POSTPONED

Description:
Codes and standards are increasingly determining technology winners in the building industry. That's why major changes to the federal regulations for minimum residential water heater efficiency are a crucial industry shift.

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The Propane Education & Research Council has engaged Newport Partners in research to provide training to construction professionals.

2015 Government Changes to Water Heaters WILL Affect You

In 2015, all manufacturers of water heaters that are sold in the US must conform their equipment to new energy efficiency standards. This applies to all residential, gas, propane, and electric water heaters. Why should you care? Because water heaters as we know them won't look the same. Here's the who, what, how much it's going to affect you, and what you can do right now.

Who made the new rulings?

The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) was approved by Congress and is administered by the US Department of Energy (DOE). This is the same organization that oversees the EnergyStar program. That translates to: this is serious business and a real change for all water heaters sold in the US.

What are the new water heater regulations?

Water heaters produced after April 16, 2015 must conform to new energy efficiency standards. These translate to a mandatory increase of 3% - 30% greater efficiency vs. current models. The amount varies by tank size based on formulas. The larger the tank, the more the efficiency is required. The gains in efficiency are small, but given that the vast majority of homes in America have a water heater; small can add up to big savings for the environment.

In order to gain the efficiency, manufacturers will be adding additional insulation to water heater tanks. This will impact you as follows:

1. Fitting it in your house.

2. Manufacturer price increase.

3. Custom install solutions needed.

4. Some larger sized tanks may be discontinued. 

 

Presenter: Jamie Lyons, Engineer, Newport Partners