Colorado lawmakers urged to exempt propane water heaters from ultra-low NOx rule

On Jan. 1, a Colorado law took effect, requiring new residential gas furnace and water heater models sold in the state to be ultra-low NOx or meet the latest Energy Star standards. Fines could be assessed at up to $2,000 per violation. 

What’s happening: Concerned parties want state leaders to carve out an exemption for residential propane water heaters, as other areas with similar rules have allowed. 

Go deeper: “The reason propane water heaters are exempt elsewhere is because there are no residential propane water heaters on the market today that can satisfy the emissions requirements that have been established by the state,” Bradford White explained.

• Thus, Colorado residents with propane water heaters — an estimated 100,000 households — whose equipment reaches the end of its life would need to either replace their unit with a more expensive Energy Star counterpart — “assuming one exists,” Bradford White added — or switch to an electric water heater, both of which could mean additional out-of-pocket costs. 

What they’re saying: The Colorado Propane Gas Association in January noted that the statute calls for the utilization of an emissions test that relies on protocols developed for natural gas products, not propane. 

• “The statute unintentionally tied affected propane furnaces and water heaters to testing protocols created for natural gas equipment, creating an impossible compliance standard for propane manufacturers,” said Tom Clark, the group’s executive director.
• “While we are happy that state officials confirmed that propane products that are certified to the most recent version of the federal Energy Star Program are automatically deemed to comply with the new emission limits, we need to work with the legislature to ensure that all propane products in the market remain available to Colorado consumers,” he added. 

What we’re watching: While ACCA has cautioned that Colorado is setting a precedent that could spread to additional states, both Bradford White and the CPGA have expressed hope that the Colorado General Assembly will revise the law to keep propane water heaters an option for homeowners.