Water Heater Federal Efficiency Are Changing – Expect Shortages During Transition
April 16, 2015 (DOE) Deadline for Standard Water Heater Production:
Effective April 16, 2015: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which regulates minimum energy efficiency requirements for water heaters has mandated a total phase-out of existing water heaters and has mandated higher efficiency requirements which affects all water heaters.
Standard 30, 40, & 50 gallon Water Heaters – Being Phased Out
In order to meet the new energy efficiency code all water heaters will require additional insulation and improvements. The added insulation will increase the physical size and dimensions of all water heaters by approximately 2″ inches in width and 1″ inch in height.
Major Shortages Are Happening Now.
Major Shortages are happening now as current inventory is being gobbled up all over the country and the manufacturer’s can not keep pace with the demand. By April 16, 2015 all production of existing standard water heaters will stop.
New Water Heaters are Bigger and May not Fit
Certain installation applications will not allow for a larger water heater to be installed in the same location due to it’s larger physical dimension. Homeowners needing to replace a water heater that is located in a tight location may not find a similar tank that fits.
Water Heaters Located Under the Air Conditioner May Not Fit
You should check your closet and make sure that you have at least 2″ inches in width clearance and and extra 1″ inch in height clearance. If you don’t have the needed space you should consider replacing the water heater now while the inventory is still available. New water heaters will be more expensive and you may need to settle for a smaller capacity water heater if available.
Electric Water Heaters 55 Gallons plus are Being Eliminated
The new Hybrid water heater is also known as a heat pump and works both like a standard water heater with heating elements and mini-air conditioner mounted on top. The Hybrid water heater is much larger in physical size and costs 3X time more to replace. The technology is complicated and requires an A/C mechanic to repair.
Gas Water Heaters 55 Gallon Plus are Being Eliminated
New Gas Water Heaters must be condensing type water heaters. The new technology is expensive with some major installation costs.
13 Reasons to Buy a Water Heater From Campbell Plumbing
When it’s time for a new water heater, calling Campbell Plumbing may be the smartest thing you could do. Here are reasons why we believe every consumer should hire a professional to install a new water heater.
1. WE BELIEVE IN THE BEST FOR YOU
At Campbell Plumbing we exclusively use Bradford White water heaters. Bradford White is one of America’s largest and oldest water heater manufacturers, that is still manufactured in the USA. We know water heaters and their potential as well as anyone.
2. THE RULES HAVE CHANGED
As of July 1, 2003 all conventional 30, 40 and 50 gallon residential gas-fired water heaters must comply with new, stringent standards regarding Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance. Bradford White has created the Defender Safety SystemTM, a cutting edge technology that fully complies with the new standard.
3. A GROWING FAMILY NEEDS MORE HOT WATER
When your family grows or when you add a large tub, a shower or even an entire bathroom, your demand for hot water increases. A professional can help you with access to models specifically built for these types of changes.
4. THE SAFEST WATER HEATERS ARE INSTALLED BY PROFESSIONALS
The Bradford White Defender Safety System is only available to professional installers – like Campbell Plumbing. We have the knowledge, skill and experience to ensure you the right water heater, and one designed to be very safe when installed correctly.
5. A PROFESSIONAL STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK
When you hire Campbell Plumbing to do the installation we back up our work with a one year warranty on labor and can service the Manufactures warranty.
6. A PROFESSIONAL DOES A FULL SERVICE JOB
When you hire Campbell Plumbing, you’ll get delivery and careful handling of your new water heater, proper installation and removal of the old water heater from your home.
7. INSTALLING THE PROPER T&P VALVE
The temperature and pressure relief valve opens to relieve pressure. Improper installation or the choice of an inadequate valve can cause damage to the water heater or create injury.
8. WORKING SAFELY WITH A GAS FUEL SOURCE
Oil and Gas-fired water heaters require knowledge of the gas or oil fuel source and an understanding of gas connections, supply lines and start up.
9. USING THE CORRECT MATERIALS
The choice of material types and sizes for venting, water inlet and outlet pipes and electric feed lines is best left to a professional.
10. A PROFESSIONAL WILL HELP YOU AVOID SCALDING
Water heaters are factory-set at a certain temperature for your safety. Your professional will explain the settings and the dangers of improper use of the water heater’s thermostat.
11. A PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS THERMAL EXPANSION
Do you have an open or closed water system? Closed systems are subject to thermal expansion and pressure build-up. Open systems can become closed when check valves, water softeners or water meters are added. We can add an expansion tank to avoid these types of problems.
12. MANY QUALITY WATER HEATERS AREN’T SOLD TO CONSUMERS
Bradford White’s Defender Safety SystemTM cannot be purchased by the public. These systems are only sold to a Licensed Professional. Our tanks are held to a much higher standard than what you can purchase at a Box Store.
13. A PROFESSIONAL HAS THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE IT TAKES
A professional has taken years to hone his craft. Installing water heaters is one of the things he does for a living. When a plumber comes into your home, he knows exactly what to do.
