Homeowners are continually looking for ways to improve the comfort and functionality of their properties while also adding energy efficiency. In many cases, these two goals work against each other, as more luxurious features result in more resource consumption.
But when working with the most innovative materials on the market, such as radiant heat flooring, homeowners can actually accomplish both at the same time.
In a radiant floor heating system, a network of subfloor pipes (hydroponic systems) or heating mats (electric systems) warm the floor and release heat in a stove-like manner throughout the day. This eliminates cold pockets in homes and provides a more stable, comfortable living environment around the clock.
Although radiant heating systems are scientific in their design, they are far from a new concept. Many publications credit the Romans for inventing the concept of radiant floor heat, but some archaeologists believe that Chinese and Korean cultures as early as 5,000 BC used the idea of heated floors to improve the comfort of their dwellings.
Given that the benefits of radiant heating systems date back so far, why aren’t all homes equipped with them in 2022?
Generally, the upfront cost of installing radiant floor heating can be a bit more expensive than simply dropping a forced air unit somewhere in the home, so builders looking to cut corners use this as an excuse for bypassing them during construction.
However, the upfront cost of radiant floor heating will pay for itself in the form of lower energy consumption over time. For example, traditional radiators need to be heated to as much as 167 degrees Fahrenheit before they can heat a room. Radiant heating systems, on the other hand, only need to reach 84 degrees Fahrenheit to heat an equivalent space.
And this is just one of their benefits. To find out everything there is to know about subfloor heating systems, keep reading the following infographic by Warmup that will serve as your ultimate guide to radiant floor heating!
While Water Heaters Only, Inc does not install radiant heat flooring, we often install and/or replace the water heaters connected to hydroponic radiant heat flooring systems. These type of water heaters are considered a specialty type of unit, usually a hydronic water heater type model. Often this types of water heaters will also have a higher recovery rate, so they can provide hot water for both the radiant flooring and household usage.
Water heaters for radiant heat generally have special inlet and outlet connections that standard style residential water heaters do not. If you are interested in radiant heat or need a water heater for a radiant heat system call to speak with our water heater experts 24/7. We are happy to discuss the pros’ and con’s of these style water heaters.
Spring is here and that means it’s time for Spring Cleaning! It may not be fun but it feels good when it’s done and it is necessary after a long winter in and especially with all the time most people have spent inside recently. Of course, everyone knows how to deep clean their homes but not everyone thinks of cleaning the outside. So we have a few ideas for cleaning that you may not think of and that can really add some sparkle to your home.
PRESSURE WASHING
Not everyone has a pressure washer, but you can rent one for relatively cheap and it is a great way to clean off areas that may get neglected. Here a few areas that can look much better after a good pressure washing:
Driveways
Patios and decks
The outside walls of your home
As with any tool, make sure to read the directions before use and know that not everything can be pressure washed including electrical light fixtures. Also, know that there is pressure washing and power washing. The difference is that power washing uses heat as well to really help deep clean. Power washing is good for cleaning driveways and cement walkways.
PAINTING
After a good deep cleaning with the pressure washer, nothing helps perk up the outside of your house like a new coat of paint. We know that painting the outside of your home can be a major chore, but most experts recommend repainting your home every 4-6 years depending on where you live. That may not always be feasible, but if it’s been more than 10 years you may want to consider it.
However, if repainting your home is just too big of a task right now, consider other areas that may be in need of a touch up. After pressure washing your deck, it would be a good time to sand it down and add a new coat of weather-resistant paint or stain. Also, consider your formerly white picket fence that is looking a little worse for wear. A cleaned up and freshly painted fence can really make your whole home look brighter.
LANDSCAPING
Okay, this may not officially be cleaning, but it’s close and a well-maintained yard just feels and looks nice. And we’re not just talking about mowing the lawn or whacking the weeds, either. Consider adding a water fountain or some new plants that may help to create a nice sitting area. Remember to also find plants that are suited for the climate you live in so that they have the best chance to survive. Maybe add some solar lights along a path or just place some throughout the yard. Trim those crazy long branches and make sure your hedges look good, too. All of these will help make your yard look better and really add some style and “Wow” factor to your home (see top photo for proof).
