Biden administration issues restrictions on gas furnaces in latest war on appliances

The Biden administration has announced its latest regulatory action targeting home appliances, this time targeting popular home gas-powered furnaces, according to a report by Fox News1. The Department of Energy (DOE) said the regulations would require furnaces to achieve an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% by 2029, meaning that non-condensing gas furnaces, which are generally less efficient but cheaper, would be largely taken off the market1. The regulations would also require consumers who replace their non-condensing furnace with a condensing furnace after the rule is implemented to face hefty installation costs1.

The DOE has made energy efficiency standards a central part of its climate agenda since Biden took office, boasting that it has taken more than 110 actions on appliances in 2022 alone3. The agency has unveiled new standards for a wide variety of other appliances, including water heaters, gas stoves, clothes washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers23456. The regulations are expected to save Americans $570 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2.4 billion metric tons over the next 30 years, according to the DOE2.

However, consumer groups and experts have criticized the administration over its aggressive energy efficiency campaign, arguing that the new regulations will reduce consumer choice and increase costs for Americans23. The regulations could ultimately be counterproductive, as they may lead to more expensive household appliances that are far less effective than current models, according to energy experts and manufacturers3.

Key facts:

• The Biden administration has announced its latest regulatory action targeting home appliances, this time targeting popular home gas-powered furnaces, according to a report by Fox News1.
• The regulations would require furnaces to achieve an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% by 2029, meaning that non-condensing gas furnaces, which are generally less efficient but cheaper, would be largely taken off the market1.
• The DOE has made energy efficiency standards a central part of its climate agenda since Biden took office, boasting that it has taken more than 110 actions on appliances in 2022 alone3.
• The agency has unveiled new standards for a wide variety of other appliances, including water heaters, gas stoves, clothes washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers23456.
• The regulations are expected to save Americans $570 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2.4 billion metric tons over the next 30 years, according to the DOE2.
• Consumer groups and experts have criticized the administration over its aggressive energy efficiency campaign, arguing that the new regulations will reduce consumer choice and increase costs for Americans23.