Proposed Efficiency Standard Could Eliminate Noncondensing Gas Furnaces
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a court challenge that caused a previous proposal to be sent back for further analysis, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a new proposed rulemaking to increase the minimum efficiency standards for gas furnaces, including propane furnaces. The proposed rulemaking would increase the minimum efficiency standard for these furnaces for the first time since the first standard was enacted by Congress in 1987 and made effective starting in 1992. It established the minimum efficiency level of furnaces at 78 annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Now, DOE has proposed a minimum efficiency level of 92 AFUE. Also, the new standard would be applied nationally rather than regionally. By law, DOE must arrive at the highest efficiency level that is both technologically feasible and economically justified. Going from a minimum efficiency level of 78 to 92 AFUE would eliminate noncondensing gas furnaces from the marketplace. Condensing furnaces are able to obtain higher efficiencies by reusing some of the heat that would be vented out of the home through the chimney by a noncondensing furnace.