Energy Star Program Now Includes Water Heaters; Could Reduce Bills by 55 Percent

On December 31, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of ENERGY STAR® rated home water heaters, which are expected to save American households a cumulative $823 million over five years. Water heating represents about 15 percent of residential energy consumption – behind only heating and cooling and kitchen appliances. According to the DOE, the approved heaters will reduce residential water heating bills between 7.5 and 55 percent, depending on the specific technology. Currently, there are five ENERGY STAR® eligible water heating systems: high-efficiency gas storage, gas condensing, whole-home gas tankless, electric heat transfer, and solar power. “Expansion of the ENERGY STAR® program to include water heaters will give Americans yet another way to use energy more efficiently in their homes and help the country increase energy security and address climate change,” said DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Rodgers. With the approval of the new water heaters, there is now an ENERGY STAR® rating for every major residential appliance found in most American homes.

The ENERGY STAR® technology labeling and recognition program was formed in 1992 by the DOE and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a voluntary, market-based approach to reduce US air pollution through the use of energy efficient appliances, lighting, electronics, and other products. Since then, the program has been adopted in Europe, Asia, and Australia to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.

For more information on ENERGY STAR® rated home water heaters, please click here.

For more information on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, please click here.