Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): The newest measure of water heater overall efficiency. The higher the UEF value is, the more efficient the water heater. What is a uniform energy factor? Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating A water heater’s UEF rating is a measure of its energy efficiency, with higher numbers denoting more efficient units.
What is the uniform energy factor for water heaters?
The Uniform Energy Factor for residential and certain commercial water heaters refers to its efficiency when run under standardized conditions for a 24-hour period. Expressed as a decimal, the Uniform Energy Factor is determined by running a Department of Energy specified simulated use test (SUT).
What is the uniform energy factor (UEF)?
Expressed as a decimal, the Uniform Energy Factor is determined by running a Department of Energy specified simulated use test (SUT). Depending on a product’s First Hour Rating (FHR), the SUT is run using one of four different draw patterns.
Is the uniform energy factor chart subject to change?
The Uniform Energy Factor Chart is subject to change without notice in accordance with our policy of continuous improvement. * Denotes length of Warranty. ** Calculated using the updated National Average Fuel Cost.
How are UEF ratings determined?
UEF ratings are determined by assigning water heaters into one of four different categories of hot water usage and then evaluating their performance based on that usage. These categories are called bins. A water heater is assigned a UEF within its bin based upon its first hour rating.
How do you find the uniform energy factor?
To find your water heater's UEF rating, go to the My Water Heater Information page and enter your model or serial number. If you need help finding them, there are instructions there as well. Once you enter your water heater's model number, you'll find the manuals and documentation for your heater.
What is a good efficiency rating for a water heater?
In general, ENERGY STAR certified conventional gas and electric water heaters have UEF ratings between 0.65 and 0.95 — or 65 to 95 cents on the dollar — while hybrid electric heat pump water heaters have much higher UEF ratings of 2.75 to 3.5.
Is a higher uniform energy factor better?
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): The newest measure of water heater overall efficiency. The higher the UEF value is, the more efficient the water heater. UEF is determined by the Department of Energy's test method outlined in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix E.
What is the difference between EF and UEF?
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the DOE's newly developed metric for communicating the energy efficiency of water heaters. Previously, you may have seen efficiency measured by Energy Factor (EF). UEF replaces this metric.
Is a high efficiency water heater worth it?
High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills. Actual energy savings from high efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.
What should I look for when buying a water heater?
5 Things you Need to Know Before Buying a Water HeaterFuel Source. The most common residential water heaters run with gas or electricity as their fuel source. ... Energy Efficiency. No matter which fuel source you choose, a water heater can be the third largest energy consumer in your home. ... Storage Capacity. ... Space Required.
What is uniform energy factor?
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is a new metric for determining the energy efficiency of a water heater. UEF's are determined by the estimated usage of a water heater: When selecting the most efficient unit for you, consider the fuel type and the capacity needs for your home.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the WorldA.O. Smith. ... Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ... Kenmore. ... Bradford White. ... American Standard. ... American Water Heaters. ... Bosch. ... EcoSmart.More items...
How big of a hybrid water heater do I need?
Size Up Your Current Water Heater to a Hybrid If you have a 30 gallon water heater, size up to a 50 gallon hybrid water heater. If you have a 40 gallon water heater, size up to a 65 gallon hybrid water heater. If you have a 50 gallon water heater, size up to a 85 gallon hybrid water heater.
Are large water heaters more efficient?
All other things being equal, the smaller the water heater tank, the higher the efficiency rating. Compared to small tanks, large tanks have a greater surface area, which increases heat loss from the tank and decreases the energy efficiency somewhat, as mentioned above.
How do I know if my water heater is FVIR?
A sensor inside the water heater will detect if it has ignited a flammable vapor from outside of the water heater and shut off the flow of gas to the burner and pilot light. How can I tell if my water heater is FVIR? Each manufacturer will have its own particular label for indicating if the model is FVIR.
How do I find the EF on my water heater?
To calculate a water heater's energy factor, you take the amount of energy the water heater puts to use and divide it by the total amount of energy that goes into powering the unit. The higher the energy factor of a water heater, the more efficient it is.
What is EF rating on water heater?
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. This includes the following: Recovery efficiency – how efficiently the heat from the energy source is transferred to the water.
What is the most reliable water heater brand?
Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the WorldA.O. Smith. ... Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ... Kenmore. ... Bradford White. ... American Standard. ... American Water Heaters. ... Bosch. ... EcoSmart.More items...
What is SEER rating on water heater?
SEER is short for 'seasonal energy efficiency ratio,' and is similarly useful for comparing central as well as ductless air conditioners, and the cooling side of heat pumps. For water heater efficiencies, the operable letters are UEF.
What size water heater do I need for a family of 5?
Water Heater Sizes For example, a family of 3 to 4 people should purchase a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank.
Are All Water Heaters Going Through This Change?
All residential water heaters sold in the U.S. must comply with this new approach. Commercial water heaters are subject to different rules and regu...
How Will This Affect The Water Heater’S Performance?
Our water heaters will remain as efficient and reliable as ever. Our water heater’s delivery capacity has not changed. The DOE’s new test procedure...
