With the new regional efficiency standards for residential furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps set to become effective beginning in May 2013, many in the industry are wondering: How does the Department of Energy (DOE) intend to enforce these standards?
The DOE regional efficiency standards will divide the country into three regions — North, Southeast, and Southwest — and the minimum efficiency standards for each equipment type will vary by the region in which it is installed. The new rules become effective in May 2013 for nonweatherized furnaces, and in January 2015 for weatherized furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps.