How to Rate Hot Water Boilers by Flow Rate Per BTU

The lower the BTU, the less energy required to boil a pint of water.

BTU, short for British thermal unit, is a form of measurement used to determine how much energy it takes (in joules) to boil water. When out shopping for a new water heater/boiler you are going to find many of the units display the effectiveness of the device in BTUs. you need to rate the equipment based on the BTUs in order to determine the best water boiler for your home, .

Instructions

1. Locate water boilers with the capacity size you want. If you have a large family you most likely want a larger water boiler --- ranging from 44 to 48 gallons. This is because the average shower requires 12 gallons of water, and if you have multiple family members taking showers in a row --- especially if some enjoy longer showers --- you are going to run out of hot water quickly if the unit's capacity is too small.

2. Read the BTU information. This is generally printed on the packaging of the water boiler. Manufacturers of energy efficient water boilers want to make sure you know exactly how much energy the boiler uses, in order to make you aware of potential savings.

3. Compare the BTU readings of various boiler units. The lower the BTU rating the less energy the boiler requires to boil a pint of water and the more energy efficient the equipment is. A water boiler with a lower BTU may cost more money up front, but in the long run, you are likely going to save hundreds of dollars over the life of the water boiler as a result of reduced energy consumption.

References

• Energy Savers: Sizing Storage and heat Pump Water Heaters
• Energy Vortex: Energy Dictionary