WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to increase the minimum efficiency level for furnaces and boilers. It has been proposed that the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) would be increased from 78 percent to 80 percent for non-weatherized gas furnaces and 83 percent for weatherized gas furnaces.

The standard also defines a minimum AFUE for oil-fired furnaces, mobile home gas furnaces, and gas and oil fired boilers. This rulemaking would apply to all furnaces and boilers offered for sale in the United States with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2015. The DOE will accept comments regarding the notice of proposed rulemaking until Jan. 15, 2007.

For more information, contact Caroline Czajko at 800-267-2231 ext. 234 or e-mail cczajko@hrai.ca.

Publication date: 12/18/2006