Gas Water Heater Efficiency Rules Delayed Until March 21 Too
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is pushing back the start date for new energy-saving rules on gas-fired instant water heaters to March 21, 2025. This delay gives everyone more time to review and comment on the changes. If you make or sell these heaters, expect new standards soon that could save energy and money, but the wait is on for final details.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher Efficiency Minimums for Some Units
The December 26, 2024 final rule increases the minimum efficiency level for certain gas-fired instantaneous water heaters that have effective storage volumes less than 2 gallons and input ratings greater than 50,000 Btu/h. If you make or sell those specific models, the standard they must meet has been raised.
Effective Date Delayed to March 21, 2025
DOE delayed the rule amending energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters so the rule’s effective date is now March 21, 2025. The agency says the delay is to allow further review and to accept comments through March 13, 2025.
Compliance Deadline Remains December 26, 2029
Although the effective date was delayed to March 21, 2025, the compliance date for the amended energy conservation standards remains December 26, 2029. Manufacturers and sellers must still meet the rule’s compliance obligations by that date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19154, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing
The Department of Energy’s 2022 energy-saving rules for manufactured homes are now on pause because a new law says only the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can set these standards. HUD has one year from July 2026 to create new energy rules and must update them every three years. This means manufacturers and homebuyers should watch for HUD’s upcoming standards, which could affect costs and energy savings soon.
2026-17872, Rescission of Production Incentives for Cellulosic Biofuels
The Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (formerly Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) of the Department of Energy (DOE) is publishing a final rule to rescind the regulatory framework for production incentives for cellulosic biofuels, eliminating an inactive regulatory framework.
2026-13674, Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets and reviews energy-saving rules for products like appliances and industrial equipment. These changes include clearer steps, new definitions, and economic checks to make sure energy savings really matter. If you make or sell these products, or just care about saving energy, you can share your thoughts by August 6, 2026, and join a free webinar on July 15 to learn more.
2026-12475, Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
The Department of Energy is making it easier and faster for companies to get permission to send electricity across U.S. borders. This new rule starts on July 22, 2026, and helps keep our electric supply safe while encouraging cross-border energy trade. If you’re involved in exporting electricity, get ready for a simpler application process with clear deadlines and fewer headaches.
2026-11057, Rescinding Regulations for Loans for Minority Business Enterprises Seeking DOE Contracts and Assistance
The Department of Energy is delaying a rule that would stop loans for minority-owned businesses trying to get DOE contracts. This means minority businesses can keep applying for these loans a bit longer while the government reviews the rule carefully. The new delay pushes the rule’s start date to September 1, 2026, giving everyone more time to prepare and comment.
2026-10729, Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new White House order. This means certain regulations will automatically end unless reviewed and renewed, helping save time and money. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 29, 2026, because your input could shape the future of energy rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02851, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers
The Department of Energy is delaying new energy-saving rules for walk-in coolers and freezers until March 21, 2025. This delay gives everyone more time to review and comment on the changes, which aim to save energy and money in the long run. If you own or make these coolers or freezers, keep an eye out for updates and get ready for the new standards soon!
Next: 2025-02868, Visitor Experience Improvements Authority Contracts; Delay of Effective Date
The National Park Service is pushing back the start date of a new rule about Visitor Experience Improvements Authority Contracts from February 14 to March 21, 2025. This delay follows a presidential order to pause new rules for review, giving officials more time to double-check everything. If you work with or are affected by these contracts, expect the changes a bit later but no changes in costs right now.