New Water Heater Standards| Plumber Fort Worth
How Will the New NAECA EF Water Heater Standards Affect You?
New water heater standards take effect on April 16, 2015. The 2015 NAECA energy efficiency mandates will require higher Energy Factor ratings on virtually all residential gas and electric water heaters. The homeowner may be affected by these changes in the potential need for additional space to house the larger appliance, additional venting may be required and the means of providing for condensate removal may be required. In addition, installation should only be provided by a qualified plumber in Fort Worth.
Energy Factor is defined as the measure of overall efficiency for appliances. For water heaters, the EF is based on three factors:
- The recovery efficiency – how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water.
- Stand-by losses – the percentage of heat lost per hour from the stored water compared to the content of the water.
The new water heater standards do not mean that consumers have to replace their water heaters in 2015. The mandate means that manufacturers cannot produce or sell lower-efficient water heaters after April 15, 2015. Wholesalers will be able to sell the remaining products in their warehouses until the inventory is gone.
There is no doubt the standards will affect all newly manufactured residential water heaters. However, there are currently manufactured water heaters that are already in compliance with the new requirements.
Increased Insulation
A requirement that may affect homeowners is an increase in size due to additional insulation. This requirement will affect gas, electric and oil fired water heaters not already manufactured to the standard. Water heaters up to 55 gallons will be 1 to 2 inches taller, with a diameter increase of 2 inches. In some cases this may require an expansion of your hot water heaters location or the relocation of the water heater by a plumber in Fort Worth.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas models not already incorporating the new mandates will incorporate newer flue baffling technologies, including the flue dampers, and will incorporate electronic ignition in lieu of the standing pilot or any combination of these. Gas models over 55 gallons are likely to use high efficiency condensing combustion technology. These requirements may mean the installation of electricity to the location, as well as the means for condensate drainage disposal will have to be met. Natural draft gas models without external electric supply will still be available. Residential 60 to 100 gallon supply will no longer be produced.
Electric Water Heaters
It is highly likely that larger capacity electric water heaters will incorporate integrated heat pumps in order to meet the new EF requirements. Residential 60 to 100 gallon supply will no longer be produced.
Increased Complexity
An additional change for homeowners will be related to the increased weight and complexity of water heater technology and installation requirements. Due to this complexity, an accurate, safe and proper installation will not be DIY friendly, and homeowner installation is highly discouraged. Professional installation by a qualified plumber in Fort Worth is highly recommended.
Benjamin Franklin plumbers maintain consistent training, staying on top of new plumbing technologies, new water heater standards and their implications in maintenance, repair and installation. When you require water heater repair in Fort Worth, water heater installation or maintenance, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth will provide the plumbing service you require with professionalism, respect for you and your property and the expertise a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth is known for. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounded areas.