A particular kind of water heating equipment characterised by its 50-gallon tank capability and a shortened, wider (“lowboy”) kind issue. This equipment is electrically powered and usually obtainable for buy at main dwelling enchancment retailers. Its defining options make it appropriate for installations the place vertical house is proscribed, reminiscent of crawl areas or below counters.
The decreased top and bigger footprint provide a sensible answer in confined areas, maximizing scorching water capability with out requiring vital vertical clearance. Electrically powered fashions present a comparatively clear and environment friendly vitality supply, eliminating the necessity for gasoline traces. These elements contribute to the equipment’s worth for householders looking for space-saving and handy scorching water options. Traditionally, the design developed to deal with limitations in older properties with restricted utility areas.
The following sections will delve into the particular concerns for choosing, putting in, and sustaining this sort of water heater, highlighting elements like vitality effectivity scores, set up necessities, and long-term efficiency.
1. Capability
The “50 gallon” designation inside the descriptor straight refers back to the water heater’s capability, representing the amount of scorching water the tank can retailer at a given time. This can be a essential specification as a result of it dictates the equipment’s means to fulfill the recent water calls for of a family. Inadequate capability ends in intervals the place scorching water provide can’t meet simultaneous utilization, inflicting discomfort and inconvenience. As an illustration, a household with a number of occupants may expertise chilly water interruptions throughout showers if scorching water is getting used elsewhere in the home concurrently.
The connection between capability and family demand is paramount. A 50-gallon tank usually fits households with 2-4 occupants, balancing storage quantity with house effectivity. Elements affecting capability wants embrace the variety of showers taken every day, frequency of laundry and dishwashing, and the local weather, which impacts inlet water temperature. Bigger households, or these with excessive scorching water consumption habits, could require bigger tank sizes or tankless water heaters to adequately fulfill their wants. The lowboy design, by prioritizing a shorter, wider tank form, permits this capability to be achieved inside space-constrained environments, offering a sensible answer the place standard-height items are infeasible.
In abstract, the 50-gallon capability element is a elementary attribute. Matching capability to the particular utilization patterns of a family is important for optimizing comfort and avoiding scorching water shortages. Cautious consideration of family dimension, utilization habits, and spatial constraints is critical for choosing the appropriately sized water heater and realizing its meant profit.
2. Dimensions
The “lowboy” side of the “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” descriptor straight references its bodily dimensions, particularly its decreased top in comparison with normal water heaters. This attribute is central to its utility in areas with restricted vertical house. The designation “lowboy” implies a design prioritizing a shorter profile and a wider diameter to keep up the 50-gallon capability. Ignoring these dimensions through the choice course of can result in set up challenges or outright incompatibility with the meant location. For instance, making an attempt to put in a standard-height 50-gallon water heater below a low-slung counter or inside a crawl house could be impractical resulting from inadequate clearance.
Exact dimensional specs are essential for guaranteeing correct match and accessibility for upkeep. These measurements embody top, diameter, and the place of inlet/outlet connections. Set up manuals and product listings at main retailers, reminiscent of Dwelling Depot, present this knowledge. Prior to buy, meticulous measurement of the obtainable house and comparability with the product dimensions is critical. Even slight discrepancies can necessitate pricey modifications to the encompassing construction or the collection of a unique mannequin. Think about a state of affairs the place a home-owner neglects to account for the added top of the drain valve; this oversight might render the unit not possible to empty with out main disassembly.
Due to this fact, the dimensional side isn’t merely a trivial element however a defining attribute of the lowboy design. Correct evaluation of spatial constraints and cautious verification of the product dimensions are paramount to a profitable set up and the belief of the meant space-saving advantages. Neglecting this step may end up in pointless problems and bills, underscoring the sensible significance of understanding and adhering to the dimensional specs.
