2026 DOE Water Heater Changes: What You Need to Know
Contractor Quick-Reference Guide
New DOE efficiency standards take effect for products manufactured on or after October 6, 2026.* Non-condensing commercial gas water heaters you've been installing for years are going away. Here's what you need to know.
*Pending further legal challenges.
UPDATE: On April 24, 2026 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued an Enforcement Policy Statement announcing a temporary delay in enforcement of new thermal efficiency standards for certain commercial gas-fired water heating products. This action provides an effective one-year enforcement grace period from October 6, 2026 through October 6, 2027.
AO Smith may continue manufacturing and selling non-condensing commercial gas water heaters during the enforcement window.
Not affected: Commercial electric water heaters (tank or tankless) and commercial oil-fired water heaters.
Residential impact: Many high-input gas water heaters used in homes (>75,000 BTU/Hr.) can no longer be manufactured after October 6, 2026.
For more information on A.O. Smith water heating products and compliant solutions to meet the new DOE standards, please reach out to your sales representative at Wales Darby nearby. We're here to help you navigate these changes and find the right products for every application.
Get in touch! Reach out to us at engineering@walesdarby.com