Add 2nd water heater for a 4+ bedroom STR?

Question

Do you all typically see larger properties adding a 2nd water heater or a tankless for STRs? I'm just thinking with potentially 6-10 ppl staying there that they are going to run out of hot water pretty quickly when everyone is getting ready for dinner. This one is in Florida so we have the benefit of warmer weather but I just can't see one 40gallon water heater being enough and am worried about getting a bad review because of this.

Is it worth it to add a 2nd water heater before listing on AirBNB? The existing one is a 40gal and only a few years old so it's not really time to replace it.

Matt Smith · Answer

I also like the idea of a booster as a low cost option. Had never heard of that before.

Adam Martin · Answer

If you recently bought it invite some friends or family out to visit and celebrate with the approximate occupancy you are expecting. If you run out replace it and if not you are good to go. This should take the guesswork out of it and you may be able to use the trip as a write off.

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

I have a 4B/3.5bath beach house that sleeps 9. I had to replace my original 80 gallon water heater last year. The plumber recommended a 50 gallon with a booster, which has worked out great. No complaints about running out of hot water.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

I would go tankless if you can!

Dan H. · Answer

I have 40 gal water heaters in our STRs (2) that sleep 8 and so far, have not received any complaints about the water heater. If I were to replace them, I think I would go a little larger. However unless I start getting complaints, I will be staying with the 40 gallon water heaters.

JD Martin · Answer

I have a 50 gallon electric in mine that sleeps 9 (12 if it's my family) and we've never run out nor had any guests complain they ran out. My house is in Florida where even the cold water is lukewarm. Don't overthink it.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Matt Smith, I would highly recommend a tankless upgrade if you have natural gas. Just make sure you get a big enough unit. The fact you are in Florida with a much higher ground water temperature makes it a no brainer.

When looking at tankless, you want to see the GPM based on the delta of incoming vs outgoing water temp. The ground water temps vary but not by much. 70 degrees is a good average.

Most tankless units at 199k BTU will provide 8+ GPM overall or even more. Just have to check the ratings.

Luke G. · Answer

I have a large place that sleeps 16 people but the house is basically split in 2. I have a 75 gallon on one side and a 40 gallon on the smaller side, I've never gotten a complaint.

Joel Case · Answer

I had not either, but I saw that HD has a low cost booster ~$100 that allows you to crank up the water heater and it mixes in cold water to give you more water that mixes and comes out around 120 degrees. I am thinking about preemptively adding this to my STR tank heater as I did have a guest mention running out already.

Add 2nd water heater for a 4+ bedroom STR?

Add 2nd water heater for a 4+ bedroom STR?

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