3. Electrical Necessities
{The electrical} necessities symbolize a elementary side of the “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot,” dictating the particular electrical infrastructure essential for its secure and environment friendly operation. Understanding these necessities is important for guaranteeing correct set up and stopping electrical hazards or operational failures.
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Voltage and Amperage
{The electrical} water heater operates on a selected voltage (usually 240V in North America) and attracts a corresponding amperage decided by its heating factor wattage. Failure to match the water heater’s voltage requirement to {the electrical} provide will end in malfunction or injury. Supplying inadequate amperage will journey circuit breakers, whereas exceeding the rated voltage might trigger catastrophic failure. Product specs available at retailers like Dwelling Depot clearly state these values, mandating adherence throughout set up.
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Circuit Breaker and Wiring
A devoted circuit breaker of the suitable amperage ranking is essential. The wiring linked to the water heater should even be sized to deal with the utmost present draw safely. Utilizing undersized wiring is a hearth hazard, as it could possibly overheat and ignite surrounding supplies. Native electrical codes mandate particular wire gauges based mostly on amperage and distance, guaranteeing electrical security and stopping voltage drops that may cut back heating effectivity. This adherence to electrical codes is a non-negotiable side of a code compliant set up.
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Grounding
Correct grounding is essential for electrical security. The water heater’s steel casing have to be successfully grounded to forestall electrical shock within the occasion of a fault. That is achieved by connecting a grounding wire from the water heater to {the electrical} panel’s grounding bus. Absence of correct grounding creates a major security danger, doubtlessly exposing people to hazardous voltage ranges. This can be a primary and important security normal.
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Disconnect Change
Set up of a devoted disconnect swap close to the water heater is mostly required by electrical codes. This swap permits for safely disconnecting the facility provide throughout upkeep or repairs. This swap permits for de-energizing the water heater when essential with out going to the breaker panel. Offering a neighborhood disconnect facilitates servicing and prevents unintentional energizing whereas work is being carried out, adhering to straightforward security protocols.
In abstract, {the electrical} calls for should not merely technical particulars however safety-critical specs. Cautious consideration to voltage, amperage, wiring, grounding, and disconnect swap necessities is necessary for guaranteeing secure, code-compliant operation of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot.” Failure to deal with these elements can result in hazardous situations, gear injury, and code violations, underscoring their very important significance.
4. Set up Area
The phrase “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” inherently implies a consideration of set up house. The “lowboy” descriptor alerts a design tailor-made for environments with restricted vertical clearance. The 50-gallon capability necessitates a sure footprint, making a trade-off between top and horizontal house required for correct set up. Insufficient planning for set up house straight ends in both an lack of ability to put in the unit or non-compliant installations that doubtlessly violate constructing codes and compromise security. For instance, a home-owner may buy the unit intending to put in it inside a crawl house, solely to find that the scale, even with the “lowboy” design, stop sufficient entry for upkeep or code-required clearances from flamable supplies.
The sensible utility of understanding set up house extends past merely becoming the equipment. Ample clearance across the unit is essential for servicing and repairs. Confined areas hinder entry to parts such because the heating components, thermostats, and drain valve, complicating routine upkeep and doubtlessly rising restore prices. Furthermore, native plumbing codes usually mandate particular clearances for entry and air flow. Failing to stick to those codes may end up in failed inspections and necessitate pricey rework. Owners should meticulously measure the meant set up space, accounting for all dimensions, together with top, width, and depth, in addition to any obstructions or limitations imposed by current buildings or utilities. Moreover, consideration have to be given to the routing {of electrical} wiring and plumbing connections, guaranteeing they don’t impede entry or create security hazards.
In abstract, the consideration of set up house is inextricably linked to the choice and implementation of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”. Overlooking this essential side can result in set up failures, code violations, security hazards, and elevated upkeep prices. Correct planning, correct measurement, and adherence to native constructing codes are important for a profitable and compliant set up, guaranteeing the equipment operates safely and effectively inside its meant atmosphere. Prioritizing this side prevents doubtlessly pricey and disruptive issues down the road.