Hopefully, these outside spring cleaning ideas will help give your home a nice touch-up. Of course, we’re not suggesting you ignore the inside of your home. And while we’re at it, don’t forget about your water heater because we didn’t! We are Water Heaters Only, Inc., so it makes sense that we would mention the water heater. Spring cleaning is a good time to make sure your water heater is clean as well. Check it for dust and rust and also take a moment to check for any small leaks that may have gone unnoticed. Now is also a good time to make sure that there isn’t a bunch of stuff piled up too close to the water heater. This can affect its performance and even be a fire hazard depending on what is stored by it. A three foot clearance is a good start. For more water heater tips, check out our blog here. If you have any other questions about your water heater, don’t hesitate to give us a call 24/7/365. Happy Spring Cleaning!
Interested in learning how to flush your water heater? Click here to learn more about water heater maintenance, or give us a call at [phone-local]
It is often easy to tell when a water heater needs to be repaired but there are several scenarios that can lead to people misdiagnosing water heater issues. If you don’t have hot water, that’s a good sign the water heater isn’t working, but what may seem like a problem with the water heater issue isn’t always an actual result of a water heater malfunction. This is why we always take a little extra time when someone calls us for water heater service to try and figure out what exactly is going on and whether it is something to do with the water heater or something else. In this blog, we are going to discuss several different examples of situations where it seems like the water heater is the problem but it actually isn’t.
THE MIXING VALVE
A broken mixing valve on a faucet is probably the number one cause of a water heater misdiagnosis. For those who don’t know, a mixing valve is used to mix the right amount of hot and cold water that comes out of the faucet. If the mixing valve is not working correctly, that could lead to a situation where there is no hot water coming from the valve to the faucet. When that happens, most people assume that the problem is the water heater. One of the things we try to determine when someone calls us for service is whether there is a lack of hot water throughout the entire residence or if it is just from that one specific faucet. If it is just from the one faucet but there is hot water in the rest of the home, then the issue isn’t the water heater. In that case, we will recommend they call a full-service plumber, which can save them time and money.
PLUMBING LEAKS
Another issue we run into is when someone calls us because there is a pool of water underneath or nearby the water heater and they naturally assume the problem is the water heater (see above photo). While it is often the case that a pool of water underneath the water heater means it has failed, the water could be coming from a leaky pipe that may be located near the water heater, whether it is in the wall or just located near the water heater. It could even be a slab leak, which is a leak in the foundation of the home. Also, if a pipe is broken somewhere between the water heater and a faucet in the home, that could lead to no hot water coming into the home and again could lead to an improper diagnosis of a water heater that isn’t working. While it is harder to diagnose a problem like this without having one of our technicians go and look at it, we do try to gather as much information as possible beforehand to see if it really is a water heater issue. If the water heater is in a pan, we will ask if there is water in the pan. Also, we may ask the person calling us to look and see where the water is coming from. If they see that the wall behind the water heater is wet, then that may be a sign that it isn’t the water heater that is leaking.
HIGH WATER PRESSURE
One last issue we would like to discuss is a leak resulting from high water pressure. If you are familiar with a water heater’s design, you may know what the temperature and pressure relief valve is and where it is located on the water heater. The temperature and pressure relief valve (or T&P valve) is typically located on the top of the water heater, though it sometimes is on the side of the water heater. It is a copper pipe that either runs into the wall near the water heater or, depending on the local plumbing code, it may simply run either into the pan at the bottom of the water heater or just on to the ground in front of the water heater.
The T&P valve is designed to be a safety valve if the water heater gets too hot or the pressure gets too high. If this happens, water will come out of the T&P valve and this could make a puddle at the bottom of the water heater making it look like the water heater itself is leaking. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the water heater is malfunctioning. In fact, the T&P valve is operating as it should. However, if the water pressure remains too high then a pressure regulator may need to be installed or repaired if there is currently one already in use. A pressure regulator is designed to keep the incoming water pressure at a safe level.
