understanding energy efficiency in water heaters

You may notice new numbers associated with the water heaters you’re considering. The water heaters themselves haven’t changed, but the way we calculate the ratings and other facts and figures associated with them is different.

In fact, UEF provides a more consistent and accurate way to measure energy efficiency performance in water heaters across all national brands.

The new UEF standard affects more than just the efficiency number itself. Adjustments in new DOE testing procedures now impact water heating performance stats associated with the amount of hot water produced in a real-world situation to the length of typical showers.

Examples of Performance Factors Impacted by UEF include:

• First Hour Rating / First Hour Delivery (FHR/FHD)

  FHR, sometimes referred to as First-Hour Delivery (FHD), is the amount of hot water a water heater can provide in the first hour of operation. Updated testing procedures result in a more accurate representation of performance.

• Capacity

  Previously, capacity was expressed as a single number that didn’t fully represent the actual storage capacity of the water heater. With the UEF regulations, the DOE now requires manufacturers need to inform buyers of both of water heaters’ nominal capacity by gallon grouping (40, 50, 60 gallon, etc.) as well as the actual storage capacity (35, 37, 42, 58 gallon).

• Estimated Energy Cost Savings

  The updated testing procedures enable a more accurate approximation of what it will cost to run a particular water heater.

With the new UEF standards, Energy Guide labels will now include updated performance information to help consumers and contractors to choose the water heater that best accommodates their needs.

Old

Example of Tankless Gas Energy Guides

New

Example of Tankless Gas Energy Guides

• Estimated Yearly Energy Cost
• Gallons Per Minute Rating
• Usage Bin
• Estimated annual energy use

Old

Example of Tank Gas Energy Guides

New

Example of Tank Gas Energy Guides

• Estimated Yearly Energy Cost
• Usage Bin
• Estimated annual energy use
• First Hour Delivery (FHD)