Recently, the DOE proposed a new ruling to raise standards for tankless gas-fired water heaters to 91 percent efficiency. Guest Frank Windsor, president of Rinnai North America, says to put it in perspective, Rinnai's non-condensing tankless water heater resides at about 82% efficiency. If passed, the new rule will unreasonably restrict consumer access, limit consumer choice to purchase tankless water heater products, and disproportionately impact middle-income households and small businesses.
The DOE is proposing new energy efficiency standards for water heaters which would potentially save consumers $11.4 billion on their energy and water bills every year. 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 would take effect in 2029.
Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team!
Send John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective