New Furnace Standards Too Weak?

The Department of Energy is proposing new efficiency standards for furnaces. Rebecca Williams reports critics of the new rule say it won’t save consumers money:

Transcript

The Department of Energy is proposing new efficiency standards for furnaces. Rebecca Williams reports critics of the new rule say it won’t save consumers money:


The new rule would be just a two percent increase from what’s currently mandated. The rule would require new furnaces to be 80 percent efficient. That means 80% of the energy is used to heat your home while 20% is vented up the flue.


Energy groups say it’s basically no change, because most of the new furnaces on the market are already 80 percent efficient, or better.


Ketari Callahan is president of the group Alliance to Save Energy.


“It really only puts in place and codifies what the market is doing today. So it really is just far too weak and it keeps people from saving the money they otherwise would.”


Industry groups say a stronger standard isn’t needed. They say consumers in colder climates already tend to buy the most efficient furnaces.


Three states have passed their own laws for furnace efficiency that are stricter than the federal standard.


For the Environment Report, I’m Rebecca Williams.

Related Links