The DOE, otherwise known as the U.S Department of Energy had scheduled a major change in HVAC Efficiency ratings for the year 2013. This change would have enforced the northern states to comply with installing furnaces with an AFUE rating of 90. The current minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is set at 78. Under the new rating standards, when an existing furnace happened to wear out, homeowners would have had to replace it with a modern furnace that has an AFUE rating of 90.
The enforcement of the new HVAC Efficiency Standards is currently held up for review in court. The delay is because of the strain the initial cost of a furnace with an AFUE 90 rating puts on homeowners. In addition to the cost of a new furnace, homeowners must also install an entirely new vent system for their new furnace. These more efficient condensing furnaces, which are the only furnaces with an AFUE rating of 90, are now considered to be a financial burden on unprepared homeowners.
While many homeowners are prepared to purchase a new furnace when their older one wears out, most are not prepared to install a new vent system as well. This is especially true for homeowners living in a home where expensive modifications are necessary. It is the cost of these modifications that have the HVAC industry and homeowners fearful of the upcoming HVAC Efficiency rate changes. Even though costly modifications were needed, many homeowners have already replaced their older furnaces with efficient condensing furnace systems.
Homeowners with AFUE 90 rated furnaces will see drastic reductions in their annual fuel consumption and costs. Even though the initial investment price can be high, the AFUE 90 rated furnaces only waste around ten percent of the fuel they require to run. This in itself is a major improvement over outdated and less efficient furnaces.
Due to the benefits of furnaces with higher efficiency ratings, it can be assumed that it is only a matter of time before the new efficiency ratings will be approved in court and enforced. Contact a local HVAC contractor today to learn more about increased efficiency ratings and switching to a modern fuel efficient furnace.
