Big news from the Department of Energy — the agency’s latest ruling means all new furnaces sold after 2028 will have to be high-efficiency condensing models. The updated federal standard requires furnaces to use about 15% less energy than today’s models — a change expected to save homeowners around $350 over the unit’s lifetime and cut 332 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions over 30 years. That’s the same as shutting off 24 gas power plants. In response to this rule, some industry stakeholders are warning that it could pose major challenges for contractors and homeowners, especially in older homes and multifamily buildings, where installing condensing systems can be expensive or even impossible under current codes. Supporters say the decision is a win for consumers, lowering heating costs and phasing out inefficient systems that often burden renters. Learn more with the latest HVAC minute.

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