When you think of how long your more visible household appliances have had Energy Star Labels this seems a long time coming.

The New Year brings with it tidings of joy and energy-efficient hot water, as Energy Star-qualified residential water heaters are now available. High-efficiency versions of the conventional tank storage water heater can earn the label, as well as solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and whole-house tankless models.

Get the whole scoop from the US Department of Energy.