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NEW WATER HEATER STANDARDS
Beginning this April, the EPA has enforced new standards on the water heating industry. These new standards have shaken things up for plumbers and homeowners alike. The new standards call for more stringent efficiency standards, meaning they want water heaters to produce more hot water with the same amount of energy. Whether it is gas, oil or electric. Amongst the changes they are making their water heaters 2" taller and 2" wider because they have to increase the amount of insulation to keep the water hot for longer periods of time to cut down on consumption.
What does this mean for homeowners? Well, for the homeowner with a water heater installed in a nice wide open area, it means nothing. But for the homeowner who has an undercounter unit or a unit in a closet, they may be looking at relocating their unit due to space restrictions. Many homeowners have made the switch over to tankless units due to the fact that they take up a quarter of the room of a traditional water heater and they are more than twice as efficient. In fact, most tankless water heaters are eligble for a $500 NJ Clean Energy Rebate!
Tankless water heaters offer many benefits compared to traditional storage tank units, for instance they only run when you run hot water! There for there is not wasted energy keeping 40 or 50 gallons of water hot to simply wash your hands or do the dishes! 2" may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that water heaters have already increased 2" once in the past 20 years, now you're actually looking at 4" gained for the person with a water heater older than 20 years of age. With the price of everything climbing on a daily basis, the prospect of having to relocate a water heater can be an expensive one.
If it is gas, you have to consider you're not just moving water lines, there are gas lines and a vent to consider. If it is and electric, you have to move water and electric. All these things add up and can make something that should have been simple into a major expense. We are up to date on all of the new changes that are in effect and can help you make an educated decision that will benefit you and family for the long haul. Give us a call to find out more!
