There's a reason we've been working on a lot of water heaters isn't necessarily because of damage or the cold weather - it's because in April 2015 new federal Department of Energy regulations are coming into effect. While this might not mean much to you, it could mean a huge impact on your wallet unless you're aware of some of the changes being made.
The short of it: The DOE requires that water heater manufacturers need to increase the efficiency of their electric heaters by 47% and gas heaters by 30%. Smaller heaters in the 40 to 50 gallon range can meet the efficiency standard if they insulate the exterior.
Larger heaters and sizes will be difficult to make the transition, so they may be discontinued. Other redesigns and retooling costs could mean a hefty price increase for new heaters, so if your water heater is old you should consider replacing it before April to avoid paying extra for a newer model.
If a new water heater isn't in your budget for the spring months, you should take these steps to prolong the life of your water heater:
Drain the Tank
Flushing out sediment from the bottom of the tank on a yearly basis is the best way to add life to your water heater and improve the quality of your water.
Soften Your Water
Add a water softener or a scale prevention system to your water system can soften your water and reduce the strain on your water heater.
Contact a Professional
The only way to truly gage the overall health of your hot water heater and plumbing system is to contact a professional plumbing service that treats both water heaters and plumbing. Pioneer Plumbing and Heating specializes in both fields and can help you find a cost-effective solution to these upcoming rules changes. Contact us today!
