When it comes to questions about the new water heater regulations, Warwick residents can rely on Jones Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electric to explain how they will be affected.
What Do the New Water Heater Regulations Mean for You?
The United States Department of Energy has issued new water regulations that are intended to reduce the overall amount of energy used by American households. These regulations govern how energy-efficient models purchased after April 16th, 2015, have to be to meet federal requirements. That means that if you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’ll be looking at models that differ from the old one you had.
The majority of American households have water heaters with a 55 gallon storage tank. The new 55 gallon models will be slightly larger and approximately 4 percent more energy efficient, which is good news if you’re worried about your energy bill. However, if you have a model with a tank of over 55 gallons, the new model will be significantly different due to the innovative heating mechanism necessary to meet federal requirements. These new models are quite a bit larger than the old ones, so for some homeowners, that could mean finding a new location in the home to install the new appliance.
Of course, there’s always a third option: a tankless water heater. Since these are relatively new, nearly all comply with energy-efficiency requirements. These on-demand heaters ensure that you always have enough hot water, while at the same time consuming less energy because they don’t have to keep a full tank of water heated. What’s more: they take up for less room than models with storage tanks. However, the price tag is steeper than on a tank model—but then again, a tankless model lasts approximately seven years longer than a tank appliance.
If you’re not sure what type of water heater is best for your household, why not give us a call? One of our experts will come out and assess your situation and needs, and explain to you what your options are. And when you’ve made your choice, we can remove your old appliance and install your new appliance quickly, safely and professionally.