What is NAECA?
As part of the National Appliance and Energy Conservation Act (NAECA), new energy codes from the Department of Energy mandate that residential water heaters manufactured as of April 16, 2015 improve R-values of the insulation around the tanks. This mandate will result in new water heaters being taller and wider than older models. McCoy’s 30-, 40-, and 50-gallon model water heaters are affected by these changes.
How Will These Changes Affect You?
With diameters and heights of many water heaters increasing up to 15%, installation issues may occur when replacing an older model. If your water heater is in a confined space or in a closet, the new model of the same gallon capacity may not fit within that same space.
BE SURE TO MEASURE YOUR SPACE AND DOOR OPENING BEFORE BUYING A NEW WATER HEATER.
Water Heaters Under 55 Gallons
- The height of a new unit with the same gallon capacity as an existing unit may be two or more inches taller
- The diameter of a new unit that has the same gallon capacity as an existing unit may be two or more inches
wider - For units under 55 gallons, add a minimum of three or more inches when planning the space
Replacement Options
- For installations where space is not an issue, units of similar gallon capacity but larger in physical size can
be installed. - For installations where space is an issue, a similar unit with smaller gallon capacity may be installed or a
unit with different technology may be a good option.