DOE Finalizes Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters to Save Americans Over $7 Billion On Household Utility Bills Annually – CleanTechnica

DOE Finalizes Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters to Save Americans Over $7 Billion on Household Utility Bills Annually

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized energy-efficiency standards for residential water heaters, as mandated by Congress. These standards are expected to save American households approximately $7.6 billion per year on their energy and water bills, while also reducing energy waste and carbon pollution. The final standards align with recommendations from various stakeholders and will require the use of heat pump technology in electric water heaters to improve efficiency. Over 30 years, these updated standards are projected to save Americans $124 billion on their energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 332 million metric tons.

Background

• The DOE has finalized energy-efficiency standards for residential water heaters.
• The standards are expected to save American households approximately $7.6 billion per year on their energy and water bills.
• The final standards align with recommendations from various stakeholders.
• Heat pump technology will be required in electric water heaters to improve efficiency.
• Over 30 years, these updated standards are projected to save Americans $124 billion on their energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 332 million metric tons.

Key Details

• The final standards for residential water heaters have strong industry and stakeholder support.
• The standards will accelerate the deployment of heat pump water heaters.
• These standards represent the largest energy savings action by the Appliance Standards Program in history.

Impact

• The updated standards are expected to save Americans $124 billion on their energy bills over 30 years.
• They will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 332 million metric tons, equivalent to the annual emissions of nearly 43 million homes.

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm

“Almost every U.S. household has a water heater, and for too long outdated energy efficiency standards have led to higher utility bills for families.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 Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to put American consumers first with new, effective rules—supported by industry—that save both energy and money.”

Compliance and Savings

• The new standards will be required starting in 2029.
• Over 50% of newly manufactured electric storage water heaters will utilize heat pump technology, compared to 3% currently.
• Replacing traditional electric resistance storage water heaters with heat pump water heaters meeting the new standards would save consumers approximately $1,800 on their utility bills, on average, over the life of the appliance.

Energy Savings and Environmental Impact

• Water heating accounts for roughly 13% of annual residential energy use and consumer utility costs.
• The new standards will provide a savings of 10% of this usage relative to products currently on the market.
• The energy savings from these standards over 30 years is 17.6 quadrillion British thermal units—the largest savings ever from a single DOE efficiency standard.

Strengthening Congressionally-Mandated Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances

The DOE is carrying out Congressional mandates for energy savings across household appliances and commercial and industrial equipment. These actions are part of a suite of energy efficiency standards advanced by the Biden-Harris Administration that are projected to provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons or more.

Lowering Energy Costs for American Families and Businesses

The Inflation Reduction Act expands the accessibility and affordability of heat pump water heaters through tax credits, rebates, and other incentives. This makes it easier for families to switch to a more efficient model and benefit from utility bill savings.

Cost-Saving Resources

Consumers can utilize DOE’s Energy Savings Hub, an online resource that outlines clean energy tax credits and forthcoming rebates. This helps people take control of their energy costs and have cleaner and more efficient options as consumers.

About DOE’s Building Technologies Office

The Building Technologies Office implements minimum energy conservation standards for various appliances and equipment. It plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in buildings.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Energy savings in quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs) over 30 years of shipments.
• Total savings on energy bills for American households.
• Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (332 million metric tons).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The indicators mentioned in the article have been included in the table.

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Fuente: cleantechnica.com

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