Newest Popular Home Appliance Under Attack by Biden Administration

M.C. Millman

A proposal late Friday by the Biden administration targets less energy-efficient water heaters, potentially forcing cheaper options off the market. 

The regulations proposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) will go into effect in 2029 if finalized. It would require electric water heaters to have heat pump technology and gas heaters to have condensing technology. Water heating accounts for around 13% of annual residential energy use and consumer utility costs, according to energy.gov. The DOE claims the new standards will save Americans over $11 billion on utility bills annually. 

"Today's actions—together with our industry partners and stakeholders—improve outdated efficiency standards for common household appliances," claims U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, "which is essential to slashing utility bills for American families and cutting harmful carbon emissions."

Water heaters are just one of many home appliances targeted recently by the Biden administration. The DOE has proposed standards for other appliances like air conditioners, gas stoves, and refrigerators. Additionally, the Biden administration's plans to move forward with additional rules for many more appliances is considered by many to be a "war on appliances," targeting furnaces, pool pumps, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, and more. 

Experts and citizens have expressed disapproval of these restrictive regulations, which reduce consumers' choices and raise prices. 

"Instead of going after water heaters, gas stoves, and wood-fired pizzerias," Congressman Mike Lawler tweeted this morning, "we should be unleashing American energy so that we can achieve real, long-term affordability for families."

When a ban on certain air conditioners was proposed back in March, Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) tweeted: "They're after our stoves, our washing machines, and now, our air conditioners. Funny you never see them coming after private jets. The only goal of the 'green' agenda is making you SUFFER! That's it!"

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