We recently asked water heater manufacturers what sets them apart from the competition, what regulatory changes are impacting them and what they are doing to meet current market trends. The following companies shared their knowledge with us: A. O. Smith Corp.; AERCO; Ariston Group; Bosch; Bradford White Corp.; Bradley Corp.; Chronomite Laboratories, Inc.; Intellihot, Inc.; Lochinvar; Lync – A Watts Water Company; Navien, Inc.; Optimal; PVI; Rinnai America Corp.; and Stiebel Eltron, Inc.
A. O. Smith
Matt Baranuk, commercial segment portfolio director
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
A. O. Smith products are always built with the consumer in mind. Because of this, we prioritize features that make the use of each unit seamless. Our X3 Scale Prevention technology minimizes scale buildup and eliminates scale-related maintenance. Other features, like iCOMM Smart Connectivity, allow for user-friendly, easy control of the unit. A. O. Smith units are designed to be highly efficient and many are ENERGY STAR certified to help users meet sustainability goals. A. O. Smith units are specifically designed with flexibility at the forefront, making installation quick and easy.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Notwithstanding shifting regulatory environments at the international, federal, state and local levels of government, our product roadmap, which emphasizes innovation, hasn’t significantly changed. We continue to move where the puck is going over the long term, which will include high efficiency technology offerings such as heat pump designs and condensing gas offerings.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
As technology continues to evolve within the HVAC industry, so do the needs and wants of consumers. A. O. Smith has adapted to consumer trends by incorporating features like Smart Leak Detection and a built-in control display on select units. High efficiency also remains a priority during product development as we know how sought after this is by consumers.
AERCO
Mark Croce, senior product manager,
hot water solutions
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
AERCO’s latest additions to the Innovation water heaters — the INN 1600 and INN 2000 — utilize duplex stainless steel, offer superior corrosion resistance particularly in high chloride environments and include an industry-leading 15-year pressure vessel warranty. Innovation features our Edge Controller with Water Heater Management, which allows up to 16 units to be sequenced for optimal load sharing, reducing cycling and improving system-wide efficiency. It also features AERtrim, our O2 Trim technology to ensure stable, efficient combustion. This eliminates the need for excess air, reduces flame faults and improves fuel economy — resulting in lower operating costs and fewer service calls.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
As of October 2026, new DOE regulations will tighten standby loss limits and mandate at least 96% thermal efficiency for instantaneous commercial gas-fired water heaters. All Innovation water heaters will be updated to meet or exceed these standards well before the regulations go into effect.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
Sustainability and reduced emissions in a space-saving footprint are main trends in commercial applications. The latest additions to the Innovation product line provide compact, high-efficiency, gas-fired commercial water heaters that combines our patented O2 Trim combustion control, advanced sequencing and ultra-durable duplex stainless steel construction. [It also provides] a 15-year heat exchanger warranty, delivers unmatched reliability and high efficiency performance.
Ariston Group
Kyra Macaroco, product manager, water heating
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Ariston Group’s mission is to make easy and sustainable comfort solutions accessible to more homes while using less energy and effort. Our NUOS Multi-Fit utilizes cutting-edge renewable heat pump technology to help achieve this. Our NUOS Multi-Fit leads with i-Memory technology, a self-learning algorithm that learns household usage patterns for optimized performance, and dual anode protection, including a self-maintaining powered anode. This product also features an extra-large horizontal filter with a patented top cap. This filter is 2.5 times larger than standard 8-inch air inlet filters, delivering enhanced airflow, quieter operation, extending product life and less cleaning.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Ariston is embracing changes in energy efficiency standards by offering the NUOS Multi-Fit that exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements with a UEF of up to 4.10. We’re also preparing for refrigerant transitions by using R513a, a lower-GWP alternative to the R134a that’s commonly used in the industry, aligning our product with decarbonization goals.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
There are a lot of important trends happening with water heating that we’ve aimed to incorporate into our product. Listing off a few of the “popular” trends, NUOS Multi-Fit has advanced learning algorithms, app-based monitoring, built-in leak alerts and a low-GWP refrigerant. With this combination of features, our product delivers both performance and peace of mind while simultaneously aligning with growing industry demand for smarter and eco-friendly water heating solutions.
