Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards
Learning Objectives:
- Explore what’s changing in the new 2026 DoE requirements and the impact on the commercial water heating industry.
- Identify the impacts to engineers, contractors, and end-users.
- Learn to avoid the common mistakes made when transitioning buildings to condensing technology.
- Quantify the energy savings gained by utilizing high-efficiency technology.
Credits:
In October 2026, the United States will enter a new era of water heating. The Department of Energy (DoE) will require all newly manufactured commercial water heaters to have a minimum thermal efficiency of 95% for gas-fired storage heaters, and 96% instantaneous gas-fired heaters.
These changes will require adjustment from engineers, contractors, and ownership groups for specification, installation and maintenance, including a change in venting practices. However, mastering the nuances of these new standards will allow you to maximize their benefits for you/your customer. Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Images
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Robbie Svidron serves as Intellihot’s corporate trainer, bringing his field knowledge and expertise of water heating options to contractors and engineers across the country, ensuring that they benefit from the latest advancements in the field. Drawing from a prior position as a Mechanical Systems and Applications Engineer, Robbie has a comprehensive understanding of various water heating options, ranging from boilers with large storage tanks, to gas-powered tank-type heaters, to modern tankless and heat pump water heaters. Constantly exploring ways to reduce water heating costs while enhancing user convenience with emerging technologies, Robbie has guided numerous professionals in transitioning commercial properties from outdated tank-type heaters to more efficient tankless systems. With a curious mindset, Robbie quickly discerns the unique training needs of his audience, providing them with innovative and practical tips for implementing efficient and safe water heating systems that are sized correctly for their hot water needs. Svidron earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Bradley University, in Peoria, IL. |
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Intellihot designs, manufactures and assembles tankless water heaters for residential, commercial and industrial applications — the first to do so entirely in the United States. Quality and innovation are at the heart of all its products, which were developed following years of extensive research. The company continues to be recognized for its innovative design; it currently has more than 60 awarded and pending patents. |
