DOE’s Proposed Efficiency Standards for Tankless Water Heaters Fall Short of Environmental Goals, Impact Consumers

PEACHTREE, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rinnai America Corporation, the number one selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America, calls on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to revise its proposed efficiency standards for tankless water heaters. In its current form, the draft rule will unreasonably restrict consumer access to certain tankless water heater products, disproportionately impacting middle-income households and small businesses.

The draft rule would raise standards for tankless gas-fired water heaters to over 91 percent efficiency, while leaving the standards for tank gas-fired water heaters relatively untouched at 70 percent efficiency. While tankless water heaters are the more environmentally friendly option, achieving 91 percent efficiency with non-condensing technology is technologically impossible.

“As currently drafted, DOE’s proposed rule will create an uneven market that effectively bans an already energy efficient product and puts American jobs at risk,” said Frank Windsor, president of Rinnai America Corporation. “Consumers who rely on access to tankless water heaters will see their options limited, resulting in higher energy bills and shorter appliance lifespans, while the very environmental goals prompting this rule will go unfulfilled. We urge DOE to re-consider this untenable rule for standards that better protect American consumers and drive our energy efficiency goals forward.”

Members of the public who wish to submit a comment on the draft rule to DOE or their representative in Congress rule may do so HERE.

Rinnai America Corporation employs over 600 people across the United States at its headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. In the last five years, Rinnai has invested more than $100 million as part of its commitment to developing a strong domestic manufacturing base to serve the North American market.

For more information on Rinnai and its portfolio of products, visit www.rinnai.us.

Rinnai America Corporation is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. Rinnai America specializes in the manufacture of tankless water heaters, home heating appliances, and commercial-grade appliances. Rinnai opened its first U.S. headquarters in 1974 and has been at the forefront of tankless water heater technology for over 50 years. Rinnai remains the leading provider of tankless water heaters in the U.S. and is proud to be the only tankless water heater company to manufacture units entirely in North America.

Contacts

Rebecca Brown
Rebecca.Brown@bracewell.com
202-828-1720