Bosch
Syed Shahzer, engineering applications
and training manager
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
The Bosch GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater features the latest in energy-efficient water heating technology. Utilizing heat pump technology, the GreenTronic 7000 T takes energy from the surrounding area and transfers it into the tank of water, resulting in a unit that is three to four times more efficient than traditional electric water heaters.
The GreenTronic operates quietly at below 49 dB(A) — similar to a quiet refrigerator — and features back-up heating elements when faster heating is desired. The unit is available in 50-, 65-, and 80-gallon options and is a perfect replacement for electric storage water heaters.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Although there have been recently announced changes in federal energy regulations, our organization remains committed to further research and development of high-efficiency technologies, and we feel well positioned to continue to meet and exceed market demand. Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of the 25C and 25D federal tax credits through Dec. 31, 2025, as they can still claim those on 2025 tax returns. State rebates continue to be a great option — search for rebates by zip code on the Bosch website.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
Heat pump technology is the defining feature that sets the GreenTronic 7000 T apart from other options on the market, delivering outstanding performance with superior energy efficiency. Enhanced safety is another key innovation, with optional leak protection kits that automatically identify leaks and shut off the water supply — providing homeowners with proactive protection against water damage. Additionally, smart controls and app connectivity have become must-have features, offering users real-time monitoring, remote adjustments and greater flexibility.
Bradford White Corp.
Julian Ferrante, product manager, residential electric and heat pump
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Bradford White is the only water heater manufacturer to incorporate Microban antimicrobial technology into its tanks. Our proprietary tank lining, Vitraglas, prolongs the life of the water heater by protecting it from the corrosive effects of water and Microban provides additional protection by helping to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the tank liner. The Vitraglas and Microban combination as well as our Hydrojet diptube and ICON System family of integrated controls are standard innovative features on all our tank-type water heaters.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
New Department of Energy (DOE) commercial water heating standards take effect Oct. 6, 2026. For residential water heating, the most recent update to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act is scheduled to take effect May 6, 2029. Water heaters manufactured on and after these dates must meet new energy efficiency standards set by the DOE, focused primarily on an increased thermal efficiency or UEF for each product category.
Bradford White has commercial and residential water heating products available that are compliant with these new requirements, and we are expanding our high-efficiency commercial and residential offerings to provide customers with even more options.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
We’ve seen an uptick in demand for heat pump water heaters in certain markets. Whether customers are looking to cash in on available rebates or better manage their energy consumption, we’re committed to providing high-quality options and, in this case, an expanded heat pump water heater product portfolio. This July, we enhanced our product line with a new hybrid electric heat pump water heater, the AeroTherm G2. These units feature ultra-quiet operation, trilingual smart control, our new ICON System LED digital display with built-in Bradford White Wave connectivity and the 65-gallon model boasts a best-in-class UEF rating of 4.20.
Bradley Corp.
