7.8102.1 Water Heater Selection

Equipment will provide sufficient, affordable, safe, and healthy hot water for the occupant in accordance with 2012 IRC IRC International Residential Code P2801

Potential for solar hot water heating or other renewable energy systems will be assessed in selecting the hot water equipment

Potential for health and safety hazards (e.g., backdrafting, flame rollout, obstructions) will be assessed in selecting equipment and the cost of remedying such problems will be included in any cost and benefit calculations

If a combustion based system is selected, it will be either direct vented or power vented, and ENERGY STAR® qualified or an Energy Factor Energy factor Measure of overall efficiency for a variety of appliances. For water heaters, the energy factor is based on three factors: 1) the recovery efficiency, or how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water; 2) stand-by losses, or the percentage of heat lost per hour from the stored water compared to the content of the water: and 3) cycling losses. For dishwashers, the energy factor is defined as the number of cycles per kWh of input power. For clothes washers, the energy factor is defined as the cubic foot capacity per kWh of input power per cycle. For clothes dryers, the energy factor is defined as the number of pounds of clothes dried per kWh of power consumed. (EF) of 0.58 or higher

If combustion equipment is selected, a low nitrogen oxide burner will be included

Equipment will be functional at high efficiency under all load conditions

Standby losses will be reduced to maximum potential

Fuel type will be selected based on affordability to occupant

Equipment will be freeze resistant or installed in a conditioned space

Efficiency of equipment will be maintained throughout life of system

Occupant control of hot water temperature will be provided on the equipment

The following will be determined from the occupant:

• Lifestyle
• Current and future needs
• Space considerations
• Fuel options
• Health and safety considerations
• Appliance options
• Maintenance and operation costs
• Return on investment concerns

Equipment will provide sufficient, affordable, safe, and healthy hot water for the occupant in accordance with 2012 IRC IRC International Residential Code P2801

Potential for solar hot water heating or other renewable energy systems will be assessed in selecting the hot water equipment

Potential for health and safety hazards (e.g., back drafting, flame rollout, obstructions) will be assessed in selecting equipment, and the cost of remedying such problems will be included in any cost and benefit calculations

If a combustion-based system is selected, it will be either direct vented or power vented, and ENERGY STAR® qualified or an Energy Factor Energy factor Measure of overall efficiency for a variety of appliances. For water heaters, the energy factor is based on three factors: 1) the recovery efficiency, or how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water; 2) stand-by losses, or the percentage of heat lost per hour from the stored water compared to the content of the water: and 3) cycling losses. For dishwashers, the energy factor is defined as the number of cycles per kWh of input power. For clothes washers, the energy factor is defined as the cubic foot capacity per kWh of input power per cycle. For clothes dryers, the energy factor is defined as the number of pounds of clothes dried per kWh of power consumed. (EF) of 0.58 or higher

If combustion equipment is selected, a low nitrogen oxide burner will be included

Equipment will be functional at high efficiency under all load conditions

Standby losses will be reduced to maximum potential

Fuel type will be selected based on affordability to occupant

Equipment will be freeze resistant or installed in a conditioned space

Efficiency of equipment will be maintained throughout life of system

Occupant control of hot water temperature will be provided on the equipment

The following will be determined from the occupant:

• Lifestyle
• Current and future needs
• Space considerations
• Fuel options
• Health and safety considerations
• Appliance options
• Maintenance and operation cost
• Return on investment concerns