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NEW NAECA Water Heater Regulations

Effective April 16, 2015

The U.S Department of Energy as part of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA), mandated new standards on all residential water heaters. Effective April 16, 2015, water heaters will require higher Energy Factor (EF) ratings on almost all residential gas, electric, oil and tankless gas water heaters.

How Will This Affect You?

Due to efficiency standards, some water heaters will no longer be manufactured. New products that are introduced after April 16 will have more insulation, and could be up to 2 inches larger in size—both in height and width! Due to increase in size, some water heaters may cost more as well. It is important to note that when you need a new water heater, if you have a smaller home, you may need to consider a smaller, tankless water heater.

Other than a possible inconvenience in size, let’s not forget about how this will positively affect you, and the environment. According to the Department of Energy, these standards will save about $63 billion in energy from 2015-2044. As well as avoid 172.5 metric tons of carbon monoxide emissions, which is equivalent to greenhouse emissions of about 33.8 million automobiles! The Department of Energy thinks that in larger water heater units, consumers could see an energy drop of up to 47 percent.

Top Notch Is Ready to Help You Make the Transition

These new requirements will impact water heating manufacturers, distributors, installers, and consumers. Here at Top Notch, we are trained and ready to help transition our community to meet the needs of these new energy saving standards. For more information, or if you would like to know your options for water heater replacement in the Kansas City area, call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today at (913) 535-8002(913) 535-8002!