We hope this has been helpful information as we feel that the more people know about their water heater, the better chance they have not misdiagnosing water heater issues. That goes for being able to understand what may be causing a leak and whether you may need your water heater repaired or replaced. Of course, always give us a call if you are not sure and have a question about your water heater. You can also check out our blog on how to best maintain your water heater. by clicking here. Remember, we are available seven days a week to help you in any way we can so give us a call 24/7/365 at 833-379-8800.
In this blog, we will be talking about the Watts 210 automatic gas shutoff valve. Most people have never heard of this valve, so we thought it would be a good idea to explain what it is and what it does to help potentially lessen the damage from a malfunctioning water heater.
While many are aware of the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) on their water heater and what it does, the Watts 210 automatic gas shutoff valve isn’t as common and thus isn’t as well known. Basically, the Watts 210 is an immersion-type valve used to protect against overheating water in a water heater. The valve is installed where the T&P would normally be installed on a water heater and it has a thermostat that goes inside the water heater. The gas line is run into the Watts 210 from the gas source and then run from the Watts 210 to the gas control on the water heater.
SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Watts 210 is a self-contained device that includes a manual reset button, a trip latch assembly and a thermostat. As we stated earlier, the valve is installed where the T&P valve would normally be installed on the water heater. The thermostat on the valve itself goes into the water heater and is set for 210 degrees. That means that if the temperature of the water in the water heater rises above 210 degrees, the valve shuts off the gas supply to the water heater. This helps to stop the temperature from getting any hotter in the water heater and helps to reduce any further damage to the water heater and possibly even the surrounding area if the water heater failed due to the increased thermal expansion.
As we said, the Watts 210 is installed where the T&P is located and then typically a T&P valve is installed on the cold water line outside of the residence, often right near where an outside faucet may be located. This is done because even though the Watts 210 shuts off the gas, there still needs to be a relief valve located somewhere on the water line to reduce the possibility of damage to the water heater and the water pipes themselves.
At this point, you may be wondering: If the Watts 210 shuts off the gas supply and acts as a T&P, why aren’t they part of a standard installation? The reason is twofold: First, the T&P works just fine as the main source of relief in the case thermal expansion occurs. Second, the part itself is not cheap and involves more labor and time, which can add a substantial amount to a standard water heater installation. The Watts 210 automatic gas shutoff valve is typically used if the T&P line cannot be run to the exterior of the residence as required by many state plumbing codes, especially in California. We often see this when the water heater is located in an inside closet such as in a hallway or the kitchen. In this situation, the water that comes out of the T&P has nowhere to go and can cause water damage if it is a substantial amount of water and goes undetected. In that case, a Watts 210 automatic gas shutoff valve is recommended.
As always, if you have any questions about this subject or your water heater in general, please call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 833-379-8800. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have or even schedule an appointment for one of our water heater technicians to come and take a look at your water heater.
W.H.O. at the 25th annual Cal NARPM Trade Show and Conference
If you follow our blog posts or follow us on social media, then you probably know that we here at Water Heaters Only, Inc. belong to many different organizations and associations. Especially when it comes to connecting with potential clients for our Preferred Client program, these groups provide a great way to network and maybe even have a little fun. That was the case last week when we attended the NARPM California State Chapter 25th annual Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs, CA. For those who may not know, NARPM is the National Association of Residential Property Managers and we proudly belong to several chapters in both California and Arizona.
Every year the state chapter hosts its annual conference where members can get together and attend seminars to learn about the latest hot topics in the property management world and get out of the office for a few days as well. This year’s theme was “Raising the Bar”. The conference also has a trade show where vendors such as Water Heaters Only, Inc. can give out information, say “Thanks!” to current clients and meet with prospective clients as well.
