If there is one thing people don’t want to run out of, it’s hot water. Whether it’s washing dishes or taking a bath, having access
to hot water is a virtual necessity. However, as technology has evolved, the need for more efficient water heaters has become increasingly important.
As a result, the U.S. Department of Energy has recently initiated new water heater regulations designed to save consumers money while also helping
the environment. If you find yourself in need of a new water heater, here are some details regarding the new regulations and why they are so important.
Energy Standards
In order to increase efficiency, today’s water heaters are now made to be much more efficient by having the majority of their energy be used
to create hot water. In doing so, this lessens the cost to the consumer, allowing more money to be saved.
While a typical Columbia home’s water heater will see an increased efficiency of only four percent, it will still result in substantial savings
over the course of a year. This is due to the fact that more than 20 percent of a home’s energy costs go toward heating water, which can result
in higher utility bills if more efficient technology is not used.
Bigger Heaters, More Technology
While the typical home water heater will see modest gains in efficiency, it is those heaters that hold 55 gallons or more that may benefit most
from the new regulations. That’s because the larger heaters will be required to use electric heat pump and gas condensing technology, which
may be very unfamiliar to Columbia consumers. As a result, many consumers may find themselves confused when it comes time to purchase a new water
heater. If this is the case, a plumber should be contacted to provide professional advice on this matter.
Hybrid Water Heaters
One of the biggest advances involving water heater regulations involves hybrid water heater technology. Also known as heat pump water heaters,
these newer models have been designed to be much more efficient by cooling exhaust gases, letting water vapor condense into water.
However, these heaters are now made to be slightly larger than previous heaters, which can pose a problem with installation. As a result, some
homeowners may find themselves having to relocate water heaters to other parts of the home, or in some extreme cases pay for construction of a
new spot for the heater.
Any hold ups regarding your Columbia, SC water heater? Call Plumbing Solutions at (803) 513-5749 today for any of your repair or maintenance requests.