Energy Department finalizes efficiency standards for tankless water heaters

Starting in 2029, new gas tankless (also known as instantaneous) water heaters sold in America will use about 13% less energy than today’s least efficient models, thanks to energy efficiency standards finalized yesterday by the Department of Energy. More than 60% of new units sold today already meet the new standards, and all major water heater manufacturers sell such models.

“Setting common-sense standards benefits all American families by making sure we’re using energy wisely,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “At a time when electricity demand in America rising, these standards embody the phrase, ‘Waste not, want not’.”

Since most of the electricity that powers out grid still comes from burning fossil fuels, using energy wisely and burning fewer fossil fuels as a result reduces pollution. Water heating is the second-biggest energy use in most homes, so over thirty years, the pollution reductions from the rule are significant . The standards are expected to reduce 32 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from units sold over 30 years and reduce the air pollutants, SOx and NOx, which cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

These standards will also reduce total household energy costs by an average of $112 over the life of the product when compared to purchasing and using less-efficient tankless models, according to the agency.