Works Plumbing installs Bradford White Water Heaters. Quality and dependability of your water heater is a priority. That is why we choose Bradford White. On April 16, 2015, there was significant changes to water heater energy factor (EF) requirements as the result of updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). These new requirements call for higher energy factor (EF) ratings on virtually all residential gas, electric, and oil water heaters, completely altering the water heater landscape. NAECA also affects some light-duty commercial water heaters. The NAECA rulings are important to customers because they reduce energy usage and save money all year long. According to the U.S. Department of Energy website, standards mandatory in 2015 will save approximately 3.3 quads of energy and result in approximately $63 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2015-2044. Bradford White is NAECA ready, and we’re committed to helping you get ready too!

HOW THE ENERGY FACTOR (EF) IS CALCULATED

The energy factor (EF) indicates a water heater’s overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The higher the EF, the more energy efficient the water heater. The EF is measured in three ways: 1. Recovery efficiency – how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water. 2. Standby losses – the percentage of heat loss per hour from the stored water compared to the heat content of the water (water heaters with storage tanks). 3. Cycling losses – the loss of heat as the water circulates through a water heater tank, and/or inlet and outlet pipes.

NAECA AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER PRODUCTS

Electric water heaters will require more insulation. This will increase the diameter and/or height of the water heater. Additional insulation may be required for piping and fittings such as drain and T&P valves. Electric water heaters over 55 gallons (≤12 kW input) will likely utilize integrated heat pumps to meet the new EF requirements, based on currently available technology.

NAECA EF Requirements for Residential Water Heaters
	20-55 Gallons				Greater than 55 Gallons
Calculation	EF = 0.960 – (0.0003 x V)				EF = 2.057 – (0.00113 x V)
Rated Storage Volume	20	30	40	50	65	80	120
Current Standard	0.94	0.93	0.92	0.90	0.88	0.86	0.81
2015 Standard	0.95	0.95	0.95	0.95	1.98	1.97	1.92