Monday, December 22, 2014

How Water Heater Efficiency Standards Are Changing in 2015


Now that we are in the thick of the cold seasons, our most prized household commodity is heat.

And it can be EXPENSIVE!

Whether increasing the room temperature of your units, hot water to bathe, or to wash dishes in the kitchen sink, heat is an essential asset for boston property managers.

When searching for boston area apartments for rent keep in mind that the state and federal government standards have been changing. The standards are expecting to save money for consumers and reduce our gas emissions.

Forecasting a 30-year period, consumers will save about $8.7 billion and carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by 154 million metric tons from the new standards.

What Are Efficiency Standards?

The efficiency standards were established by Congress after the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 to regulate a minimum level of energy consumption for residential and commercial products.

Household Appliances Included:
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Clothes Washers
  • Direct Heating Equipment
  • Dishwashers
  • Furnaces
  • Microwave Ovens
  • Pool Heaters
  • Ranges and Ovens
  • Room Air Conditioners
  • Boilers
  • Refrigerators and Freezers
  • Incandescent Reflector Lamps
The efficiency standard levels are updated every five years by the U.S. DOE (Department of Energy), and the last date for the updated levels was in 2010.

The DOE allows three years of lead time for manufacturers of the aforementioned products to comply with the updated standards. We are now approaching the fifth year in the newest update, as of April 16, 2015.

Save Money From New Efficiency Standards on Water Heaters

There are two types of appliances that are used for water heating, which are typical storage/heater units and instantaneous water heaters. They account for an average of 20% of total energy consumption in U.S. households.

Other important percentages that pertain to energy consumption averages include the required energy factor (EF) which varies depending on the type of water heater, and rated storage volume.
  • 53% of households use natural gas water heaters
  • 38% use electricity
  • 4% use oil
The DOE's initiative is for gas-fired and electric storage water heaters with a volume greater than 55 gallons, placing new standards effectively, and requiring heat pumps for electric storage products.

Also, they are looking for condensing technology for gas storage products. Learn more about thermostats, radiators and surviving the winter.

The goal of the standard is that it will save a projected 2.6 quads of energy over 30 years or about enough energy to meet the total energy needs of about 13 million typical U.S. households for one year. Forecasting a 30-year period, consumers will save about $8.7 billion and carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by 154 million metric tons.

Final Thoughts on Hot Water Heater Efficiency Standards

Landlords and property managers need to be aware of these regulations in order to save some money per the initiatives on energy consumption of these household appliances within their owned units and properties at large.So what does this means for you regarding condo maintenance and heating repair fees? Do you think that you can create new practices along with your tenants to reduce energy consumption through the next 6 months and beyond? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below

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