Since the 1990s there has been a strong focus on improving products to be more environmentally-friendly and energy efficient. This year we are going to see some new changes in regard to how hot water heaters are manufactured as part of new Department of Energy Final Rule mandates. While these mandates are directed at manufacturers, the changes will have some impacts on property owners. You don’t have to worry about running out to purchase a new water heater for your Arlington Heights home, but if you are in the market for a new one, you’ll want to be aware of how these changes can affect you.
What the Mandates Are
As we mentioned above, the new mandates are directed at the manufacturing of water heaters, with the goal of making them more efficient. If you have a tankless water heater, or are looking to install one, you won’t have much to be concerned about as tankless water heaters already fall in line with the new mandates. So what are the new mandates? Here is a general overview:
Required Changes for Combustion Hot Water Heaters:
- Improved insulation
- No more standing pilot ignition, only electronic ignition (for combustion hot water tanks)
- More and improved condensing capability
- Better baffles and dampers in the flue to improve exhaust
Required Changes for Electric Hot Water Heaters:
- Improved insulation
- Insulation on valves and pipes
- Storage tanks over 55 gallons in size must use heat pump technology to heat
The Effect on Consumers
The effect these mandates will have on consumers will come in the form of higher initial pricing on water heaters and more costly installation. However, these mandates will improve the EF (efficiency factor), so you’ll gain the benefit of having a more energy efficient water heater which can save you money on your monthly energy costs.
These mandates become law on April 16th of this year.
If you have any questions about the new federal regulations as they pertain to your water heater in Arlington Heights, don’t hesitate to call a Lifeline Plumbing expert.