5. Power Effectivity
Power effectivity represents an important consideration within the choice and operation of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”. It straight impacts working prices, environmental footprint, and long-term worth. The unit’s means to attenuate vitality consumption whereas delivering sufficient scorching water is a major consider evaluating its total efficiency and suitability.
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Power Issue (EF) Ranking
The Power Issue (EF) ranking is a standardized metric measuring the general vitality effectivity of a water heater. It considers restoration effectivity, standby losses, and biking losses. The next EF ranking signifies larger effectivity, translating to decrease vitality consumption and decreased utility payments. For instance, a unit with an EF of 0.95 will devour considerably much less vitality than one with an EF of 0.80 to offer the identical quantity of scorching water. Within the context of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot,” scrutinizing the EF ranking is paramount for minimizing operational bills over the equipment’s lifespan.
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Insulation
Efficient insulation is prime to minimizing standby warmth loss. A well-insulated tank retains warmth for longer intervals, decreasing the frequency with which the heating components activate to keep up water temperature. Increased-quality insulation ends in decreased vitality waste and decrease working prices. Evaluating the insulation thickness and sort of fabric is important when choosing a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot.” Thicker insulation straight correlates with decreased warmth loss, yielding tangible financial savings on vitality payments. Polyurethane foam is a typical and efficient insulation materials.
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Standby Warmth Loss
Standby warmth loss refers back to the quantity of warmth a water heater loses to the encompassing atmosphere when not in energetic use. That is an unavoidable consequence of sustaining a tank of scorching water. Decrease standby warmth loss contributes on to larger vitality effectivity. Producers make use of varied methods to attenuate standby warmth loss, together with improved insulation, warmth traps, and superior tank designs. Analyzing the standby warmth loss specs for a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” is essential for projecting long-term vitality prices. Minimizing this warmth loss will stop cash waste.
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Sensible Options and Programmability
Some fashionable electrical water heaters incorporate “good” options and programmability to optimize vitality consumption. These options could embrace timers that enable for scheduling heating cycles to coincide with intervals of excessive demand, trip modes that cut back vitality utilization when the house is unoccupied, and studying algorithms that adapt to particular person utilization patterns. Integration of those applied sciences inside a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” can additional improve vitality effectivity and cut back working prices by tailoring scorching water availability to precise want, somewhat than sustaining a relentless temperature, additional rising EF.
These vitality effectivity concerns collectively affect the overall price of possession and environmental influence of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot.” Choosing a unit with a excessive EF ranking, efficient insulation, low standby warmth loss, and good options interprets to tangible financial savings over the equipment’s lifespan and a decreased carbon footprint. Prioritizing vitality effectivity is each economically and environmentally accountable.
6. Value
The monetary side is a major determinant within the acquisition and long-term operation of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”. Value concerns lengthen past the preliminary buy worth and embody set up bills, operational prices, and potential upkeep or restore expenditures.
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Preliminary Buy Worth
The upfront price represents the preliminary funding required to amass the water heater unit. Costs can differ based mostly on model, options (reminiscent of good know-how or enhanced insulation), and retailer promotions. Sometimes, Dwelling Depot provides a spread of fashions at totally different worth factors, reflecting various ranges of effectivity and options. Whereas a decrease preliminary worth could seem interesting, it’s essential to contemplate the long-term price implications of a much less environment friendly mannequin.
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Set up Prices
Set up prices comprise labor charges and any essential supplies past the unit itself. Skilled set up ensures compliance with native plumbing and electrical codes, mitigating potential security hazards. The complexity of the set up can affect the fee; for example, changing an current unit in the identical location is mostly cheaper than a brand new set up requiring new plumbing or electrical work. Dwelling Depot usually provides set up companies, offering a bundled price estimate for the unit and its set up.
