Last Friday the Biden administration released a new proposal focused on energy efficiency on home appliances, with water heaters being the target.
The regulatory proposal by the Department of Energy (DOE) specifically notes that they were looking to push for American homes to switch to electric heat pump water heaters which are less polluting to the environment and could save billions of U.S. dollars. If the proposal is enacted it would mean that cheaper water heaters that do not meet the new energy standards and levels of carbon emissions would be required to exit the market.
Jennifer Granholm, the Energy Secretary, put out a statement noting that the department had collaborated with stakeholders and industry partners to make sure that there is an improvement on the efficiency standards for all home appliances. This would also lead to big savings for American families and it could reduce carbon emissions.
She proceeded to point out that this push for appliances that can increase consumer savings is a key part of Bidenommics, and it marks the first time that the Administration has taken such actions to reduce the energy costs for Americans.
If successful the regulations will go into effect in 2029, and would result in Americans saving approximately $198 billion and would reduce emissions by 501 million metric tons within the next 30 years.
The DOE has reported that water heating makes up 13 percent of annual residential energy usage and cost. The Department has spent the last few months introducing new standards and regulations that target a number of home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and even gas stoves.
