Rinnai Welcomes US Senate Overturning DOE Rule on Tankless Water Heaters Following Industry Concerns

US Senate Overturning DOE Rule on Tankless Water Heaters

Georgia: Rinnai America Corporation has welcomed the bipartisan Senate approval of Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution SJ Res 4, which overturns a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rule that would have effectively banned non-condensing tankless water heaters. The proposed DOE rule aimed to raise efficiency standards for tankless gas-fired water heaters to over 91%, a level that Rinnai stated is technologically unachievable for non-condensing models, while leaving standards for tank models at 70%. Rinnai had invested more than USD 70 million in a manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia, which was at risk due to the regulation.

The rule's enforcement would have eliminated a product category that is up to 50% more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank models and potentially increased consumer costs by USD 665 per unit, with up to USD 1,000 in installation charges—totaling an estimated USD 235 million in added costs, disproportionately affecting low-income households and seniors. Rinnai emphasized that its non-condensing tankless water heaters offer a longer lifespan, compact size, and on-demand hot water, providing long-term savings and energy efficiency. The company expressed its continued commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation following the Senate’s decision.

Source: HBS Dealer