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Operational Prices (Power Consumption)
The continuing operational bills are primarily pushed by electrical energy consumption. Electrical water heaters devour vital vitality to warmth and preserve water temperature. The Power Issue (EF) ranking serves as a essential indicator of vitality effectivity; a better EF ranking interprets to decrease vitality consumption and decreased month-to-month utility payments. Whereas a extra environment friendly mannequin could have a better preliminary worth, the long-term financial savings on vitality prices can offset this preliminary funding. This must be factored to seek out probably the most optimum price.
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Upkeep and Restore Prices
Over its lifespan, a water heater could require upkeep or repairs. Potential points embrace sediment buildup, heating factor failure, thermostat malfunction, or tank leakage. Preventative upkeep, reminiscent of periodic draining and flushing to take away sediment, can lengthen the lifespan of the unit and cut back the chance of pricey repairs. Guarantee protection can mitigate restore prices inside the specified guarantee interval. Correct and well timed upkeep results in cut back price.
These parts collectively outline the overall price of possession for a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”. A complete evaluation necessitates contemplating not solely the preliminary buy worth but in addition the continued operational and upkeep bills. Whereas Dwelling Depot offers a wide range of choices, starting from budget-friendly to high-efficiency fashions, choosing probably the most cost-effective selection requires an intensive analysis of particular person wants, utilization patterns, and long-term monetary implications. Sensible buy can mitigate future price.
7. Guarantee
The guarantee related to a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” represents a contractual settlement supplied by the producer, outlining the phrases of restore or substitute within the occasion of defects or malfunctions inside a specified interval. Its presence straight impacts the monetary danger assumed by the purchaser, offering a level of safety towards untimely failure and related bills. The size and scope of the guarantee differ amongst producers and fashions, usually protecting components, labor, or each, for intervals starting from one to 10 years. As an illustration, a guaranty protecting tank leakage for ten years offers substantial assurance towards a very pricey failure mode, whereas a shorter guarantee restricted to components solely locations larger monetary accountability on the house owner for labor prices.
The sensible significance of understanding the guarantee phrases lies in knowledgeable decision-making and proactive upkeep. A complete guarantee reduces the potential out-of-pocket bills related to repairs or replacements through the protection interval. Think about a state of affairs the place a heating factor fails inside the guarantee interval. A guaranty protecting each components and labor would alleviate the whole price of the restore, whereas a parts-only guarantee would nonetheless require the house owner to pay for the electrician’s service name. Moreover, sure actions, reminiscent of improper set up or failure to carry out routine upkeep (e.g., draining sediment), could void the guarantee. Due to this fact, adherence to producer’s directions and advisable upkeep procedures is essential for preserving guarantee protection and maximizing its advantages. Failure to observe tips would void your guarantee declare
In abstract, the guarantee is an integral element of the worth proposition of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”. It serves as a monetary security internet, mitigating the chance of sudden restore or substitute prices. Nonetheless, its effectiveness relies on an intensive understanding of its phrases, adherence to upkeep necessities, and correct set up practices. The problem lies in fastidiously evaluating the guarantee’s scope and length alongside different elements, reminiscent of vitality effectivity and buy worth, to make an knowledgeable resolution that balances price and danger mitigation.
8. Availability
The provision of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater” at Dwelling Depot considerably influences client decisions and mission timelines. Restricted or inconsistent inventory straight impacts a home-owner’s means to promptly handle water heater failures or full new building requiring this particular equipment kind. This equipment, with its space-saving design, caters to particular set up wants the place vertical house is a constraint. If Dwelling Depot, a significant retailer, experiences frequent stockouts, shoppers face potential delays, forcing them to both postpone tasks, search different fashions that will not completely match their wants, or discover different retailers, impacting model loyalty and doubtlessly rising prices resulting from variations in pricing.
