Rheem has developed a damper design on select residential gas-fired models that enables the units to achieve an energy factor (EF) from 0.67 to 0.69 to meet Energy Star’s Phase II requirements. Consisting of a 24-volt, powered flue damper positioned atop the unit, the technology opens and closes automatically in response to gas-burner activity within the water heater. When the gas control shuts off the fuel supply it also signals the damper to close, trapping whatever heat remains inside the flue and reducing standby heat loss.
Editors’ Comments: Rheem’s latest innovation vastly improves the energy performance of the traditional water heater without breaking the bank.
