The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized energy-efficiency standards for residential water heaters, aimed at saving American households approximately $7.6 billion annually on energy and water bills. These standards have received strong industry and stakeholder support and are set to have a significant impact on energy waste reduction and carbon pollution.
According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, the new standards will benefit American consumers by saving energy and money. She stated, "Almost every U.S. household has a water heater, and for too long outdated energy efficiency standards have led to higher utility bills for families."
The updated standards will require electric water heaters to achieve efficiency gains through heat pump technology. This move is expected to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology and reduce strain on the electric grid. Over 30 years, these standards are projected to save Americans $124 billion on their energy bills and reduce 332 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The amended standards for water heaters will result in significant savings for consumers, particularly low-income households. By replacing traditional electric water heaters with heat pump technology, consumers could save an average of $1,800 on their utility bills over the appliance's lifespan.
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of residential energy use and utility costs. The new standards will provide a 10% reduction in energy usage compared to current products on the market. This represents the largest energy savings action by the Appliance Standards Program in history, with energy savings equivalent to the entire U.S. residential building sector's energy use in a single year.
The DOE emphasizes the importance of industry capacity to support the heat pump water heating market as per the amended standards. The standards also include moderate efficiency increases for gas-fired, oil-fired, and larger electric storage water heaters.
The DOE's efforts align with the Biden-Harris Administration's focus on energy efficiency and consumer savings. The administration projects nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years through various energy efficiency standards, with significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden aims to lower energy costs for American families and businesses. Tax credits, rebates, and incentives are being introduced to make heat pump water heaters more accessible and affordable for consumers.
For more information on cost-saving resources and clean energy incentives, consumers can visit the DOE's Energy Savings Hub. This online resource provides information on tax credits, rebates, and other benefits that can help individuals and families save on energy costs and make environmentally friendly choices.
The DOE's Building Technologies Office continues to implement energy conservation standards for various appliances and equipment to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
