The efficiency requirements for domestic water heaters mandated by Congress have not changed in 13 years. According to the DOE, annual household energy use and utility costs account for approximately 13% of water heating.
The idea is that gas water heaters would have to use condensing technology to increase efficiency, while the most common sizes of electric water heaters would have to use heat pump technology.
If adopted, the standards would take effect in 2029 and, according to the DOE, would save nearly $200 billion while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 500 million metric tons over 30 years, roughly equal to the combined annual emissions of 63 million households, or about 50% of all U.S. households.
According to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, the proposal “builds on the unprecedented steps this administration has already taken to lower energy costs for working families.”
In a joint statement, water heater maker Rheem, environmental organization the Natural Resources Defense Council and efficiency and consumer advocacy groups welcomed the new criteria.
This year, the Democratically elected administration of President Joe Biden released proposed or final effectiveness criteria for 18 different product categories.
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