2013 Furnace Efficiency Laws

80 Percent Furnaces Remain LegalIn a settlement filed late Friday afternoon, the Department of Energy (DOE) has agreed to withdraw the pending efficiency change for residential and mobile home gas furnaces.

According to the terms of the settlement, the minimum AFUE standard change from 80% for 90% in the Northern region is vacated, along with the pending May 1, 2013 compliance date.

Pending the court’s acceptance of this settlement, non-condensing (80%) furnaces remain legal to install in all states until further notice.

The DOE will initiate a new rulemaking for minimum energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and allow stakeholders the opportunity to comment.

The portions of the Department of Energy’s Efficiency Standards change setting new minimum energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, including any regional standards, remain in place, along with the January 1, 2015, compliance date.

Click Here for the public record of the settlement.

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