In April 2015 the U.S. Department of Energy implemented a new set of mandatory standards affecting water heaters. It has been calculated that these new standards will result in huge energy savings as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions between now and the middle of the century. The new standards however, have an impact of what products are available when you reach the point where water heater replacement in Cumming GA becomes a necessity.
Difficulties for homeowners:
There is no doubt that improved energy conservation is good for the planet, in the long run everyone benefits. Efficient energy use will reduce the utility cost for the majority of homeowners. Although the new water heaters are going to be beneficial there is a price to pay. If the new water heaters are being installed in new homes there will be no specific issues, however, for those faced with water heater replacement in Cumming GA there will be issues that must be taken into account.
- Size: One of the ways water heater manufacturers are meeting the new standards is to increase the amount of tank insulation, this results in a larger diameter tank for the same capacity. A typical 50 gallon water tank will be up to two inches larger in diameter. This is not an issue if there is plenty of space available but if the water heater is installed in a confined space this can be a problem.
- Cost: Another issue that homeowners must face is an increase in manufacturing costs. These cost increases will result in an overall increase in their costs when replacement of their existing water heater becomes a necessity.
There is little that can be done to offset an increase in price; however, if your problem is space and you need a smaller tank or a tankless water heater your plumber may have a viable solution. For more information, visit Georgia Plumbers 24/7.
