Homeowners will find some changes when they replace their current hot water heaters. New standards now in effect require new heaters to be larger than many older heaters, so homeowners may need to change the location of their water heaters when they get a new one.
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Local plumbing experts say Kansas City homeowners need to be aware of new federal standards that took effect recently. The standards are intended to reduce the release of carbon dioxide and to save consumers billions of dollars. They took effect on April 16, 2015.
Bruce Forthofer, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing, 7748 Troost, says the National Appliance and Energy Conservation Act requires all residential gas, oil, electric, and tankless gas water heaters to have higher overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel in a day.
“Water heaters are essential for any homeowner or property manager. Water heaters deliver the hot water to our home that we all depend on, and when water heaters are broken or need to be replaced, it should be done immediately,” Forthofer says.
Homeowners will have to understand the new standards when they replace their current water heaters, he says, because new ones will be a different size. Here’s what Ben Franklin Plumbing recommends for water heaters of different capacities:
- Water heaters under 55 gallons: The height of new units will have to be two or more inches taller. The diameter of new units will also have to be two or more inches wider. When planning the space to place a new unit, homeowners may need it to be three or more inches wider to fit their new heaters.
- Water heaters over 55 gallons: Electric water heaters of this size will have to be switched to a heater that uses heat pump technology. This option offers the highest efficiency option available today.
In residential apartments and condos, Forthofer says, property owners who replace a heater may be forced to install a smaller tank because of the size increases under the new standard. The smaller tank may mean residents will have to adjust and change their hot water usage habits.
He says single-family home owners may have to move their water heaters to another location, and they will be taller, wider, and more costly.
“The recommendation I would make now for homes that cannot fit the larger sized water heater is to consider going with the tankless water heater option. They are relatively small and will deliver hot water on demand. For larger homes that need the larger conventional tank water heater – this is usually for larger homes with a big family – the only option would be to make room in the home for the new larger water heater,” Forthofer says.
Contact info
Contact a Benjamin Franklin Plumber today for advice on the new water heater standards.
7748 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO
(816)-533-4442
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