According to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) there will be significant updates to water heater energy factor (EF) requirements. Due to the new requirements, all residential water heaters will require a higher energy factor.

Water heaters may become more sophisticated in design. They will be heavier and possibly need electricity to operate some of the additional equipment included with the unit. Some may not be for the do-it-your self installer meaning you may need a licensed plumber for the installation. Some of the newer water heaters could also produce more noise than what you are accustomed to while operating. With the new regulations, you may also be required to place the unit in an alternate location.

What does all this mean for the homeowner?

When you have an older water heater and you believe it may not for another two or three years, you may consider replacing sooner rather than later to avoid the possible higher cost of installation that the newer units require. After 2015 you will only be able to purchase the updated models.

When the new regulations are in place you will not have to upgrade your unit until it becomes unusable. I would recommend contacting a trusted licensed plumber to speak with them about the new standards and the possible costs you may incur as well as possibly have to relocate the unit which may also require additional costs.

Even so the cost of operating a water heater will go down, the maintenance costs of the additional equipment and a more complex design might increase as well.

To read about the new water heater energy factor (EF) requirements go to

http://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-implements-criteria-energy-star-water-heaters

For any additional questions about the new water heater energy factor (EF) requirements contact your trusted licensed plumber. For any additional question about real estate or real estate related items or other resources feel free to contact the Settles Team.