New Water Heater Standards Go Into Effect April 15, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- LONGWOOD, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2015) – ServiceOne (http://www.serviceoneac.com/) , one of Orlando’s leading air conditioning, heating, and plumbing company (http://www.serviceoneac.com/air-conditioning-repair/), is letting Central Florida homeowners know that new, stricter water heater efficiency standards are going into effect this spring that will require a much higher energy factor.  According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the new standard will go into effect on April 15, 2015 and will require significant changes to the installation of large residential water heaters (larger than 55 gallons in capacity).

“The large-capacity, traditional hot waters heater will no longer be available after April 15,” said Bill Gouty, ServiceOne founder and president. “While we are anticipating prices to increase by 30-60 percent, products manufactured before this date can still be bought and installed.”

There are many factors for homeowner to consider when deciding on which new water heaters (http://www.serviceoneac.com/water-heater-repair/) to install. Considerations include:

·         COST: Currently the conventional minimum-efficiency 60-gallon gas and electric water heaters run approximately $675-$1,500, while the new high-efficiency models are about $1,200-$2,450.

·         ELECTRIC AND VENTING: New gas water heaters with a capacity of more than 55 gallons will need a dedicated electrical receptacle to power the exhaust fan and provide a means for condensate disposal. For venting, a dedicated line for combustion air via a lower temperature PVC pipe will typically exhaust through the wall rather than the roof with this design.

·         LOCATION: Larger electric water heaters will need to be of a heat-pump design to meet the efficiency requirements. Where a 3x3-foot closet was often the prime location for installation for an electric water heater, these new appliances likely won't fit into the same space.  According to the Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute, heat pump water heaters require installation in locations that remain in the 40º–90ºF range year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air space.

·         TYPE: Because heat pump water heaters remove heat from the house to heat the water, it's better to install them in warmer climate, such as Florida. The cooling effect of the heat pump will reduce the air conditioning load on the house. Another alternative is the gas or electric tankless water heater. These units take up little space and can be mounted indoors in cabinets, under sinks, and in very close proximity to fixtures and use less energy than conventional water heaters.

“Since the new rules are complicated and there are many factors to consider, it’s important for homeowners to work with service providers who are familiar with the new mandates and options available,” said Gouty.  “ServiceOne is current on all manufacturing and installation requirements and can provide excellent advice regard the purchase and installation of a new water heater.”