50 gallon HWH question

hot_rod

Here's an article regarding your question: http://www.contractormag.com/articles/column.cfm?columnid=212

Additionally, with two soon-to-be-teenagers in the house - the water heater hasn't been made that can overcome a teenager's ability to use all available hot water within 10 square miles!

But, an indirect water heater set up on a priority zone with its power for generation of potable hot water being derived from the boiler will out perform a standard water heater.

Or - something we've done quite often - install a water heater for the kids and another for Mom & Dad. If they use up all of their hot water, you've still got yours & narry a cross word will be uttered during their teenage years(G).

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jim_14

how much hot water time

can I expect to get from a 50 gallon HWH? Im having a new boiler and new HWH installed,and getting estimates, one heating co. told me that a seperate 50 gal HWH would work better then a boiler with coils for hot water. He also said the boiler which will be a 112,000 BTU unit would be more wasteful if used for hot water since a HWH would be 40,000 btu.

Basically I was wondering how many showers can be taken in the morning before running cold with a 50 gal HWH. My current HWH gets me about 2 back to back showers, but it has that dip tube problem which shortens the amount of hot water available.

Any opinions appreciated, whats better for me, boiler that also supplies hot water or seperate boiler and HWH?? I have 2 girls, soon to be teenagers and wife, so needless to say hot water supply will be very important for me in the next ten years.

Im 1 pipe steam with gas service, house 18x35, 2 floors with hot water via circulator for basement apartment.

thanks in advance