BOSTON --  June 7, 2010 -- This fall, the Energy Star program will increase the minimum energy factor (EF) for gas storage water heaters from 0.62 to 0.67. The increase in criteria, which will go into effect on September 1, 2010, will bring additional 0.67 EF models to the marketplace, offering homeowners even greater water heating efficiency.

“Energy Star seeks to keep its product criteria relevant by keeping pace with changing technologies in the marketplace,” said Steve Ryan, with the Energy Star program at the Environmental Protection Agency. “In a recent poll, 77 percent of people are aware of the Energy Star label and see the value in it. We work to keep the brand meaningful by making sure it continues to indicate cost effective savings with no loss of amenity. Storage water heaters are becoming more efficient, and this change recognizes that fact.”

Water heaters that meet the increased criteria offer homeowners significant savings in gas consumption even when compared to today’s 0.62 EF models, providing up to 14 percent greater savings than a conventional gas model. According to Energy Star calculations, 0.67 EF models only consume 224 therms per year. Gas storage heaters with a 0.62 EF consume 242 therms annually, saving up to 7.3 percent more than a conventional model.

Several gas storage heaters with a 0.67 EF are currently available, including many new products recently developed in preparation for the upcoming change. There are also a number of other water heater models that carry the Energy Star label, including electric heat pump, solar thermal and tankless units.

For more information, go to the Coalition for Energy Star Water Heaters (CEE) at www.eswaterheaters.org