Efficiency Rule for Tankless Water Heaters Spurs Industry Divide

The gas appliance sector is split on whether a rule updating energy efficiency standards for gas-fired tankless water heaters will burden or benefit American consumers and businesses.

Energy efficiency advocates applauded the Department of Energy’s final rule issued Dec. 16 for creating significant energy and financial savings, but some stakeholders involved in gas appliance development claim the rule burdens consumers with higher costs by eliminating an affordable option.

The rule was due to be released under a consent decree filed in late September. Consumer and environmental advocates had sued the DOE over its failure to update various energy efficiency appliance ...