Newsletter Piece for Contractors (244 words) Water heater installations have gotten less routine. Since new minimum standards for energy efficiency went into effect in April 2015, water heater manufacturers have updated their product lines with more efficient models. Your go-to unit may no longer be made. It’s up to contractors on the front lines to explain these changes and recommend the right model for every customer.

Plumbers and contractors have seen a number of impacts on model selection and installation. Thicker insulation means slightly larger, heavier units that are less maneuverable and might not fit into existing tight spaces. Many residential storage water heaters larger than 55 gallons now use heat pump or condensing technology and require new installation steps, such as condensate lines, electrical connections, or sidewall venting. However, installers with trained employees can look to new opportunities to sell premium equipment and higher margin installations. Fewer DIY installations —and more calls to professionals—also benefit contractors.

The April 16 transition date applies only to manufacturers. Distributors and contractors can sell all existing stock. New ENERGY STAR® qualifications took effect at the same time as the new standard levels. ENERGY STAR will continue to recognize models with superior energy savings and reliability, including top performing models in the electric storage, gas storage and tankless, and solar product categories. By raising the bar, new models waste less energy and lower monthly utility bills. That’s a great idea for contractors to sell. Contractor tools and resources are available online at www.eswaterheaters.org.

Newsletter Piece for Consumers (241 words) Customers looking for a new water heater in the coming months will notice the choices have changed. Since April 2015, water heater manufacturers have started making more efficient units as they phase out old models that don’t meet new federal energy standards. For customers, this will mean less wasted energy and lower monthly utility bills, and new considerations when shopping for a water heater.

Most water heaters have seen only minor changes, and most tankless-style units are not affected. Storage-style water heaters that hold 55 gallons or less now use thicker insulation that makes each water heater a few inches taller and wider, making it harder to fit into tight utility spaces. Customers relying on water heaters with larger tanks will see the most change. Large gas and electric storage models now use new heating technologies that might need more space or a nearby drain or electrical outlet, and many will be taller than existing units.

ENERGY STAR® has also updated its criteria. The ENERGY STAR label recognizes water heaters with superior energy savings and reliability in gas, electric, and solar categories. A plumber can help find the right water heater for your needs across a range of sizes and styles, but don’t wait until your water heater fails. A typical unit lasts 10–15 years, and small leaks or unusual rusty water are good indicators to call a plumber. Visit www.eswaterheaters.org for more information about the new water heaters rules.