waterheaterchanges

As of April 16, 2015 the NAECA (National Appliance Energy Conservation Act) will be in effect and you MUST comply.  The DOE (Department of Energy) says that water heaters must be more efficient and that means changes have to be made.  These chances were enacted in 2010 and are, now, ready to go into effect.  These standards help to make sure that water heater manufacturers are producing appliances that meet the most feasible, and economical, standards of efficiency.

What does this mean for the average home owner?  If you are in the market for a new home, you will want to be absolutely sure the water heater meets the new standards.  If you need to purchase a new water heater, you will need to know what to expect for installation.  Of course, we are always glad to help you choose a product that will, both, meet your needs and meet the new standards being placed by the NAECA.

These new standards will require that (most) residential water heaters under 55 gallons of capacity and that are produced after April 16, 2015, be larger in size.  This means that they will require more installation space in your home.  Most water heaters under 55 gallons will increase by, roughly, 2˝ in height and diameter.  Units that are over 55 gallons will require more drastic changes.

What about tankless water heaters?tankless5

Tankless NAECA Minimum Efficiency Standards will remain at the previous rating of .82 EF for all gas tankless units under 200,000 BTUs of input.  For electric units, the EF rating will remain at .93 for units under 2 gallons.

Please do not undertake drastic measures before getting a professional opinion and estimate on the installation of a new, and compliant, water heater.  We have many options and can install them for you.  We will make absolutely sure that they meet, or exceed, the new standards.

It is important to note, that these new standards are only for the manufacturing of new water heater models.  Companies can still sell older models.

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