Tony Clouse, industrial business
development specialist
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Bradley’s tankless water heaters, powered by Keltech, stand out for their precision, performance and safety. Our CLE and SNA models feature the lowest pressure drops in the industry and are the only electric tankless heaters available with an ASME HLW stamp (63kW+), ensuring compliance and durability. All SNA models include our exclusive TepidGuard anti-scald feature, which actively and passively monitors water temperature to maintain ANSI/ISEA tepid water standards. With on-demand heating, a compact footprint and high-quality components like copper tubing and brass castings, Bradley delivers reliable, energy-efficient solutions unmatched in the market.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
While there haven’t been major regulatory changes recently impacting tankless electric water heaters directly, market pressure to reduce energy use and achieve sustainability goals is driving adoption. Bradley’s tankless water heaters, powered by Keltech, meet these demands by drawing energy only when activated, which provides significant energy and utility savings compared to traditional systems. Our models also support ANSI/ISEA tepid water compliance while helping facilities minimize fossil fuel consumption and meet green building goals.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
The most prominent trend is the shift toward smarter, more energy-efficient systems. Bradley’s tankless electric water heaters incorporate intelligent features like TepidGuard, which prevents scalding and ensures ANSI-compliant tepid water — even in outdoor installations. Our CLE and SNA models offer the industry’s lowest pressure drops for improved performance and efficiency. Designed with durable copper tubing and brass castings, these units also reduce installation space and costs. As more facilities monitor utility usage, demand is increasing for on-demand systems that reduce waste, improve safety and contribute to sustainability goals. These are trends that our tankless heaters are built to support.
Chronomite Laboratories, Inc.
Edward Fabrizio, vice president and general manager
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Chronomite is pleased to announce our latest model addition to our family of heaters: CMX - Flow Secure.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Chronomite heaters are 99% energy efficient — exceeding DOE energy standards.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
Our CMX - Flow Secure model has leak detection using a mechanical float and integrated solenoid shutoff with BMS monitoring.
Intellihot, Inc.
Angela Eagle, branding and advertising manager
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Innovations like tankless heat pumps and drop-in tankless technology set our product lines apart from competitors. Our Electron iE1 is the world’s first tankless heat pump water heater: a future-ready water heating product for commercial properties that aims to cut emissions and energy costs. Apart from that, our Neuron Series of drop-in tankless water heaters are specifically designed to mimic the connections of traditional boilers, allowing for quick replacements and installations. Such products make the implementation of more efficient tankless technology quicker.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
The DOE is planning on increasing the minimum efficiency standards for commercial water heaters in 2026. This mandate has resulted in a much-needed push in the industry to improve water heating products’ energy efficiency. However, Intellihot’s innovation-first approach and focus on sustainability meant that all of our existing products are already compliant with the upcoming regulations.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
We launched the world’s first tankless heat pump water heater in 2023 — the Electron iE1. The product was designed to be a future-ready product that could embrace electrification with ease and efficiency.
Lochinvar
Rhea-Anne Pendley, senior project manager
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
As industry trends evolve and customers demand more innovative technology, we strive to ensure that our products meet a diverse range of customer needs. Lochinvar products are designed, engineered and manufactured to provide customers with a high-end water heating solution that meets regulatory standards and supports sustainability goals. Our units operate at a high efficiency, optimize heat transfer and minimize emissions. Lochinvar’s technology is easy to use and units often feature SMART TOUCH operating control. This technology enables access to the information needed to set up, troubleshoot and monitor all equipment functions with a touchscreen interface.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Lochinvar continues to prioritize long-term innovation, focusing on high-efficiency technologies. Our current and future product lineup remains largely unchanged, despite evolving regulatory landscapes at international, federal, state and local levels.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
The industry has seen an increased demand for high efficiency, sustainable technology in recent years. We are actively producing units that feature high thermal efficiencies along with features such as the ability to cascade multiple units for optimal performance and emissions reduction. Our Veritus heat pump water heater is designed so that the control box can be installed in one space while the heat pump units are installed elsewhere, providing greater installation flexibility and improved control accessibility. Current water heating trends have also led Lochinvar to add a 208V three-phase power unit to the Veritus lineup later this year.
