Biden Admin Restricts Gas Furnaces
In another round of restrictions on American household appliances, the Biden administration announced new energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces.
The move is estimated to cut household utility bills for Americans by approximately $1.5 billion annually, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Over the course of three decades, consumers can expect to see a collective savings of $24.8 billion.
The DOE also emphasized that these new standards will have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector.
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“At the direction of Congress, DOE is continuing to review and finalize energy standards for household appliances, such as residential furnaces, to lower costs for working families by reducing energy use and slashing harmful pollutants in homes across the nation,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.
Set to take effect in 2028, these standards will require specific gas furnaces—non-weatherized gas furnaces and those used in mobile homes—to achieve an “annual fuel utilization efficiency” (AFUE) of 95 percent. This means that manufacturers will only be allowed to sell furnaces that transform at least 95 percent of fuel into heat. Currently, the industry standard AFUE for home furnaces is 80 percent.
The DOE highlighted that the new standards will “[reduce] waste by converting nearly all of the gas used into heat for the living space.” Modern condensing furnaces, which utilize secondary heat exchangers to capture excess heat from exhaust gases, can readily achieve this standard.
Due to the strict AFUE standards, older furnace models, including non-condensing gas furnaces, will be phased out. While these models may be less efficient, they are more affordable. Consumers who choose to replace their non-condensing furnaces with condensing ones after the implementation of the rule may face substantial installation costs.
Residential gas furnaces currently account for about 19 percent of annual household energy use in the United States. The DOE expects that updating efficiency standards for these appliances will result in significant carbon and methane emissions reductions over 30 years.
A group of trade associations, including the American Gas Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the proposed efficiency standards, citing potential adverse effects on consumers who would need to update their venting systems. However, several electric and gas utilities supported the proposal and urged the DOE to assist lower-income customers with upfront costs.
The DOE clarified that the new standards do not eliminate the possibility of future innovations in furnace design, venting systems, or materials that could further increase efficiency. The department also provided a five-year lead time before compliance with the amended standards is required.
The DOE has recently updated standards for various other appliances, including clothes washers, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
The DOE estimates that its past and planned energy efficiency actions will save Americans approximately $570 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 2.4 billion metric tons cumulatively over 30 years.
How do energy-efficient gas furnaces contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
=”https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/04/fact-sheet-president-bidens-build-back-better-agenda-cutting-costs-for-working-families-and-growing-the-econom/”>clean energy future and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Biden administration has been taking steps to address climate change and promote energy efficiency, with a specific focus on reducing emissions from the residential sector.
Energy-efficient gas furnaces not only reduce utility bills for households, but they also contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the DOE, the new standards are expected to result in a reduction of around 98.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over three decades. This is equivalent to taking more than 21 million cars off the road for a year or planting more than 1.8 billion trees.
While the new standards are aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing emissions, there are concerns about the potential impact on consumers. The increased energy efficiency of gas furnaces will inevitably lead to higher upfront costs for consumers. However, it is important to consider the long-term savings on utility bills that these more efficient furnaces will provide.
Additionally, the initial costs of installing a condensing furnace to replace a non-condensing one may be higher. However, it is crucial to note that condensing furnaces are more efficient and will result in lower energy bills over time. The DOE also states that the energy cost savings over the 30-year life cycle of a condensing furnace will outweigh the installation costs.
The Biden administration has been implementing various measures to support consumers in transitioning to more energy-efficient appliances. For example, the recently announced infrastructure bill includes funding for programs that provide financial assistance and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, including furnace replacements.
Overall, the new energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces are a significant step towards reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills, and mitigating climate change. While there may be some upfront costs for consumers, the long-term benefits of these energy-efficient furnaces outweigh the initial investment. By continuing to prioritize energy efficiency, the Biden administration is taking tangible action to address climate change and promote sustainable and affordable energy solutions for American households.
Sources:
- Biden Admin Targets Another Household Appliance Amid Gas Stove Fallout
- Biden Admin Reduces Savings Estimate for Americans Switching Away From Gas Stoves: Industry Group
- Statement by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm
- Fact Sheet: President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda: Cutting Costs for Working Families and Growing the Economy
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