A water heater is something people often buy in a hurry: construction has just finished, the old heater broke down, or winter is near. The result is usually one of two mistakes: a small heater whose hot water runs out halfway through the shower, or a large heater that uses more electricity and space than needed.
In this guide we go through the three questions that decide your choice: how many litres? Horizontal or vertical? And what to check before paying?
Question 1: How many litres?
Capacity depends on two things: how many people use the heater, andand whether they use it back to back. An electric heater stores an amount of hot water, and once it is used it needs time to heat new water.
This is a rule of thumb many technicians use:
| Use | Typical suitable capacity |
|---|---|
| Kitchen, or a basin only | 30 litres |
| A bathroom used by one or two people | 30 to 50 litres |
| A bathroom used by two to three people | 50 litres |
| A family bathroom or back-to-back use at peak times | 80 litres |
How do you adjust the table?
- In winter hot water use rises because the hot share in the mix is higher. If you are torn between two capacities and your family uses the bathroom one after another in the morning, the larger capacity is more comfortable.
- If you have more than one bathroom, a heater for each bathroom is usually better than one large heater far away. Hot water cools in long pipes, and you wait for it to arrive.
- Bathtub needs much more water than a shower. If you really use a bathtub, think about a larger capacity.
The table is a starting point, and the final judge is your actual use. Whether your current heater is enough or not is the best indicator.
Question 2: Horizontal or vertical?
The difference between the two types is in installation method and space before anything else.
The horizontal heater
- is installed flat, usually above the bathroom door, inside a false ceiling, or in a place with limited height.
- Suits small bathrooms because it takes no wall space.
- Check the horizontal length available and that it can be reached for maintenance.
The vertical heater
- is mounted vertically on the wall.
- Suits you if you have an empty wall of sufficient height, such as a laundry room or a bathroom corner.
- Check the strength of the wall and the mounting brackets; a heater full of water is heavy.
How do you decide? Measure the space before buying. The dimensions of each heater vary by brand and capacity, and you will find them in the manufacturer's datasheet. If you are replacing an old heater, it is usually easiest to choose the same type so you don't change the installation.
Question 3: What to check before paying?
1. Electricity
- Check the voltage written on the heater (such as 220 V) and that it matches your home's electricity.
- The heater needs a circuit and breaker suited to its rating. If the wiring is old or shared with other appliances, have the electrician review it.
2. Plumbing connections
- The cold water inlet and hot outlet must match the position of the connections in the wall or ceiling.
- The heater needs a suitable safety valve. This is the technician's job, but ask him about it.
3. Warranty
- Some heaters are sold with an "agent maintenance warranty", meaning maintenance during the warranty period is through the brand's agent.
- Keep the tax invoice, as it is proof of purchase for the warranty.
4. Installation
- We recommend installation by a plumbing and electrical technician. Wrong installation may cause leaks or an electrical problem, and may affect the warranty.
Common mistakes when buying a water heater
- Buying on price alone: The cheapest heater with a capacity smaller than you need will annoy you every morning. Start with the right capacity, then compare prices between brands for the same capacity.
- Not measuring the space: The heater arrives at the house and turns out several centimetres longer than the space above the door. Measuring before buying saves you the trip to exchange it.
- Ignoring the state of the electrics: Installing a new heater on old wiring or an unsuitable breaker may cause the breaker to trip constantly or the wires to overheat.
- Throwing away the invoice: Without an invoice, it is hard to prove the purchase date when you need the warranty.
- Postponing replacement: An old heater that leaks or gives out oddly coloured water needs a technician's check before the problem turns into a ceiling leak.
Quick summary
- One or two people, or a kitchen: 30 litres.
- A small family bathroom: 50 litres.
- A family with back-to-back use: 80 litres.
- Limited wall space? Horizontal. Have an empty wall? Vertical.
- Before paying: Voltage, breaker, plumbing connections and warranty.
Water heaters at AIDCO
In the Water Heaters category you will find horizontal and vertical heaters in 30, 50 and 80 litre capacities from brands including Saudi Ceramics, Beno and Valencia. Add the right heater to your order basket, and the sales team will send you the quote and warranty details.
You can order from the website and pick up from Your nearest branch: Al Arid (North Riyadh), Al Kharj or Al Dilam. And if you are a contractor who needs heaters for several residential units, Request a Quote for the quantity.
Torn between two capacities? Message us on WhatsApp with the number of people and the installation location, and we will help you choose.