New Water Heater Rules Bring Lower Energy Bills
Few household appliances receive less notice than the trusty water heater. It does its work largely unobserved, rarely demanding more attention than a call to a plumber when replacement is due every decade or so. But now, water heaters are in the spotlight as manufacturers respond to updated federal regulations with improved energy efficiency. While changes to efficiency ratings may seem minor, the impacts for certain customers may be significant, as some homeowners will find their old water heaters aren’t as easy to replace as they used to be.
Effective April 16, 2015, the federal government has updated the minimum energy efficiency level required for all residential water heaters. “By raising the bar, customers will benefit from units that waste less energy and cost less to operate over time, a meaningful benefit when water heating accounts for one-fifth of household energy costs and hundreds of dollars each year,” says George M. Chapman of the Coalition for ENERGY STAR® Water Heaters. Water heater manufacturers are responding by updating their product lines, and in some cases, discontinuing certain models. However, these updated products may mean that a water heater replacement is no longer a simple one-for-one swap out.
One major challenge is tight spaces. Storage water heaters with more insulation are a few inches wider and taller, and may not fit through narrow doors or into small closets. Customers have a number of options, such as choosing a smaller tank size or a narrower “tall” style model. Changing the installation location is a more drastic option. “While most customers will find their new water heater fits fine in the existing space, a water heater replacement is a perfect time to discuss the best, most efficient option for your family with your plumbing professional,” notes Chapman.
A second significant impact affects water heaters that store more than 55 gallons. Electric models will now include heat pumps, resulting in several additional installation considerations. First, these heat pump models are taller than standard models, often 5–7 feet tall. Additionally, they require sufficient space around them to function optimally, and include a small fan that may make them less suitable for installation in a living space, such as a finished basement. Finally, they require a drain line to dispose of condensate. Many gas models over 55 gallons use condensing technology that similarly requires condensate drain lines and corrosion-resistant venting, such as PVC venting. These models typically require access to a power source as well. Tankless-style water heaters typically meet the new standards already, and will see few changes.
Consumers have options across a range of styles and efficiency levels. ENERGY STAR has updated its criteria to recognize water heaters with superior energy savings and reliability in gas, electric, and solar categories. A plumber can identify which model is best for a home’s layout and hot water needs. Customers will find new options when it comes time for a water heater. “The choice a customer makes regarding a replacement water heater can be made in a minute, but the impacts of that decision on a utility bill can last well over a decade,” says Chapman. The updated efficiency regulations will help ensure customers get the most out of their water heater for whichever model they choose. More information about the updated water heater regulations is available online at www.eswaterheaters.org.