Submitted by Springer Plumbing
When you hear April 15, what do you think of? Taxes, right? Well, this year we should also be thinking about water heaters.
As of April 16 2015, a new energy efficiency mandate is going into effect that will directly impact your wallet and possibly the location of your water heater. This revision to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, otherwise known as NAECA, will change the design of most new water heaters.
What is changing?
The Department of Energy is requiring higher energy factor ratings on virtually all residential water heaters including gas-fired, oil-fired, electric, tabletop, instantaneous gas-fired and instantaneous electric.
Water heaters under 55 gallons have to meet a considerably higher minimum energy factor requirement. In some models, the new minimums will be met by increasing the amount of insulation around the tank.
For water heaters over 55 gallons, the biggest changes apply. Typical gas and electric models will not be able to meet the new requirements and will be diminished. Instead, electric heat pump and high-efficiency condensing gas water heaters will be the new standard.
What does this mean for you?
All new water heaters manufactured after April 16 will be physically larger, up to 2” taller and 3” wider. For some homeowners with units installed in a small closet or alcove, this will result in relocating their water heater or downsizing to a smaller tank size.
These newly designed tanks will also have a higher price tag, which is a great reason to think about installing a new unit in the near future. The average lifespan of a water heater is about 11 years. If you are approaching that mark, we recommend looking into replacement. These new units will be phased in as old inventories are depleted, but given the circumstances the supply is expected to deplete quickly.
So when you hear April 15, think “new water heater deadline!”
If you would like to talk about your replacement options, contact us for a free estimate.
