What Size Hot Water Tank Do I Need in Edmonton?
Choosing the right size hot water tank is one of the most important decisions you will make when replacing your system.
Too small and you will constantly run out of hot water.
Too large and you will pay more upfront and potentially waste energy.
In Edmonton, sizing matters even more because of cold incoming groundwater temperatures.
This guide explains exactly how to choose the right hot water tank size for your home.
Why Proper Sizing Matters
Your hot water tank must handle peak demand.
Peak demand means the times when multiple fixtures are running at once, such as:
Morning showers
Dishwasher running
Laundry in progress
If your tank cannot keep up, water temperature drops quickly.
Undersized tanks also experience more strain, which can shorten lifespan.
Correct sizing improves comfort, efficiency, and durability.
Standard Hot Water Tank Sizes
Most residential hot water tanks come in:
- 40 gallon
- 50 gallon
- 60 gallon
- 75 gallon
In Edmonton, the 50 gallon tank is the most commonly installed size.
But that does not mean it is right for every home.
General Sizing Guidelines by Household Size
Here is a simple starting point.
1 to 2 People
40 gallon tank is typically sufficient.
3 to 4 People
50 gallon tank is usually ideal.
5 or More People
60 to 75 gallon tank is often recommended.
However, household size is only one factor.
Bathrooms Matter More Than Bedrooms
A three bedroom home with one bathroom does not require the same capacity as a three bedroom home with three bathrooms.
If multiple showers are used at the same time, demand increases significantly.
Homes with:
- Large soaking tubs
- Multiple shower heads
- High flow fixtures
Will require larger capacity.
Professional evaluation helps prevent undersizing.
Edmonton Climate and Incoming Water Temperature
Edmonton’s groundwater is very cold, especially during winter.
Colder incoming water means the tank must work harder to heat it.
This can reduce effective capacity during peak demand.
For example, a 40 gallon tank may perform like a smaller system in extreme winter conditions.
That is one reason many professionals recommend 50 gallons as a minimum for average families in colder climates.
40 vs 50 Gallon Tank
This is the most common comparison.
40 Gallon Tank
- Lower upfront cost
- Works well for small households
- May struggle with simultaneous showers
50 Gallon Tank
- Better for families
- Handles multiple fixtures more comfortably
- Most common residential upgrade
The price difference between 40 and 50 gallons is usually modest compared to the comfort benefit.
Many homeowners upgrading from 40 to 50 gallons immediately notice improved performance.
When You Might Need 60 or 75 Gallons
Larger tanks make sense if:
- Your household has five or more people
- You regularly run multiple showers
- You have a large tub
- You operate high demand appliances frequently
Oversizing slightly is often safer than undersizing, especially in colder climates.
However, dramatically oversizing can increase standby heat loss.
Balance is key.
Gas vs Electric and Recovery Rate
Tank size is only part of the equation.
Recovery rate matters just as much.
Recovery rate refers to how quickly the tank reheats new water after usage.
Gas systems typically recover faster than electric units.
A 50 gallon gas tank may outperform a 50 gallon electric tank during heavy usage because it reheats more quickly.
That is why proper equipment selection matters in addition to tank size.
Signs Your Current Tank Is Too Small
If you frequently experience:
- Running out of hot water during showers
- Needing to stagger appliance use
- Temperature drops during back to back usage
Your tank may be undersized.
Many Edmonton homeowners upgrade one size when replacing older systems.
Should You Upgrade When Replacing
If your household has grown or usage has increased, replacement time is the ideal opportunity to upgrade.
Increasing tank size during replacement is usually simpler and more cost effective than modifying the system later.
Consulting a professional ensures compatibility with:
- Venting
- Gas lines
- Electrical capacity
- Space constraints
What About Tankless Instead
Some homeowners consider tankless systems to avoid sizing concerns altogether.
Tankless systems provide hot water on demand, but they must still be properly sized based on peak flow rate.
Improperly sized tankless systems can struggle during Edmonton winters.
Sizing matters regardless of system type.
The Bottom Line
For most Edmonton homes:
- Two people or fewer often do well with 40 gallons.
- Three to four people typically benefit from 50 gallons.
- Five or more people should consider 60 to 75 gallons.
Cold climate performance and recovery rate must also be considered.
Choosing the correct size ensures reliable hot water, improved efficiency, and longer equipment lifespan.
Need Help Choosing the Right Size
If you are unsure what size hot water tank your home needs, a professional evaluation can prevent expensive mistakes.
An experienced technician can assess your plumbing setup, household usage, and winter performance requirements to recommend the ideal capacity.
Installing the right size today ensures dependable comfort for years to come.