
Manufacturers have been required to comply with the Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for residential water heaters since 1990, and the standards were updated in 2004 and 2010. According to the DOE, this 2015 update will result in approximately $63 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2015-2044 along with a significant decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.
While the long-term energy impact is impressive, the affect these changes will have on consumers in the short-term are not as easy to understand. Just like most changes mandated by the government, it will hit our pocketbooks.
Like so many of our energy initiatives today, at least at first, it’s going to be startling to people how much expense they’ll have for heating their water. Of course the idea in the long run is to minimize that expense and save energy, and it will. But you know you have that upfront cost to put into it.
If you are anticipating that maybe you would like to replace your heater, or if its giving any signs of knocking sounds or other things that are potential problems, it would be better to consider replacing it sooner than later.
Changes will include increasing the water heater’s energy factor up two points, which is a number that is a fairly realistic guide as to how much energy you are using for heating water. In addition, the physical size of the units will grow by 2 to 3 inches in diameter and slightly in height, as well. So, if you have limited space for your current water heater, you will need to have more room when you buy one that meets the new requirements.
Of course, with new regulations comes price increases for the consumer. Industry consensus is that prices will go up several hundred dollars on gas water heaters under 55 gallons.
However, if you have the need for a lot of hot water, for example your whirlpool tub, and are today using a 75-gallon unit, the impact could be huge. These changes are mostly impacting people who use more hot water.
In order to get that amount of hot water following the new mandates, people that use the larger 75 gallon heaters will either need to buy two 40 or 50 gallon tanks, get a 75-gallon condensing unit that could cost more than $2,000, or go with a tankless water heater.
While April 16, 2015, is the date the act goes into effect, wholesalers and manufacturers will be able to sell their existing inventories after that date, but they can’t manufacture products that don’t meet the new standards after that date.
With the majority of water heaters in use being gas-fired, this law also mandates changes for oil-fired and electric water heaters. Regardless of which type you have today, the bottom line is you will need to be proactive if a new water heater is on the horizon for your home, so you can save some money now.
For a limited time, Green’s will be providing free water heater inspections and recommendations on the life expectancy of your current water heater. If needed, replacement quotes will be provided at no additional charge.
To receive your free inspection, call 515-323-0680 and ask for Dan or DJ.