When you want to know the specifications of your water heater, you can find them on its label. At first glance, you may wonder what all the data, such as first-hour rating, temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve rating, and maximum working pressure, means. This quick guide explains the main details.

Capacity and Performance

Some of the specifications on your water heater’s label include information about the tank’s capacity and performance. You’ll see that the capacity, which is how much water it holds, is in gallons. You’ll also see the first-hour rating (FHR), a number that signifies how much hot water the tank will deliver in the first hour. You’ll also notice a recovery rate. This number represents how fast the water will reheat once the tank is empty. Then there’s the energy factor, a number that tells you how much of the energy used by the heater actually turns into hot water.

Energy and Power Requirements

The specifications under this category vary based on the type of water heater you have. For instance, if you have an electric model, you’ll notice the following:

• Voltage: The amount of electrical pressure pushing electricity throughout the water heater
• Wattage: The amount of power the appliance uses, with higher numbers indicating faster heating
• Amperage: The amount of electrical current flowing through the water heater

Gas water heaters have one value known as the gas input rating. This number represents, in BTUs, how much fuel the water heater burns per hour. The higher the number, the faster the heating.

Pressure and Temperature Ratings

One part of this category of specifications is the maximum working pressure. This figure shows the maximum water pressure the water heater can withstand before sustaining damage or triggering the (T&P) valve. The label gives this number in pounds per square inch (psi).

Venting and Combustion (Gas Models)

The values related to venting and combustion have to do with the gas that exits the water heater and how the heater burns fuel. The vent type describes how the unit releases gases. The vent size value indicates the pipe’s diameter. The air requirements value indicates how much oxygen is necessary to burn the fuel.

A Better Understanding

Your water heater’s label may have a great deal of information. However, by knowing what each value is, you can understand how your appliance works and provide a plumber with the information they need if it ever requires repair.

Need a water heater repair or replacement? Contact Almighty Plumbing, serving Antioch, CA and the rest of the East Bay area, today.