Dwelling Depot’s provide chain administration and stock management straight dictate the product’s accessibility. Elements reminiscent of seasonal demand peaks, materials shortages, or logistical disruptions can result in fluctuating availability. The retailer’s on-line platform and in-store inventory monitoring programs develop into essential instruments for shoppers making an attempt to determine product availability earlier than committing to a purchase order. For instance, a home-owner going through a sudden water heater failure would depend on correct stock info to find out if an acceptable substitute is straight away obtainable. The retailer’s capability to precisely forecast demand and preserve sufficient inventory ranges turns into important in assembly buyer wants and minimizing inconvenience. Provide constraints will have an effect on shoppers by limiting the product obtainable and enhance in worth.
Finally, the dependable availability of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater” at Dwelling Depot is essential for each the retailer’s repute and buyer satisfaction. Constant inventory ranges make sure that shoppers can readily receive the mandatory equipment to fulfill their scorching water wants, with out experiencing disruptive delays or pressured compromises. Environment friendly provide chain administration and clear stock info are key to optimizing availability and sustaining a aggressive edge available in the market.
9. Lifespan
The lifespan of a “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater” bought from Dwelling Depot represents a essential consider evaluating its long-term worth and cost-effectiveness. The time period signifies the interval throughout which the equipment reliably offers scorching water earlier than requiring substitute resulting from irreparable failure. A number of elements straight affect this lifespan, together with water high quality, upkeep practices, and the standard of the unit’s parts. As an illustration, laborious water containing excessive mineral content material accelerates scale buildup inside the tank, decreasing heating effectivity and finally shortening the equipment’s operational life. Conversely, common draining and flushing to take away sediment can mitigate scale accumulation and lengthen the unit’s longevity. The “lowboy” design, whereas space-saving, doesn’t inherently have an effect on lifespan, however the accessibility for upkeep that it offers resulting from its wider footprint, might facilitate extra common care.
Understanding the elements that have an effect on lifespan informs proactive upkeep methods. For instance, putting in a water softener in areas with laborious water considerably reduces mineral scale buildup, defending the heating components and tank from untimely failure. Equally, adhering to the producer’s advisable upkeep schedule, together with periodic draining and anode rod inspection, can establish and handle potential issues earlier than they escalate into main repairs or necessitate substitute. Ignoring these preventative measures will inevitably result in a lower in lifespan, leading to extra frequent replacements and elevated long-term prices. The associated fee effectiveness of the “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot” is said to its life span.
In abstract, the lifespan isn’t a hard and fast attribute however somewhat a variable decided by each inherent product high quality and exterior elements. Proactive upkeep, together with water high quality administration and adherence to producer suggestions, maximizes the operational lifetime of the equipment, safeguarding the preliminary funding and minimizing long-term bills. Whereas Dwelling Depot provides a spread of water heaters with various options and worth factors, prioritizing fashions with sturdy parts and implementing correct upkeep practices are essential for reaching the anticipated lifespan and realizing the total worth of the “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater”.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the choice, set up, and operation of a 50-gallon lowboy electrical water heater sourced from Dwelling Depot.
Query 1: What are the first benefits of a “lowboy” design in an electrical water heater?
The first benefit lies in its decreased top, making it appropriate for installations the place vertical house is proscribed, reminiscent of crawl areas or below counters. This design permits for sustaining a 50-gallon capability whereas accommodating spatial constraints.
Query 2: Does Dwelling Depot provide set up companies for this sort of water heater?
Sure, Dwelling Depot usually offers set up companies carried out by licensed contractors. These companies often embrace elimination of the outdated unit, set up of the brand new water heater, and connection to current plumbing and electrical programs.
Query 3: What’s the typical lifespan of a 50-gallon lowboy electrical water heater?
The lifespan varies relying on water high quality, utilization patterns, and upkeep practices. Nonetheless, a correctly maintained unit can usually final between 8 to 12 years.
Query 4: What electrical necessities are essential for set up?
