are three factors that determine how long a system takes to heat water and tips for accessing hot water faster.  

Size of the Hot Water System

Large units take a long time to heat all the water in the tank, while smaller units take a shorter time to provide hot water. This doesn't mean you should buy a small hot water system to serve a bigger household. The size of your hot water system should correspond to your household consumption. 

Note that two units of the same size may have different heating capabilities due to the technologies used. Modern units with high heating efficiency can deliver hot water faster than their traditional counterparts. Therefore, invest in a high-efficiency hot water system to achieve fast and efficient water heating.

Type of Fuel Used for Heating

Gas and electricity are the most common types of fuel used for water heating. Gas storage water heaters heat water faster than electric units. This is because gas converts more energy to heat than electricity. Consequently, more heat is channeled toward water heating at a time, leading to faster heating.

A gas water heater is an excellent choice for fast water heating. However, if you prefer an electric water heater to a gas one, go for a dual-element unit. Dual-element water heaters have two heating elements: one at the top of the tank and another at the bottom. This configuration speeds up water heating and increases the system's energy efficiency. 

First-Hour Delivery

The first-hour delivery refers to the amount of hot water a water heater can provide per hour. This metric determines whether your household runs out of hot water at any given hour. When choosing the best first-hour delivery, consider the home's peak hour demand. This is the hour of the day when your household uses the most hot water. 

For example, if your peak hour demand is 50 gallons, your storage tank water heater should have a first-hour delivery of around 48 to 52 gallons. This means that the unit will produce up to 52 gallons of hot water per hour, ensuring you don't run out of hot water. 

Consider the recommendations above to shorten the time it takes to get hot water from your storage tank water heater. For further consultation and water heater installation services, contact a plumbing contractor.