New Water Heater Regulations Could Put You in Hot Water After April 15, 2015

If your water heater is over seven years old and you have a family of four to consider, changes in water heater regulations will likely affect you sooner, rather than later.

The new regulations, mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy, call for much higher Energy Factor (EF) ratings for all 55-gallon capacity water heaters that are manufactured after April 15, 2015.

These new regulations will call for significant changes in how water heaters over 55 gallons in capacity are made, distributed and installed- changes that will impact many.

According to Energy.gov, the average family of 4 needs much more than 55 gallons to meet their needs and advises families go with a water heater with an 80-gallon capacity.

While the new regulations will save energy, in the long run, the initial cost of replacing your old water heater will become much more expensive with the new regulations.

Jon Ryan, our resident expert here at Genz-Ryan Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning explains, “The new regulations will prove to be expensive for many Minneapolis families for several reasons, first being the increasing costs of the new water heaters. Second, the new systems will also be larger and harder to install than their predecessors.”

You can currently purchase a minimum efficiency 60-gallon gas or electric water heater for $700-$1500. After April 15, that cost will jump to $1200 to $2450.

The new units will be larger than before as well. Larger water heaters may force some homeowners to remodel their home or move the location of their unit to accommodate.

Ryan urges all homeowners who are considering replacing their water heater in the next few years contact a professional plumber before changes go into effect.

“It is impossible to know the cost of waiting in this situation without a professional assessment of your home. We encourage anyone in the Minneapolis area reach out to us soon.”