Most vendors hand out various freebies and even have a raffle prize or two. Of course, we are no different and handed out cuties and chocolate gold coins and raffled off a wonderful handbag, which you can see in the above picture on the left. We also had our Plinko game and people who stopped by had a chance to win some fun prizes!
All in all, it was great time at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs. If you are a property manager and are interested in our Preferred Client program, please visit our page here. If you are interested in learning more about NARPM, you can visit this page.
We here at Water Heaters Only, Inc. always make sure we tell our customers that we do all of our jobs “up to code”, but we realize many people don’t always know what that means. The code we are referring to is the California Plumbing Code. If you have ever had to do any major renovation or repair on your home, you likely had to get a permit from the city and that meant you had to follow certain guidelines, or codes, for the work to be done. All incorporated cities have a building inspection and/or code compliance department. If they don’t, then that job will typically fall to the county. Either way, there are codes for just about every type of repair and renovation and that includes water heater plumbing codes.
According to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the codes “attempt to minimize public risk by specifying technical standards of design, materials, workmanship and maintenance for plumbing systems.” Basically, these codes ensure that all repairs, replacements and installations are safe and effective, whether it’s installing a new bathroom or a water heater. Water Heaters Only makes sure that every one of our technicians are aware of all codes and any recent updates and we make sure to follow these codes as we have been doing now for over 50 years. For a full rundown of the required codes for water heater installations, visit our blog here.
Despite our knowledge of the plumbing codes, we realize that many people aren’t aware of them and so we thought it would be useful to go over some of the plumbing codes in the hopes of educating the public about how and why we go about performing our repairs and installations. However, before we go any further, it should be noted that each city and county can choose to implement these codes in different ways meaning that what is required in one city may not be required in another. It can get a little confusing, which is why it is so important to use a company that is up-to-date on all the latest codes.
CHAPTER 6: WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
PRESSURE REGULATORS
While most of our California Plumbing Code (CPC) blogs will be about information in Chapter 5: Water Heaters (obviously), in this post we will be discussing water pressure and that is covered in Chapter 6, section 608. Just for starters, water pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Whenever we go out to any
job whether it is for a repair or an installation, we always check the PSI. This is useful because it can help determine the cause of a problem such as a leak or a water heater failure. According to CPC Section 608.2, whenever water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, a pressure regulator is required if there isn’t already one installed.
A pressure regulator does exactly what it sounds like: it regulates the water pressure in the plumbing. High water pressure can not only damage a home’s plumbing but can also damage a water heater as well. Most homes have one, but not always. If we find a home has water pressure above 80 PSI and there isn’t a pressure regulator, we will always offer to install one. And if there is one but the pressure is still high, we will check to see of the current one has failed. Not only can any water pressure above 80 PSI be detrimental to the water heater and plumbing, it will also void the warranty on most water heaters. For more information about water pressure and pressure regulators, please read our blog here.
EXPANSION TANKS
Expansion tanks are an important part of minimizing damage to your water heater and plumbing and they are required in certain situations by the CPC. Basically, an expansion tank is a metal “bottle” that is used to relieve when thermal expansion occurs. The expansion tank had a bladder inside of it and when thermal expansion occurs, the expansion can be relieved temporarily by going into the tank. When the thermal expansion has stopped, the excess water goes back into the plumbing.
In the above section about pressure regulators, the CPC states that an expansion tank must be installed when a pressure regulator is installed. That’s because a pressure regulator causes the water to not be able to go back to the city main and is essentially locked into what is known as a “closed loop” plumbing system. It’s a closed loop because the water and thermal expansion, when it occurs, can’t go back to the city’s main water system located outside the home. In Section 608.3, the CPC also states that expansion tank must be installed if there is a check valve, backflow preventer or “other normally closed device that prevents dissipation of building pressure back into the water main”.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES
Section 608.3 also mentions the use of pressure relief valves in conjunction with expansion tanks. Not only must an expansion tank be installed when part of a “closed loop system”, there must also be a combination temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. For water heaters, these are typically located on the top of the water heater (though not always). Take a look at the picture above if you aren’t sure what the T&P looks like. These relief valves are set to relieve water and pressure after a certain PSI or temperature has been reached. These pressure relief valves need to also have a discharge pipe (Section 608.5), which has its own requirements such as:
The discharge pipe should discharge independently by gravity either into the drainage system or to the exterior of the building.
