Spring has sprung. Many people start their spring cleaning, which always involves water. You may also be considering updates to your home and weighing the decision about whether you are going to replace your water heater. Most people know that there are new efficiency regulations from the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act about to take place. Our customers are wondering what these energy efficiency laws means for them. There will be new efficiency standards for water heaters as well as hot water heater regulations to consider. As your Phoenix plumber, we want to make sure that you are in the know. Do YOU need a new water heater? Read on.
Headline: NAECA | New Law May Require You to Replace Your Water Heater.
On April 16, 2015, there will be significant changes to water heater energy factor (EF) requirements as the result of updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). These new requirements call for higher energy factor (EF) ratings on virtually all residential gas, electric, and oil water heaters, completely altering the water heater landscape.
Your Options Are:
1) Keep your water heater until it is ready to be changed out and do nothing now.
2) Change before April 15, 2015 to a current high energy efficient model now. You’ll save money and get a longer life at today’s rates.
3) Change to the new standard water heaters available after April 16th 2015 to get the most up to date models with the higher costs associated to the newer models and any extra work needed for it to fit and work properly for the new standards.
Gas water heaters above 55 gallons will have to convert to a PVC outlet. They won’t be able to use a metal pipe anymore. The new piping will be an added cost, meaning homeowners face a decision on whether to get a new gas water heater now and save money before the new law or wait and get the newer choices later.
If your water heater is over seven years old and it shows signs of aging, you have more choices now. Change it with our great efficient water heater before April 16 and save money or you can wait until after the newly manufactured water heaters are here meeting the new standards but with higher cost to replace.
Under the new NAECA regulations, most water heaters will be larger, requiring more space for installation. For example, the diameter of a new unit that has the same gallon capacity as an existing unit may be two or more inches wider. In addition, the height of the new unit with same gallon capacity may be two or more inches taller.
Homeowners will need to pay particular attention to any installations in closets and other enclosed spaces. As opposed to open area garage space where size changes may not be a problem. Homeowners might have to move the bigger water heater to another part of the house, go tankless or purchase a smaller one with less capacity.
On average nationally, water heaters account for 12 to 18 percent of a household utility bill. Customers should compare replacement expense versus unit performance because certain replacement options that weren’t ideal before the NAECA 2015 change may now be more attractive.
If you’re not sure about this new federal law, let Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ help you navigate through these options, we have the experience to help you make the right decision that works best for you and your water heater. Give us a call: (480) 812-1855