These water heaters usually require a 240V electrical provide with a devoted circuit breaker. Particular amperage necessities differ relying on the mannequin and wattage of the heating components. Adherence to native electrical codes is necessary.
Query 5: How does the Power Issue (EF) ranking influence operational prices?
The Power Issue (EF) ranking signifies the water heater’s vitality effectivity. The next EF ranking signifies decrease vitality consumption and decreased utility payments. This ranking ought to be fastidiously thought-about to find out complete price of possession.
Query 6: What upkeep is required to extend the lifetime of this equipment?
Common upkeep consists of periodic draining and flushing to take away sediment buildup, inspection and substitute of the anode rod, and verification of correct thermostat operation. These steps will enormously enhance its life expectancy.
This FAQ part serves as a fast reference for addressing frequent considerations. Seek the advice of product specs {and professional} installers for detailed info pertaining to particular fashions and set up situations.
The next part will present info to reinforce consumer understanding and help in making well-informed choices.
Professional Ideas for “50 Gallon Lowboy Electrical Water Heater Dwelling Depot”
This part offers key suggestions for optimum choice, set up, and operation of this particular equipment, specializing in maximizing effectivity, lifespan, and security.
Tip 1: Prioritize Correct Measurement: Earlier than buying, meticulously measure the meant set up house, accounting for all dimensions, together with top, width, and depth, in addition to entry clearances for future upkeep. Failure to take action could end in set up problems or the collection of an unsuitable mannequin.
Tip 2: Scrutinize Power Issue (EF) Scores: Examine EF scores throughout totally different fashions to establish probably the most energy-efficient possibility. The next EF ranking interprets on to decrease operational prices over the equipment’s lifespan. Think about long run price of operation somewhat than upfront buy worth.
Tip 3: Guarantee Code-Compliant Electrical Set up: Interact a licensed electrician to make sure correct electrical connections, grounding, and circuit breaker sizing. Non-compliance with electrical codes poses vital security hazards and potential property injury. Additionally, this may void guarantee declare.
Tip 4: Implement Common Sediment Elimination: Schedule periodic draining and flushing of the water heater to take away sediment buildup. Sediment accumulation reduces heating effectivity and shortens the lifespan of the heating components. Draining frequency relies on water hardness.
Tip 5: Examine and Change the Anode Rod: The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. Examine it yearly and exchange it when depleted to increase the tank’s lifespan. Neglecting this will trigger corrosion and result in untimely tank failure.
Tip 6: Confirm Guarantee Protection Particulars: Rigorously evaluate the guarantee phrases and situations, together with the length of protection and any exclusions. Adhere to advisable upkeep procedures to keep up guarantee validity. Hold proof of buy and upkeep information.
Tip 7: Think about a Water Softener for Exhausting Water Areas: If the water provide is characterised by excessive mineral content material, think about putting in a water softener to mitigate scale buildup and extend the equipment’s lifespan. This may present long run advantages and elevated lifespan.
The following pointers, when applied, will contribute considerably to maximizing the efficiency, security, and longevity of the equipment, guaranteeing a dependable and cost-effective scorching water provide.
The following part presents the conclusion, summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing the significance of knowledgeable decision-making.
Conclusion
The previous evaluation has explored essential sides of the “50 gallon lowboy electrical water heater dwelling depot”, encompassing capability, dimensions, electrical wants, set up house, vitality effectivity, price, guarantee, availability, and lifespan. Every factor warrants cautious consideration to make sure correct choice, set up, and long-term operation. Disregarding any single side could yield suboptimal efficiency, elevated operational prices, or untimely equipment failure.
Due to this fact, potential purchasers are urged to meticulously consider their particular wants and constraints, consulting with certified professionals when essential, to make knowledgeable choices that maximize worth and decrease danger. Prudent planning and proactive upkeep are important for realizing the total potential of this equipment and reaching a dependable, cost-effective scorching water answer for years to return. Cautious analysis ensures knowledgeable choices.