It must discharge in such a way that does not cause bodily harm or structural damage.
It cannot discharge into a water heater pan.
This is why you will typically see the T&P valve connected to a pipe that runs either alongside the wall to the outside or through the wall where it will be allowed to discharge in a safe place where no one may get hurt.
In conclusion, we hope this has been helpful information. One final note: As we mentioned in the beginning of this blog, each city may decide to implement the plumbing codes differently dependent on the situation. For example, in some areas the city inspector won’t require an expansion tank to be installed as long as there is a working T&P valve present. Also, an inspector may allow a T&P drain line to just discharge to the floor if the water heater is located in the garage. That’s why it’s so important to hire a company that knows the latest codes. For any further questions about water heater plumbing codes or to schedule an appointment with one of our water heater experts, just give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 833-379-8800.
Is Your California Water Heater Safe from Earthquakes
Earthquake strapping a water heater is critical in California, where earthquakes are a regular occurrence. From Los Angeles and San Diego, to San Francisco and Sacramento, earthquake damage in homes and businesses can happen without warning, and most of us don’t think about our water heater’s safety before an earthquake.
In California, the law requires that your gas or electric water heater must be properly attached to a wall, so that it will not fall or tilt to mush during an earthquake event and lead to a fire or a flood of your home. All homes, multi-family properties, offices, apartments and public buildings are required to have their water heater strapped securely.
In the first water heater photo, the water heater is NOT properly strapped and in the event of an earthquake will freely move / shake from side to side.
However in the second water heater photo, this water heater, on the other hand, is properly strapped. As you can see, it will have little, to no side-to-side movement in the event of an earthquake. It will also not fall off it’s platform.
After an earthquake the water heater also holds available cooking and drinking water in the event of an extended power outage. The new laws regarding strapping help to keep the tanks in place and strapping types and attachment hardware rules have been upgraded for safety since the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 and the Northridge earthquake of 1994.
If your water heater is older, you will want to have it inspected by a professional water heater installer to ensure that you have the current and safe strapping that is necessary. The correct connectors and lines can be installed and strapping and wall attachments can be upgraded.
Strapping must be placed properly- the top 1/3 and the lower 1/3 of the water heater must be strapped to prevent rocking and tipping.
If you would like to inspect your water heater earthquake strapping yourself and find out if it is current to California law, earthquakecountry.org offers some good tips for proper attachment. https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step1/waterheater/
Water Heaters Only, Inc. has installed thousands of water heaters to California earthquake code standards, and we are happy to help you secure your water heater, for the safety of your family and your neighborhood.
After a quake, you want to check your water heater strapping, and be assured that there is no gas lines leaking that can start a devastating fire and burn your home, as well as checking that the water heater has not fallen over and leaking water lines have flooded your home, resulting in costly repairs. With proper earthquake strapping, your home will be much less likely to be devastated by an unfortunate water heater issue due to earthquake tilting.
These are 2 large commercial water heaters in a basement. One is strapped, but not properly and the other one is not strapped at all. This is a disaster waiting to happen, at least the tank with straps is less likely to cause a major gas leak, than the one with no straps.
Are you wondering if your water heater is up to code? Give us a call at [phone-local] and a trained technician will come out to your home and properly assess your water heater, and bring it up to code.
California Fire Prevention for Homeowners- Home Water Heater Safety and Wildfire Preparedness
With so many recent fires in California, the need to ensure our homes are as safe as possible is paramount. Most of us rarely think about our hot water heater as being an issue when it comes to a fire- after all, they are for the most part ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ With many families having suffered unimaginable loss during the wildfires, it is important to take a serious look at the appliances in our home to be sure they are safe and do not pose a fire hazard. Whether you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento or San Diego, CA wildfires throughout the state are a summer risk.