Lync – A Watts Water Company
Andrew Macaluso, senior product manager,
system solutions
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
The Lync Aegis cool recovery unit (Aegis A with CWR) stands out with its hybrid air-and-water source design, enabling it to harness available heat more effectively across varying conditions. Unlike traditional systems, the Aegis heat pump water heater intelligently switches between air and water modes to maximize performance and efficiency. Utilizing CO2 (R744) as a refrigerant, it also delivers exceptional high-temperature output without synthetic refrigerants. This unique combination ensures operational flexibility, reduces energy consumption and achieves long-term sustainability — qualities increasingly demanded in commercial and residential markets.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Stricter EPA regulations targeting refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential above 750 are reshaping the water heating landscape. Aegis heat pump uses natural refrigerant R744, which has a GWP of 1, so it already complies and exceeds these mandates, making it a future-proof solution. Customers are increasingly seeking technologies that align long-term ownership with environmental targets. These regulations validate our direction, reinforcing investment in sustainable, regulation-resilient products that offer compliance and peace of mind for years.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
Aegis reflects a key industry trend: whole-system optimization. Beyond efficient individual units, the focus is shifting to how components integrate and perform collectively. Aegis is designed with system-level performance in mind — leveraging smart controls, flexible configurations and advanced heat recovery strategies. Its use of R744 also supports high-efficiency performance, even in colder climates, aligning with growing demand for environmentally conscious, grid-friendly and scalable water heating solutions across diverse building types.
Navien
David Hoskyn, product management director
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Navien has always focused on efficiency and the current lineup of water heaters reflects that, starting with the NWP500 series of non-condensing tankless, our NPE-S2/A2 series condensing tankless and our recently launched NWP500 heat pump water heater (HPWH). All our products are built from high quality raw materials, such as stainless steel for our heat exchangers and the tank in our HPWH (a first in the industry). We also build products that are easy to install yet provide the end user benefits such as efficiency, user friendly controls interface and optional built in recirculation with our tankless units.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Because our water heating products have been designed with efficiency in mind, our product lineup has not been affected significantly by changes to the efficiency standards. But with the previous administration’s focus on decarbonization and electrification, along with regional restrictions on emissions, adding an electric heating solution became an obvious need for us. The NWP500 is built around a stainless-steel tank, aluminum refrigerant coils, top or side connections and a user-friendly interface with built-in Wi-Fi. This all adds up to an energy efficient yet innovative product that benefits the environment and the consumer.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
The most obvious trend for us in 2025 was the launch of our NWP500 heat pump water heater. This product is our first electric and tank style water heater in the North American market. The HPWH will address decarbonization, but it also expands our customers’ choice to use electricity as an energy source. The HPWH has built in Wi-Fi, which has been an ongoing trend in all appliances, along with four operation modes to balance performance and efficiency as needed. In addition, we will be adding options such as leak detection and recirculation to enhance those installations.
Optimal
Nicholas Cardoso, CEO
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Innovation starts with experience. We created Optimal’s patented design using our collective 20 years in the water heater industry studying what works and what doesn’t. The biggest problem with electric tankless water heaters is the outdated paddled flow sensor, scale buildup and bad support. We’ve invented an ultrasonic flow sensor design with no breakable parts, we implemented scale monitoring into our firmware and we provided a 25-year residential warranty backed by experienced, in-house support. We are proud of our product and we’re even prouder of the support we offer with it.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
The industry has experienced significant changes, driven by tariffs, the push for electrification and the Department of Energy’s revised rules on residential electric tanks. Traditionally, electric tankless water heaters have held a niche market share, hovering around 1%. However, we anticipate a substantial shift towards electric tankless units due to the DOE’s 2029 mandate for residential heat pump water heating. We’re well-positioned to leverage this shift. We’re equipped to participate in utility demand response programs, allowing us to expand the electric tankless market, manage units effectively on the grid and gain unprecedented insights into hot water and electrical usage.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
“Smart” technology thoughtfully, focusing on genuine utility. By pairing Wi-Fi capabilities with our patented ultrasonic transducer, we go beyond basic water and power consumption. Our system detects anomalies like air in lines, leaks, flow rate irregularities and crossed plumbing. This provides an unparalleled level of monitoring, proactive maintenance and assists both installers and users. Plus, features like remote shut-off for extended showers are a hit with parents, offering practical, helpful control.
