New DOE Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new energy efficiency actions intended to conserve energy and water while cutting carbon pollution. Among them are new final standards for commercial water heaters and proposed standards for residential boilers.

For commercial gas-fired storage, instantaneous, and hot water supply boilers, DOE is adopting a performance standard that will require condensing technology for new models starting in 2026.

DOE also released a proposal for consumer boilers. For gas-fired hot water boilers, DOE is proposing a standard that essentially would require modern condensing technology to provide efficiency gains. If adopted within DOE’s proposed timeframe, the new rules will come into effect in 2029. 

Full details regarding the DOE announcement can be found online at energy.gov.

New energy efficiency standards for commercial water heaters and possibly residential boilers may require condensing technology for new models.