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(NEXSTAR) — New rules from the Biden administration could limit the types of water heaters available to consumers in the coming years and could lead to higher prices for some consumers, the industry says. experts claim.
of new standardThe plan, announced the day after Christmas, aims to reduce costs and various emissions, resulting in “significant energy savings,” the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy said.
Here's what you need to know:
What are the new rules?
Essentially, the standard requires new tankless (also known as instantaneous) gas water heaters to use less energy than the least efficient models currently available, according to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. Newly manufactured or imported gas water heaters will be required to use technology to reduce heat waste, but the organization says more than 60% of new water heaters already have the technology installed. .
Others may move toward condensing technology. as soon as possible Projected. Condensate heaters are better equipped to meet standards set by the Department of Energy (Washington Free Beacon). explainthe market launch of non-condensing water heaters may be restricted.
A DOE spokesperson told Nexstar that data shows that nearly 70% of tankless gas water heaters currently shipping already include condensing technology.
You must comply with the new standards by December 26, 2029.
Condensing type gas water heater and non-condensing type gas water heater
Tankless gas water heaters heat water either condensing or non-condensing. The former usually has two heat exchangers, the latter one (manufactured by Navien) explain. Condensing water heaters are generally more energy efficient because they use the heat of the exhaust gases they produce (non-condensing models also produce exhaust gases) to heat the incoming cold water.
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Condensing models are often more expensive, larger and heavier than non-condensing models, and require annual maintenance, Navien said.
Does this mean I need a new water heater?
No, this is not a ban on water heaters or a limit on water heater usage, the DOE tells Nexstar. Instead, the agency plans to make newly produced tankless gas water heaters more efficient, which will be available for sale in 2029.
You can save money and reduce your impact on the environment too.
The DOE estimates that switching from a less efficient tankless water heater to a new gas tankless model could save consumers $112 over the life of the product. The agency also estimates that 0.58 quintillion thermal units of energy could be saved. Approximately 1.9% “Comparison of the energy use of these products if the standards were not revised.”
There may be environmental benefits In the same way. Overall, emissions could be reduced, the DOE reported. In particular, DOE estimates that carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by 32 million tons over the 30 years after the final rule goes into effect. Emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane and nitrous oxide may also be reduced. However, “a small increase in electricity usage” can lead to an increase in mercury emissions equivalent to approximately 0.0004 tonnes.
What do the experts say?
Some industry experts are praising the new standard.
“This is a common-sense measure that reduces total household costs while reducing global warming emissions,” said Andrew DeLasky, executive director of the Home Appliance Standards Awareness Project. stated in a statement last month. “These long-awaited standards will enable more households to save money with the proven energy-efficient technology already used in the majority of tankless units.”
A DOE spokesperson told Nexstar that water heater manufacturers AO Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem all support the standard, as do major trade associations representing those manufacturers.
american gas association did not agree The main reason for following DOE regulations is that it can lead to a shortage of non-condensing tankless gas water heaters, which are more affordable.
In a statement, the AGA's chief energy adviser, Matthew Agen, criticized the Department of Energy's estimated consumer savings shortfall and said the rule was “unjustified on legal and practical grounds.”
Frank Windsor, president of water heater manufacturer Rinnai America, told the Free Beacon that tank-type water heaters should be targeted, rather than high-efficiency tankless models.
Every six years, the DOE is expected to review standards for equipment such as water heaters, HVAC systems, and plumbing products. Energy policy and energy conservation law. Although we missed the original April 2016 deadline for this particular rule, we have entered into a consent decree requiring us to issue a final rule in December 2024.
