Since the new standards announced by the Department of Energy apply to new, residential water heaters, you likely won't be affected until you buy your next new water heater. Click here for full details on DOE's new energy conservation standards.
While you don't necessarily have to discard your old water heater immediately, if your water heater isn't meeting your needs or is 8 to 10 years old or older, it may be time to consider purchasing a new, more efficient tank or tankless water heater. To find out more about installing a new water heater, click here.