The Biden administration proposed strengthening national efficiency rules for residential gas furnaces, updating a 35-year-old standard that effectively phases out older furnace models that waste natural gas.
Non-weatherized gas furnaces and furnaces used in mobile homes would be required to achieve a 95% annual fuel utilization efficiency standard, according to a pre-publication Federal Register notice issued Monday by the Energy Department.
The proposed rule would effectively require newer, more energy-efficient furnaces and phase out older “non-condensing” furnaces. Just over 40% of furnaces shipped today are at or above 95% fuel utilization.
The proposed rule would go into effect by 2029 ...