REMINDER: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO SET NEW HOT WATER HEATER STANDARDS

The Department of Energy has made amendments to energy conservation standards on residential water heaters to go into effect on April 16, 2015.   Energy output of water heaters are measured by an Energy Factor (EF) rating calculated by the DOE.  The higher the EF, the more efficient the heater. The standards for EF ratings have increased on all gas, oil, electric, tabletop, and instantaneous water heaters.

 The most significant change applies to tanks over 55 gallons.  In gas-fired heaters, the EF standard moves from .67 to .8012 and in electric tanks over 55 gallons, the standard more than doubled, moving from .97 to 2.057 (see table below).  Larger tanks will now require more insulation and fully condensing combustion technology to comply with new standards.

The new standards come from the amended Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 430.32(d), and will impact the manufacture, sale, installation, and use of residential water heaters, likely increasing costs for all involved.