Beginning on April 16, 2015 the residential hot water heater industry will receive a major shakeup that will affect many residential homeowners going forward and most people aren't aware of it. The changes and their impact are different depending on the heater's fuel source and size but are all a result of increased NAECA (National Appliance Energy Conservation Act) energy-efficiency standards. Below we've tried to provide a summary of the likely changes that will most affect our customers. We've included what major manufacturers are saying as well as the official regulation, but if you are considering or in need of replacing your existing hot water heater a salesman or plumber from Comfort Control would be happy to help assist you in finding the compliant water heating solution that will best work for your home.
Natural Gas/Propane Models
- Increased insulation requirements will likely result in tank diameter and height increasing by ±2".
- New flue baffling technologies required on every model.
- For 55+ gallon models, fully condensing, power vent technology will be required, meaning line voltage wiring and and condensate disposal will be necessary.
Electric Models
- Increased insulation requirements will likely result in tank diameter increasing by ±2".
- For 55+ gallon models, heat pump technology will be required, meaning condensate disposal will be necessary.
- Heat pump water heaters require up to 12" of additional head room for heat pump module that sits on top.
- Heat pump water heaters require a minimum 10'x10' room to properly operate.
Below are some of the things well known water heater manufacturers are saying about the regulations and how they pertain to their particular equipment:
A.O. Smith - http://www.hotwater.com/naeca/
Bradford White - http://www.bradfordwhite.com/naeca
Lochinvar - http://www.lochinvar.com/_newsfiles/NewsFile_44650_NAECA20flyer.pdf
Rheem - http://www.rheem.com/products/water_heating/NAECA/
The two links below are to the Department of Energy's (DOE) specific website regarding the April 16 regulations and the second is the actual rules and regulations to be added/changed in the Federal Register:
DOE Website - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/27
Federal Register - http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2001-01-17/pdf/01-1081.pdf
Many of our customers, particularly those with space constraints will be faced with the difficultly and costs associated with relocating, retrofitting existing plumbing and electric and/or buying several smaller water heaters if they're looking to maintain the storage capacity of their old heater. Tankless type heaters are becoming more prevalent in the industry and may be a serious consideration for some customers. After April 16 the cost and level of difficulty to install and/or replace a water heater will increase significantly and most likely require the assistance of a plumbing professional to address the unique needs of each job. Feel free to call or stop in the office for additional details on what your water heating options might be.
