Goodbye, Small Water Heaters

Effective April 16th new Department of Energy efficiency standards prohibit the

manufacture of water heaters that don't meet efficiency guidelines.  New water heaters are coming out taller and wider for the same number of gallons. Heaters over 55 gallons may require new electrical and plumbing.

If you have a water heater in a tight space, you will almost certainly need to expand that space when the water heater goes, or else reduce your tank capacity. New heaters may also require two people to install, making installation more expensive. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Some landlords are buying old heaters now to hoard them. By the time you read this, there may no longer be any old inventory at your local store. 

You may be thinking, "I'll cross that bridge when I get there." That's fine. Interested readers can read more from Bradford White