New Energy Mandates For Water Heaters
New water heater mandates have gone into effect.
The bad news: This means that the cost of replacing an existing water heater is now higher.
The GOOD news: Shipley Plumbing has a limited inventory of water heaters that can be installed under the previous mandates at the lower prices!
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued new mandates for water heaters and these mandates will change the requirements for residential and business water heaters. These new mandates take effect on April 16, 2015.
Once this water heater inventory is gone, water heater installations will become more costly due to many factors required by the new Federal Mandates:
Additional Space
Under the new mandates many water heaters will become larger in size due to additional insulation to the water tank, piping and fittings. New water heaters will take up more space within homes causing some consumers to lose valuable storage or living space or, worse yet, force them to move where their water heaters are located within their homes, which can be an expensive project.
New Components
With the new mandates, many water heaters will require venting systems, ducts or drainage systems. In many cases, this will mean that a new water heater will have to be installed in a larger room or in a different spot than the existing unit with direct access to the exterior of the home.
Electricians Are Needed
Designated electrical circuits may be required for the newer controls as well as electronic discharge pumps for condensation which may require consumers to hire an electrician.
Increased Noise
New water heaters, with the additional venting, drainage and ducts, will create more noise than today’s water heaters. For smaller homes this can create an annoyance which may require additional insulation in the walls around the unit to reduce the noise.
Expensive Maintenance
Chad Sanborn, of Bradford White Water Heaters explains this best:
“While the operating cost of the new water heaters will be less because of their increased energy efficiency, it is likely that the maintenance costs will increase because of a more sophisticated design, and the integration of electronics, blowers, fans, condensers, or other components.”
Less Hot Water
Under new mandates, water heaters may produce less hot water for you and your family. Chad Sanborn explains:
“A model with less input may be required to achieve the higher efficiency, which will ultimately result in less hot water delivered.”
Considering all of the above factors, installing a new water heater after April 2015 may cost you a lot more than upgrading your system now. Act now – your last chance to save money by installing a unit under the current mandates is now!