The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a final rule fulfilling its statutory requirement to periodically evaluate and revise the test procedures for Consumer Water Heaters and Residential-Duty Commercial Water Heaters. A summary table of changes can be found in the DOE Rulemaking starting on page 22 of the document. The final rule adopts some updated ASHRAE standards, clarifies some product definitions related to heat pump water heaters and circulating water heaters, adjusts some calculations and procedures, and re-inserts tabletop water heaters as a product. More importantly, DOE is required to establish test procedures prior to revising related product standards. This rulemaking will likely be soon followed by new proposed efficiency standards for typical residential water heater products, PHCC will continue to engage with DOE and other related stakeholders to ensure practical product improvements are implemented. - By Chuck White, VP of Regulatory Affairs, PHCC National