DOE Proposes New Energy Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters

The U.S. Department of Energy has proposed new energy efficiency standards to save consumers $11.4 billion on energy and water bills every year. The proposed standards for residential water heaters align with recommendations from stakeholders, including water heater manufacturers and the Consumer Federation of America.

The proposal would require the most common-sized electric water heaters to achieve efficiency gains with heat pump technology and gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve efficiency gains through condensing technology. These standards, which would take effect in 2029 if finalized, are expected to save Americans approximately $198 billion and reduce 501 million metric tons of harmful carbon dioxide emissions cumulatively over 30 years — roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 63 million homes, or approximately 50% of homes in the United States.

In addition to lowering costs through improved energy standards, DOE recently launched the Energy Savings Hub — an online one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access the savings tools that President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has made available to drastically cut utility bills. To learn more, visit Energy.gov/Save.