As of April 16, 2015, new energy efficiency standards are going into effect for residential water heaters. For instance, a 40 or 50-gallon electric water heater will now have an EF (energy factor) of .95 instead of .92. This higher efficiency rating will lower your cost of operation slightly, but it will also increase your purchase price. Since higher efficiency is achieved mainly by increasing insulation around the water heater, this will create some potential problems for REPLACEMENT water heaters.

Because the new water heaters have more insulation, they are physically larger, and the replacement unit may not fit in the old location. That can cause a major remodeling headache for what would have been an easy task. One thing you can do for yourself now is to look at the space your electric water heater is in. If space is tight now, you may want to pre-purchase a replacement water heater now, so that when you do have to replace it, it will fit. For more information on this upcoming change, call our office at (509) 924-0018.

Blog Provided By:

Air Control Heating and Electric, Inc
7203 E. Nora Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 924-0018