Biden administration updates furnace efficiency standards for first time in 16 years

The Department of Energy on Friday released a final efficiency rule for home furnaces that is projected to save Americans more than $1.5 billion annually on heating costs.

The updated standards are expected to take effect by the end of 2028.

In November 2020, the Natural Resources Defense Council sued the Trump administration for failing to meet numerous federal deadlines for the new efficiency rule, which the department resolved in 2022 under the Biden administration. The final rules will be released a day before the September 30 deadline imposed under the settlement.

This rule marks the first update to reactor efficiency standards since 2007. Under this updated rule, residential gas-fueled furnaces, which are the source of about 19 percent of the U.S.’s annual home energy use, would provide at least 95 percent fuel efficiency, making them nearly fuel efficient. All the gas they consume is turned into heat, officials said.

The ministry predicted that the updated rules would reduce carbon emissions by 332 million tonnes and methane emissions by 4.3 million tonnes.

“At the direction of Congress, the Department of Energy is working to reduce energy use in homes across the country and reduce costs for working families by reducing harmful pollutants by increasing the use of home appliances, such as home electric furnaces,” We continue to review and finalize energy standards for products,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer. Granholm said in a statement.

Granholm continued, “Today’s actions, combined with the current administration’s past and planned energy efficiency measures, reinforce President Biden’s commitment to saving Americans money and delivering healthier communities. It emphasizes that,” he added.

Heating is the largest utility bill for most U.S. homes, averaging just under $700 for homes with non-condensing gas models. Gas or propane furnaces are used in about 50 million homes, or about half of the United States. according to Join the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, a group that promotes energy efficiency.

Gas-powered equipment is also a major source of pollutants that result in particulate matter and ozone pollution.