Biden Administration Clarifies: No Ban on Natural Gas Water Heaters

A new federal rule, effective by 2029, introduces updated energy efficiency standards for tankless gas water heaters, yet it does not impose a complete ban on these appliances.

In early January, several media outlets reported that the Biden administration had enforced a sweeping ban on natural gas water heaters, which critics claimed could lead to increased energy costs for low-income families and seniors. Social media echoed these alarming assertions.

A post on X claimed, “BIDEN IS COMING FOR YOUR WATER HEATERS – BANS THEM!” The post, viewed nearly 50,000 times, warned that the new rules could cost average households an additional $450 during replacements, igniting legal disputes.

VERIFY received inquiries from readers curious about the legitimacy of these claims. Specifically, one reader named Jordan sought clarification: Did the Biden administration actually ban all natural gas water heaters?

The simple answer is no. The Biden administration has not banned all natural gas water heaters.

Recent regulations from the U.S. Department of Energy set forth increased energy efficiency benchmarks for tankless gas water heaters, effective for new models sold starting in 2029. It’s important to note that existing units and those currently on the market will remain unaffected, meaning homeowners need not replace their current heaters.

According to an Energy Department spokesperson, “The law governing DOE’s standards program does not allow for a ban on specific fuels in appliances like gas instant water heaters. Instead, we are raising the efficiency standards for newly produced models available for sale in 2029.”

The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) highlights that heating water accounts for a significant portion of household energy usage, typically the second largest category after space heating.

The upcoming standards will mandate that new tankless gas water heaters operate using approximately 13% less energy compared to the least efficient models available today. Notably, more than 60% of currently sold units already comply with these future requirements, according to ASAP.

Although the cost of compliant water heaters may be higher at first, the Department of Energy predicts that the higher efficiency will lead to savings of over $100 across the appliances’ lifetime. Moreover, the new standards are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 million metric tons over a 30-year timeframe.

ASAP’s Executive Director, Andrew deLaski, remarked, “This is a commonsense step that will lower total household costs while reducing planet-warming emissions. These standards ensure more families benefit from proven, energy-efficient technology.” However, some industry critics, including the American Gas Association, have expressed concerns that the rule change may eliminate cost-effective non-condensing models, potentially burdening low-income and senior customers.

The new regulations stem from energy efficiency levels proposed by product manufacturers, consumer advocacy groups, and environmental organizations, mandated by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which requires the DOE to reassess appliance standards every six years.

Additionally, the rule complements new standards for electric tank and gas tank water heaters finalized in April 2024. These measures will also commence in 2029, requiring significant efficiency improvements for both gas and electric models.

Despite unfounded claims regarding a nationwide ban on gas stoves, some localities have implemented restrictions on new natural gas installations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

This story is also available in Spanish / Lee este artículo también en español: No, la administración Biden no está prohibiendo todos los calentadores de agua de gas natural.