Energy Efficient Residential Gas Furnaces

Natural gas meets almost one-fourth of the United States' energy needs. With the price of energy on the rise, the American Gas Association (AGA) has recognized a growing concern and need for residential homes to be kept warm and safe in the future.

The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents 200 local energy utility companies that deliver natural gas to more than 64 million homes, businesses and industries throughout the United States. A total of 69 million residential, commercial and industrial customers receive natural gas in the US, and AGA's members’ deliver 92 percent of all natural gas provided by the nation's natural gas utilities. AGA is an advocate for natural gas utility companies and their customers and provides a broad range of programs and services for member natural gas pipelines, marketers, gatherers, international natural gas companies and industry associates.

The American Gas Association overwhelmingly approved of the final rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) for residential furnaces and boilers. The rule is the result of a long process that will ultimately give the end consumer the choice of energy-efficient, cost-effective, natural gas central furnaces and boilers.

“This rule underscores DOE’s understanding that consumers who live in warmer climates should not have to pay the additional costs for central heating equipment that, in the long run, will not pay for itself through energy-efficient savings,” said Charles Fritts, AGA Vice President, Government Relations. “In fact, an unreasonably high efficiency requirement could cause the unwanted and unsafe consequence of consumers attempting to repair equipment rather than replace it with a cost-prohibitive newer system.”

The Department of Energy has been researching and compiling an in-depth analysis for technical feasibility and economic justification of the new minimum efficiency requirements designated by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings that will go into effect in 2015. It has been concluded the new requirements will raise the minimum requirements from two to five AFUE percentage points, so typical natural gas furnaces must meet a minimum of 80 AFUE and natural gas boilers will be at 82 AFUE. These new requirements may not seem to be a drastic change; however, they represent a balanced and sensible approach to safety and efficiency concerns with regard to central heating equipment, natural gas furnaces and boilers.

“This new rule balances consumers’ pocketbooks with safety and increased energy efficiency—a win-win situation for everyone,” Charles Fritts concluded at the end of the announcement.

Of course, energy companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation keep informed of any new rules the American Gas Association approves issued by the Department of Energy. The result of the study and rule will give consumers a more cost-effective and efficient way of receiving natural gas. And in the end the energy companies will continue to supply their customers with what is needed.