New energy efficiency rules for water heaters get another delay

The US Department of Energy has again pushed back the start date for new energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. This means manufacturers have more time before they must produce more efficient models.

The US government has been trying to update energy efficiency standards for water heaters for years. Each delay gives manufacturers more time to sell less efficient models. This also means consumers will keep buying less efficient water heaters for longer, which increases energy use and utility bills.