Does Your Home’s Plumbing Components Fit the Bill?
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) has unveiled new efficiency standards for 2015. The new rules only apply to those products that are made for sale in the United States. As part of the NAECA, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued the energy-efficient mandates Final Rule in April 2010. These rules are far-reaching and have significant impacts on those in the water heating industry, such as manufacturers, distributors and contractors as well as homeowners. The NAECA frequently reevaluates how higher energy efficiencies will impact the energy use of home appliances, generate significant energy savings for homeowners, and conserve the country’s natural resources. These energy-efficiency regulations impact virtually all residential electric, gas, tankless, and oil water heaters. Each new water heater unit has an energy efficient seal on it, which is referred to as an EF. The higher the EF, the more efficiently the power source going into the water heater converts to hot water.
Know the Difference
As an example, the current standard for a tankless water heater has been .62. The new standard for 2015 increases that EF significantly to .82. The EFs for tank water heaters have also increased, with a 30-gallon tank going from .61 to .63, a 40-gallon tank seeing a jump from .59 to .62 and a 50-gallon tank increasing from .58 to .60. So, what does all this mean for you as a homeowner? If you use a water heater that meets the 2015 standards, you will be wasting less water and energy. You’ll also likely see a lower cost on your utility bills. Yes, buying a new water heater that adheres to the 2015 standards will cost you some additional cash up front, but it can make a significant impact on your long-term finances by reducing your out-of-pocket utility expenses.
Consider Your Options
If you’re wondering what kind of an impact an upgrade on your water heater could have on you, consult with a licensed plumber. He or she can easily calculate the costs and determine what move is the best for current and future needs. More often than not, your old equipment is not going to be able to match the current standards, so upgrading may be a smart move. Give a Rooter Hero Plumbing plumber a call today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you consider the benefits and make the best choice for your situation.