On April 16th, 2015 homebuyers could be paying more to heat their homes. That's because new water heater regulations set forth by the Department of Energy will require many existing models to be replaced or swapped out for larger more energy efficient ones. Not sure if you'll be impacted by the rule change? Read on.
New water heater regulations in 2015
After the April deadline, all new natural gas and electric powered tank-style hot water heaters will undergo design changes to meet the new requirements. Based on the new rules, all electric powered water heaters over 55 gallons will require the Hybrid Electric Heat Pump water design. On the other hand, all natural gas models over 55 gallons must use a Condensing Water Heater design. In other words, the older your water heater, the more likely you will need to replace it with one of these new models when it bites the dust.
How will the new water heater regulations affect homeowners?
What does the design change mean for homebuyers? In short, most new water heaters after April 16, 2015 will be larger in size. Larger models will require more installation space, which can cause problems if your existing closet/utility room is too small. Depending on the capacity of your current water heater, you might have to expand the size of your existing space, remove a doorway or change the location entirely. These new models will also cost 30 percent more than their predecessors, which could be a hefty expense if you're on a tight budget.
Is your water heater due for a check up?
Since the average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years, savvy homeowners should plan ahead. If your water heater is hovering around the 10 year mark, we advise you to get it checked, and replaced (if necessary) before the deadline. Any model manufactured before the deadline can still be bought & installed after April 16th. Your pocketbook will thank you.
Posted by Mary Ann Castro on
Leave A Comment