New Energy Star Program for Water Heaters to Start in 2009

摘要

Arlington, Va. - The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) commended the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for launching a new Energy Star~R program for residential water heaters. The program, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009, will cover gas-fired storage, gas-fired tankless, heat pump, and solar water heaters. The Energy Star program for gas-fired storage water heaters will take effect in two phases. For the first 19 months of the program, these water heaters must achieve an energy factor of 0.62 to qualify for the Energy Star label, but on Sept. 1, 2010, the program criteria changes to require an energy factor of 0.67 to qualify. "While water heater manufacturers provide a full range of energy-efficient products, Energy Star labeling will make it much easier for consumers to identify higher- efficiency products," said Stephen Yurek, AHRI president.