Back around the time of New Year’s Eve, we mentioned here in our learning center that the efficiency ratings for residential water heaters were going to change on the national level. As of this April, all water heater installation jobs will have to be performed with newer water heater models. That’s because the Department of Energy has decided that manufacturers should no longer create models that spend a certain amount of energy — by improving the insulation on water heater devices, you can improve the energy efficiency and reduce the amount of fuel you need to spend to heat the water of your home.
And that’s a good thing! Improved efficiency means
- Lower monthly bills
- A reduced carbon footprint
- Overall more convenience in your plumbing
However, it could also mean trouble for homeowners looking for direct water heater replacements when this legislation takes effect in April. Why?
Once manufacturers have to transition to the new energy efficiency standard, they will no longer produce the older water heater models that you may have in your home. That means you won’t be able to find a direct replacement, and you’ll be forced to upgrade on any water heater installation post-April. That could be especially inconvenient for anyone whose water heater fails suddenly — rather than simply get a replacement on warranty, the homeowner will need to invest in a larger device, meaning they might need to change the layout of their utility room, upgrade their gas pipe, and even go without hot water for days while these changes are made.
So what we’re saying is this: look into water heater installation now instead of later. Think ahead, and don’t be caught off guard! If you have an older water heater that is at or past its warranty, call Arco for a new water heater installation today.