A few simple checks on your major appliances can potentially protect your family and neighborhood and help prevent a house fire or wildfire.
Could a hot water heater fire happen here?
In 2015, a catastrophic water heater fire did happen- The Rocky fire in Lake County, CA., which scorched nearly 70,000 acres and destroyed 43 homes near Clear Lake- the result of a problematic gas hot water heater in an outbuilding, according to Cal Fire officials. This is a prime example of why it’s important to perform annual inspections and maintenance for water heaters. This can help ensure the water heater is properly functioning and limit the potential for a problem to occur. It is all part of thinking about the home and family’s safety.
Existing Hot Water Heater Fire Risks
The risks of potential fire from a water heater usually come from a few things that can be easily remedied by the proper installation by licensed plumbing company and an annual inspection by the homeowner.
Ventilation- Free and proper household air flow matters. Adverse negative air pressure can create a potentially flammable situation with a gas water heater.
Combustibles- keep flammable items away from your water heater, and leave space around it without any clutter or debris. These can fuel a fire quickly.
Disaster Proof- California earthquakes happen with some regularity. Be sure to have your water heater properly strapped.
Covers & Valves- Covers should always be kept in place and fitted properly. Valves should be working correctly and not leaking, cracked or worn. Testing pressure relief valves is important.
Improper or Damaged Wiring- Wiring needs to be correctly maintained to prevent sparks or ignition in unexpected places. One spark can start a fire in your home.
Existing Homes- Inspections and Proper Water Heater Care to Prevent California Wildfires
INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER ONCE A YEAR- Most people don’t think about their water heater as a potential fire hazard, or even think of it until it stops working or they discover a leak. It can save you money and even save your home from a fire igniting if you take the time to thoroughly inspect your water heater to make sure there are no problems. When you clean up the yard and clear defensible space, include a check of your appliances to the to-do list for fire prevention.
The steps to check your water heater can be found in this simple and informative video. During this check, something like a small gas leak may be discovered and corrected before it becomes a major fire hazard.
KNOW HOW TO SHUT YOUR WATER HEATER OFF – This is helpful for so many reasons, but it is especially helpful in regards to fire danger and prevention. That’s because if you happen to smell gas or discover a gas leak in your water heater, you will want to get the gas shut off as soon as possible. Learn how to properly shut down your water heater here.
New Home Builds -Proper Installation by a Professional
With all of the new homes being built after the devastating California fires, many people are choosing what type of water heater they will want in their new home, and seeking a trustworthy company to install the hot water heater correctly. It is imperative for safety, that a professionally licensed service provider installs your new water heater.
With many options such as tankless water heaters, gas or electric hot water heaters and high efficiency water heaters, the choices for a new installation are plentiful and speaking with a water heater installation and service company knowledgeable in all the best choices can help you choose just the right water heater for your new home.
Having a trusted water heater company install your water heater, and advise on the maintenance and repairs for you can protect your home from accidental fire. Doing your proper yearly inspection, even on a new water heater, ensures that your home and family are protected from an unexpected fire. Have questions about your water heater? Give us a call at 833-379-8800
DOE 2015 Water Heater Energy Efficiency Changes Guidelines
It’s almost April 16th and that means the new Department of Energy 2015 water heater energy efficiency changes will be going into effect soon. These new guidelines were instituted as a way to reduce emissions and reduce energy usage, but they are having the unintended effect of raising the cost of water heaters and water heater installations.
When the new guidelines were introduced, it was feared that the cost in some situations might increase dramatically. However, now that the manufacturers have actually started manufacturing the newer models, it appears that, when it comes to the standard 30, 40 and 50 gallon gas water heaters, the cost for an average installation may only increase by roughly $100. Now, that may seem like a lot, but since it was initially presumed that costs may double in some situations, a small increase like that is far more preferable. The concern initially was that the new water heaters would be considerably bigger than the previous models and require a damper on gas vented models; luckily, the manufacturers were able to make water heaters that were legal under the new guidelines but that weren’t dramatically different in size or shape.
