Spring is the perfect time to replace your water heater. Bucks County residents can benefit from the advice of the plumbing experts at McHales to understand all the ins and outs of the new federal water heater regulations. Because as your number one plumbing service in Buck County, we’re dedicated to providing you not only with the very best service, but also all of the information you need to make informed decisions for the health of your home.

New Federal Water Heater Regulations

The Department of Energy has issued new water heater regulations intended to reduce the total amount of energy used by American households. These guidelines basically require all water heaters sold on or after April 16, 2015, to be more energy efficient than older models.

So how does this affect you, the homeowner?

If you’re replacing an appliance with a storage tank of 55 gallons or less, your new appliance will be approximately four percent more energy efficient. It will also be slightly larger, approximately one or two inches. This means that unless the location of your old water heater is very cramped, you won’t have any problems installing the new model.

If your old water heater has a storage tank of over 55 gallons, then you’ll likely see considerable cost savings on your energy bill due to the new models’ heightened energy efficiency. However, the new models are also considerably larger than the old ones, which could mean that you have to find a new location in the home to install your new appliance.

For tankless water heaters, the new regulations have little consequence, since most of these models already meet energy-efficiency requirements.

If you need a new water heater and you’re uncertain what model is best for you, call the team at McHales. We’ll work with you to determine whether you’d benefit more from a tankless or a tank water heater, as well as where to best install it in your home. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns, we’re always available to answer them.