What’s so special about July 1, 2003?  That’s the day the most dramatic change in the water heater industry goes into effect.  As of this day all water heater manufacturers must produce 30-40-50 gallon atmospheric natural and LP gas water heaters that conform to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance (FVIR) and Lint, Dust and Oil standards (LDO).

 The ANSI FVIR standards says, in part, that the design of water heaters shall be such that they shall not ignite flammable vapors outside the water heater caused by the improper storage or spilling of gasoline, cleaning solvents or paint thinners on the floor.  To pass the FVIR test, a gallon of gas is spilled near the water heater and the ignition of flammable vapors is confined inside the combustion chamber of the water heater.  FVIR water heaters must pass both a standing pilot test and main burner operation test without igniting the flammable vapors outside the water heater.

 In order to accomplish this all manufacturers agreed on an arrestor plate technology inside a sealed combustion chamber.  It was discovered early on that this type of technology was vulnerable to lint, dust and oil, this caused improper combustion and produced the deadly by-product carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous gas.  With the addition of LDO standards the new units must also be able to shut themselves off before dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are produced or have a design that allows continuous use without dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

The final design of each water heater is up to individual manufacturer.  The basic difference will come down to whether or not the units will need any homeowner maintenance.  Some of the new water heaters will have filters that must be cleaned periodically.

What does this mean to us?  In terms of cost water heater will cost more, the exact amount has not been determined, parts will be more diverse.  We will also be addressing increases in the height of water heaters and making adjustment accordingly to water connections, vent pipe heights and gas supply piping.

Existing stock of non-FVIR water heater can still be sold and installed after July 1, 2003 until stock is depleted.

The water heater industry is facing additional changes beyond this.  The time line highlights’ some of the upcoming changes.

Ø      July 1, 2003: FVIR standards for 30-40-50 gallon atmospheric natural and LP gas water heaters.

Ø      July 1, 2004: 40 and 50 gallon natural and LP gas Power Vents and all gas water heaters must meet a government energy efficiency increase of approximately 10% over current levels (that means more foam insulation and bigger water heater footprints).

Ø      July 1, 2005: All 75 gallon atmospheric natural and LP gas water heaters.

As further information becomes available I will post it on this site.

For more information on the hidden hazards in your home see the  GAMA website.