DOE Suspends Energy Efficiency Mandates on Key Home Appliances
In a move supported by NAHB, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will postpone the implementation of the latest round of restrictive energy efficiency mandates on key home energy appliances, including for gas powered instantaneous (tankless) water heaters.
The DOE press release noted that these actions “are a key step in undoing the previous administration’s burdensome policies that have driven up costs, reduced choice and diminished the quality of Americans’ home appliances.”
In addition to the tankless water heaters, the DOE has acted to postpone the new overreaching efficiency standards for the following home appliance rules:
- Central Air Conditioners
- Clothes Washers and Dryers
- General Service Lamps
- Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
- Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
- Air Compressors
Additionally, the DOE is creating a new energy efficiency category for natural gas tankless water heaters that would exempt these products from the Biden administration’s onerous efficiency rules and allow for fair standards that balance efficiency with availability of product features desired by consumers.
NAHB has been actively advocating against efforts to limit the availability and use of gas stoves, and will continue to support efforts to maintain a variety of home appliance options for consumers to help improve housing affordability.
On the congressional front, NAHB continues to work with lawmakers in both chambers to advance congressional resolutions introduced in the House and Senate that seek to block the Biden administration’s recent attempt to ban natural gas water heaters.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Advocacy
Oct 09, 2026
Podcast: 7.5% Mortgage Rates ‘New Normal’ Until Geopolitical Issues Resolved
On the latest episode of NAHB podcast Housing Developments, NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz joins CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez to discuss the latest economic forecasts and how they have changed this year due to geopolitical turmoil.
IBS
Oct 08, 2026
IBS Remodeled Show Home Uses Holistic Approach to Boost Efficiency
The New American Remodel 2027 will be much more than a beautiful show home. It will highlight just how far building products and techniques have advanced in a relatively short period of time.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 09, 2026
Private Water and Sewer Systems in 2025 New Single-Family Homes
The share of new single-family homes built with individual wells and septic systems increased in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), approximately 10% of single-family homes started in 2025 were served by individual (private) wells, and 17% relied on individual septic systems.
Economics
Oct 08, 2026
Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains Stable in Third Quarter Despite Headwinds
In the third quarter of 2026, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 62, up one point compared to the previous quarter. The RMI has remained within a narrow band between 59 and 70 for the past four years.
Economics
Oct 07, 2026
ARM Share Increased as Mortgage Rates Spiked
Mortgage application activity declined as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, decreased 7.7% month-over-month in September on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were lower by 35.4%.