Will Water Heater Sizes Or Dimensions Change?
No. Our water heaters will still be available in the same sizes. The only thing that is changing is the way manufacturers communicate water heater...
What Is Uniform Energy Factor?
Uniform Energy Factor, better known as UEF, is a metric developed by the Department of Energy, the United States of India.
How Is UEF Rating Calculated?
As you have seen, UEF rating is an essential thing in water heaters, regardless of the type of energy they use. Tankless, tank-type, and hybrid water heaters would also have this rating as long as they are made for residential use.
What happens if a water heater has a high UEF rating?
If the water heater model has a high UEF rating, the estimated energy cost savings will also be increased. There could be some impact on the heating performance of the water heater model as well.
What is the EF rating for a water heater?
In EF rating, the manufacturer could have hidden the actual capacity of the water heater tank using the gallon grouping technique. For instance, if a water heater had an actual capacity of 37 gallons, a manufacturer could have rounded off the figure to 40 gallons. With UEF, the DOE has made it tough to do. Even though a manufacturer can advertise using the rounded-off figure, it has to disclose the actual storage capacity on the specifications page. More importantly, because the rating is based on a more accurate figure, your estimates would also be closer to real life.
When did the UEF rating change?
The change occurred in June 2017. So, if you have purchased a residential water heater after the date, it should have a UEF rating instead of an EF rating. It needs to be noted that commercial water heaters do not come under the purview of UEF ratings.
Why are EF ratings unreliable?
We must note that EF test methods did not pay much attention to the draw patterns of different models. It was one of the reasons why the EF ratings were quite unreliable at times.
Is a UEF rating universal?
However, a UEF rating is not universal.
How to determine first hour rating?
The First Hour Rating (FHR) in gallons, is determined by running a Department of Energy specified test with the outlet temperature of 125°F (+/- 5°F). A draw of three gallons per minute starts and then discontinues once the hot water outlet temperature drops 15°F. The water heater is then allowed to recover and the process continues repeatedly until one hour elapses. The sum of the amount of hot water drawn during the test is the First Hour Rating.
Is the energy factor chart subject to change?
The Uniform Energy Factor Chart is subject to change without notice in accordance with our policy of continuous improvement.
What Energy Efficiency Rating Factors Have Changed?
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.
What is FHR rating?
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.
When did the EF rating change?
Beginning, June 12, 2017, EF ratings will be replaced with the new industry standard for measuring energy efficiency in water heaters called, Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). The new UEF rating method improves the industry’s ability to:
What does higher UEF mean?
A higher UEF means a water heater is more energy efficient and will cost less to operate compared to other water heaters in the same bin. A water heater’s UEF can only be compared with water heaters within the same bin. For example a high bin water heater with a UEF of 0.95 does not perform exactly the same as that of a low bin water heater ...
WHAT DOES UEF MEAN TO YOU?
The Department of Energy implements energy conservation standards and test procedures for many appliances and equipment that we use every day, like water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, clothes dryers, lighting, and more. Recently, the DOE has changed the test procedures and metric used to communicate the energy efficiency of residential water heaters. The new regulation aims to make it easier to make “apples to apples” comparisons between two water heaters (within the same bin). While we haven’t made changes to our water heaters, starting June 2017, the new test and metric has changed the way we report and talk about energy efficiency, capacity and first hour rating.
What is the UEF in water heaters?
The Uniform Energy Factor ( UEF) is the DOE’s newly developed metric for communicating the energy efficiency of water heaters. Previously, you may have seen efficiency measured by Energy Factor (EF). UEF replaces this metric.
How is a UEF rating determined?
UEF ratings are determined by assigning water heaters into one of four categories of hot water based on their usage and then evaluating their performance based on that usage. Each category has a specific hot water draw pattern and a water heater is assigned a category based the hot water delivery capacity. A greater UEF rating will indicate that the water heater in that category is more efficient. The DOE also has updated the minimum efficiency for all residential tankless water heaters to .81.
What is the difference between EF and UEF?
The main difference is that the new test procedure for UEF is intended to better represent how people use hot water today.
What is solar energy factor?
Solar Energy Factor (SEF): The energy delivered by the total system divided by the electrical or gas energy put into the system.
What is the energy factor of a water heater?
Energy Factor (EF): An older measure of water heater overall efficiency that is being phased out due to new test methods for water heaters. The higher the EF value is, the more efficient the water heater. EF is determined by the Department of Energy’s test method outlined in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 edition revised as of January 1, 2014.
What is a UEF rating?
A water heater’s UEF rating is a measure of its energy efficiency, with higher numbers denoting more efficient units. The UEF calculation is based off of how much energy the water heater uses and how much energy is used to power the water heater itself.
What is the UEF rating of a water heater?
In general, ENERGY STAR certified conventional gas and electric water heaters have UEF ratings between 0.65 and 0.95 — or 65 to 95 cents on the dollar — while hybrid electric heat pump water heaters have much higher UEF ratings of 2.75 to 3.5.
