It is not surprising that the US Department of Energy has taken measures to have the current annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating for HVAC equipment raised. Increasing HVAC efficiency standards is an important factor in reducing energy consumption of combustible heating equipment. However, in 2009, after working with leaders for the utilities and HVAC industries, the DOE raised minimum HVAC efficiency requirements from 78 AFUE to a minimum of 90 AFUE, but soon encountered unexpected problems.
In order for homeowners to be able to comply with these new higher HVAC efficiency standards, the only combustible heating equipment they would be able to install in their homes would be a condensing furnace. The condensing furnace is the only furnace capable of meeting this new higher standard, but the solution was not as simple as some people had hoped. While it is clear that a condensing furnace can certainly help reduce energy consumption and would also comply with the higher minimum requirements for HVAC efficiency, it would also mean that homeowners could face potentially expensive and challenging issues when trying to retrofit this type of system into their existing homes.
Unlike other types of combustible boilers or furnaces, the condensing furnace requires two separate heat exchangers as well as an entirely different kind of venting system. This means that some homeowners would face high costs trying to modify their homes in order to accept the new higher AFUE standards. Leaders in the HVAC sector argued before the courts that the implementation of these higher standards, which were to take effect in 2013, would be financially difficult for some homeowners. For now, the courts have made a ruling to delay implementation, but the case is still working its way through the legal system, so whether these new standards will be adopted in the future is not clear.
Fortunately, homeowners have an option of choosing efficient HVAC equipment, while also keeping installation costs affordable. Whether you want a new HVAC installation or you need repairs or other HVAC services, a leading HVAC contractor in your area will be able to help. Give your local heating and cooling contractor a call.