PVI
Helen Ringle, product manager, hot water solutions
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
PVI water heaters stand apart from competitors thanks to AquaPLEX duplex stainless steel, which offers superior corrosion resistance, eliminates anode rods and supports industry-leading 15-year warranties.
Our made-to-order approach ensures tailored configurations to meet unique specification. The Centurion also features Edge Controller with Water Heater Management, which allows up to 16 units to be sequenced for optimal load sharing, reducing cycling and improving system-wide efficiency. It also features our O2 Trim technology for stable, efficient combustion, eliminating the need for excess air, reducing flame faults and improving fuel economy for lower operating costs and fewer service calls.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Beginning in October 2026, new DOE regulations will tighten standby loss limits and mandate at least 95% thermal efficiency for commercial gas-fired water heaters. PVI is already ahead of the curve — most of our products exceed these standards, showcasing unmatched engineering and performance. By proactively re-certifying our entire portfolio, PVI ensures compliance and strengthens our competitive advantage with proven reliability, long-term cost savings and unmatched durability. These efforts highlight PVI’s position as the go-to choice for forward-thinking businesses seeking energy efficient water heating solutions that deliver lasting value.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
PVI is leading the charge toward a cleaner, smarter future with strategic investments in electrification, advanced heat pump technology and integrated smart controls. These innovations expand our robust portfolio while elevating the efficiency, adaptability and environmental performance of every product line.
By championing sustainable water heating and pioneering next-generation solutions, PVI empowers customers to meet carbon reduction goals, navigate evolving regulations and stay ahead in a tech-forward, energy-conscious marketplace.
Rinnai America Corp.
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
Rinnai is focused on developing water heaters that will provide consumers with the most efficient and high quality water heating solution that can be installed quickly and easily by our plumbing professionals. For example, Rinnai’s Sensei RX condensing tankless water heater provides an industry leading 0.98 UEF and has many PRO Time Savers, such as the ability to set up the unit with their smart phone and convert gas type with the push of a button. We’ve also launched tools and accessories such as our laser vent kit and stand-off bracket, which reduce time and effort during the physical installation.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
From a government regulations standpoint, our products exceed efficiency requirements with our industry leading UEF ratings. We do continue to combat gas bans in some markets and have expanded our portfolio to include electric offerings with our Rinnai Electric Heat Pump Water Heater (REHP) so we have high quality offerings regardless of the consumer fuel type preference.
Stiebel Eltron, Inc.
Julius Goodman, head of marketing
What innovations set your product lines apart from competitors?
There are two innovations that set us apart. The first is our Advanced Flow Control system, available on multiple model lines, including Tempra Plus and DHC-E Plus. If the demand for hot water increases beyond a model’s capacity, Advanced Flow Control automatically maintains the desired hot water temperature. The second innovation is Stiebel Eltron’s most advanced electric tankless water heating technology, our Direct Coil heating system. Its trouble-free technology self-cleans for increased limescale resistance, provides fast heat-up and response, has a patented air bubble detection system that enhances the existing robust dry-fire protection, in addition to other industry-exclusive features.
How have recent changes in government regulations or energy efficiency standards affected your product line?
Our entire electric tankless line meets or exceeds current energy efficiency standards. We don’t foresee any changes coming to those standards. As with everyone, tariffs are the biggest government issue we’re facing. The uncertainty is almost an even greater issue than whatever the tariffs end up being.
What current water heating trends are being incorporated into your product lines?
Our line-up is constantly evolving to meet consumer expectations. Our electric tankless line in particular is continuously adding one improvement over another to fulfill our mission of offering reliability, features and value. We do our best to stay ahead of consumer expectations. The resistance to liming, increasing the longevity of our newest Direct Coil tankless models, is an excellent example of this continuous improvement. Don’t forget we invented electric tankless water heating. A continuous improvement of the technology is something baked into Stiebel Eltron from the beginning. l
Editor’s note: Answers have been lightly edited.
