2015 water heater standards

[bbrz]

Hey, I am a new guy that has lurked on here for the last couple years.
I **** at links and pics., but just wanted to pass this on.
As of April 16 2015 all water heater energy efficiency rating will be changed to a new standard. Google 2015 water heater standards.
If you have been thinking of replacement, or upgrade, beware of these new standards.
Some installations will even require relocation of your existing unit, and of course, costs will be higher.
Installers (me), manufacturers,and suppliers are concerned.
I'll be back. Just know a little about plumbing, in floor,and radiant.
Glad to be a GJ member!

 

[Gerald O]

... it is less likely that these water heaters will be purchased and installed by the do-it-yourself consumer. Therefore, a potential impact of the 2015 changes will be an increase in the share or water heaters sold through wholesale distribution, thereby, increasing installer opportunities.

Really "Mary", give credit for your copy and paste commentary...

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/doe-de...effective-04162015-frequently-asked-questions
"On the positive side, when products become more complex, it is less likely that they will be purchased and installed by the do-it-yourself consumer. Therefore, a potential impact of the 2015 water heater changes will be an increase in the share sold through wholesale distribution, thereby, increasing installer opportunities"

Since a great many of us here are DIY I doubt that we would consider that a "positive side".

 

[pseudorealityx]

Word on the street is that it will be minimal changes. Biggest difference may be in 50 gallon low-boy water heaters, which will likely gain a couple inches in diameter. That's an issue as they're typically installed in small areas that may or may not be able to work with a slightly wider unit. End result is likely to be some people end up having to replace old 50 gallon low boys with 40 gallon low boys.

 

[Jackfre]

I attended a seminar on this a couple months back. It is my understanding that 55 gal and under tank units will have to go all the way up to .62 EF (energy factor) from the current +/-59. This will probably require a couple more inches of insulation. That is a factor in replacement of old failed tanks as many are in very tight confines. Builders will have to factor this in. Other than size the other issue will be more jacket damage in handling and cost of course.

The real change is to come in the above 55 gallon units. I cannot recall the EF number but in order to reach it the expectation is that they will have to be heat pump or condensing.

 

[pseudorealityx]

I attended a seminar on this a couple months back. It is my understanding that 55 gal and under tank units will have to go all the way up to .62 EF (energy factor) from the current +/-59. This will probably require a couple more inches of insulation. That is a factor in replacement of old failed tanks as many are in very tight confines. Builders will have to factor this in. Other than size the other issue will be more jacket damage in handling and cost of course.

The real change is to come in the above 55 gallon units. I cannot recall the EF number but in order to reach it the expectation is that they will have to be heat pump or condensing.

Was that some sort of Title 24 California thing? I hadn't heard of that second part, but I'm not that up to date with the plumbing stuff.

 

[mhoy9]

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/doe

This should clear it Up for everyone.

 

[internetdude]

Really "Mary", give credit for your copy and paste commentary...

Notice MaryD's sig link, obvious spammer.

 

[yeldogt]

Name changed ?

 

[Jackfre]

Name changed ?

Perhaps, but still a worthwhile topic. Someone may want to buy the old lower efficiency units prior to their running out of stock. The manuf are prohibited from producing them as of 4/15/15.

 

[yeldogt]

I was just discussing this with my builder as my "utility room" is not going to be very large.

Years ago I rehabbed a bunch of bungalows -- still have a couple as rentals. My "go to" water heater was always a low 40 gallon gas with a high output burner -- with some of the basements -- the regulars would never fit!

I'm not sure what happens if you have to go condensing -- huge cost and complexity.

IMO ........ put the money to better use on the electric side of the equation ... since we are now burning so much gas for electric

 

[big.jim]

we have been on condensing boilers in the uk mandatory for a few years now and it hasnt stopped the diy or cowboy installers even though it is illegal in the uk to fit unless you are approved even in your own home

 

[yeldogt]

big.jim: we have condensing boilers --- but the vast majority of water heaters in the USA are tank style holding 40-50 gallons of water -- most just have a burner and a flue .. very simple.

 

[big.jim]

our tank style heaters have to be condensing too unless of course they are electric only but any dual fuel or gas only have to be condensing