Size Comparison Example
Type
Current Diameter
New NECA Diameter
40 Gallon Gas
18
20
50 Gallon Gas
20
22
40 Gallon Electric
18
20
50 Gallon Electric
20
22
One other option to consider for those who don’t have the space to fit a wider gas model water heater is to get a gas water heater with a power damper. These models are thinner and, in fact, are even more energy efficient than the new standard gas models. If this seems like an option you might consider, you should know that these models are taller than the average gas water heater, meaning they will need more space available above the water heater. These water heaters also require an electrical outlet to be located nearby as the outlet is needed to power the damper. This means that you might need to have electrical work done in addition to having a new water heater installed.
It should be noted, though, that there will be certain situations (albeit a very small percentage) where a homeowner may be faced with a very expensive water heater situation. For example, any electric water heaters over 55 gallons in size will now be required to have a heat pump. These new electric heat pump water heaters require specific air space to work properly and this may cause the homeowner to relocate the water heater or redesign their water heating system. even put in additional air venting. If that is the case, the cost to install one of these water heaters could easily cost three thousand dollars or more. This may become a problem for homeowners where electric water heaters are more common like Arizona because there are a lot of electric water heaters that are located in small spaces.
Electric Water Heater Changes Quick Facts
Under 55 gallons will increase in diameter by about two inches
Over 55 gallons will now be a heat pump style unit
Heat pump units require a certain amount of air space to operate properly
For homes with electric water heaters under 55 gallons in size, the costs will not be nearly as dramatic, though there will be a cost increase. Basically, all of the residential electric water heaters in this size category are 2 inches wider. This means a 40 gallon electric water heater will now be as wide as a 50 gallon electric used to be. This may not seem like a huge increase, but for those homes where the water heater is located in an inside closet with very little extra room, this may cause some problems. In that situation, a homeowner can either get a smaller sized water heater i.e. go from a 50 gallon down to a 40 gallon water heater or they can have the water heater moved to a different location or they can increase the size of the current location. Both of these latter options could result in very costly construction being done to the home. There is one other option for homeowners who just can’t increase the size of the closet or room where the water heater is located: certain manufacturers are planning to offer a thinner version of these electric water heaters that will come with a custom-made insulation blanket, these units can be special ordered and will cost more, but it may be worth waiting a little longer for hot vs paying for reconstructing the closet.
5 Quick Facts About The 2015 Water Heater Energy Efficiency Changes
All water heaters will be more efficient and cost less to operate
Gas and electric water heaters will be wider
Prices will increase for the new models, but not as much as first expected
Water heaters above 55 gallons will be affected the most
A small percent of units may require relocation when next replaced
Hopefully this basic information will help homeowners to better understand these new energy guidelines and the effect they may have on them. We understand it may seem a little overwhelming, so we urge you to give us a call at 833-379-8800 and we will be happy to help you decide what’s best for you and your situation. This is also why we are encouraging people who currently have electric water heaters – or who have gas water heaters that are located in very tight locations – that are over 8 years old to consider replacing their water heater now before these changes take effect.
The reason for this is that water heaters usually last 8-10 years, so if your water heater is older than 8 years, it might be getting ready to go out. If you don’t know how old your water heater is, you can always look at either your original receipt of purchase or installation or you can check the manufacturer’s sticker located on your water heater. However, please note that sometimes that information is still hard to glean because different manufacturers use different methods of dating their products. Once again, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 833-379-8800 and a water heater specialist will be happy to help you discover the age of your water heater. We can then even come out and take a look at your current water heater and see where it is located and further discuss your options.
For more information and calculations about the new 2015 Water Heater Energy Efficiency Changes guidelines, here is a link to the United States Department of Energy website where the energy guidelines can be found.
