A new standard for residential water heaters is set to take effect on April 16, 2015. This new standard is expected to conserve 3.3 quads of energy and result in $63 billion in energy savings between 2015 and 2044.
What Does This Mean For You?
- Affects water heaters manufactured on or after April 16, 2015, but doesn’t reach back to products made or installed before then.
- Most impact will be on regular, atmospheric vent standing pilot gas water heaters, as well as conventional electric water heaters. Some models will no longer be permitted under the new regulations because current technology is not capable of achieving the new efficiency requirements.
- Most dramatic changes are in larger capacity models (over 55 gallons).
- Manufacturers will be adding more insulation to reach the new efficiency standard, which may add additional bulk.
- Some installations that were once a one-person job may now require two people.
- Operating cost of heaters will be less, but cost of these products and installation will increase.
It is never too early to start preparing for this change! Learn more about the new Department of Energy guidelines here.
If space is a concern for you once the new guidelines take effect, tankless water heaters are an efficient option.
