2015 NAECA Water Heater Energy Efficiency Standards Changes

Learn about the 2015 NAECA regulations for water heaters.

Choosing a new water heater can make a big impact on your budget, especially when heating water accounts for the second largest utility expense for the average American family according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, or NAECA, updated requirements and standards for water heaters that went into effect on April 16, 2015 with the goal of increasing energy efficiency across the country. Here’s what you need to know about the new water heater regulations:

Energy factor rating

The 2015 NAECA regulations increased the minimum water heater energy factor, or EF, rating. The EF rating comes from a water heater’s ability to maximize the amount of hot water produced per unit of energy consumed during an average day. If a water heater can produce and store more hot water while using less energy, then it will have a higher EF rating. If a water heater does not meet the new EF rating minimum requirements, then it cannot be sold and installed.

Water heaters over 55 gallons

Water heaters with a gallon capacity of 55 or higher have the most new mandates for requirements under the NAECA. These updated standards can be met by upgrading to technology that will provide a higher water heater EF rating. The type of technology will depend on whether the water heater is gas or electric.

Electric water heaters above 55 gallons will change to hybrid electric heat pump models.
Gas water heaters above 55 gallons must be a high-efficiency condensing tank water heater.
Both electric and gas water heaters require more space for airflow and temperature.

Water heaters under 55 gallons

Water heaters that can hold less than 55 gallons do not have as many new standards under the NAECA as their larger counterparts, but they will need more space than in previous years. This is because water heaters under 55 gallons must now be two inches taller in height and two inches wider in diameter than before, which improves the EF rating of the water heater. When determining the space to store a 55 gallon or smaller water heater, be sure to take the new size requirements into consideration.

As the largest wholesale plumbing supplier in North America, you can be assured that Ferguson has the water heater you need to meet the new NAECA standards from top brands you trust.