The way you go about choosing a new water heater is about to change permanently.

Under a federal program called NAECA (National Appliance Energy Compliance ACT), all new water heaters manufactured and sold in the US beginning on April 16, 2015 must conform to new and stricter energy efficient standards.

New style water heaters will cost up to 30% more than conventional gas and electric storage tank models, but they’ll also be up to 30% more energy efficient.

Here’s a brief rundown on the impending changes, and how they might affect you:

New style water heaters under 55 gallons will be about 2” wider and 2” taller than the models they’re replacing. That means if you’re already tight for space, you might have to settle for a replacement system with a smaller storage tank.

Even bigger changes are coming for water heaters with storage tank capacity greater than 55 gallons. Electric storage tank water heaters are being replaced by electric hybrid heat pump water heaters, and conventional gas storage tank water heaters are giving way to gas condensing water heaters. These, too, will be larger than the system they’re replacing, one again putting you in a position to make a difficult choice, e.g., settle for a smaller storage tank or remodel your space to accommodate a larger system.

You have other options, as well, one of which is to contact Connor Plumbing right away to purchase a new, conventional style gas or electric storage tank water heater. Once again, these can no longer be manufactured starting on April 16, but we can continue to install them until existing supplies run out.

Contact Connor Plumbing today if you’d like to know more about the new water heater regulations, or for a quote on a new or replacement system. We’ll explain your several options and help you choose what’s best for your home and budget.