80% Furnace Phase Out

Starting May 1, 2013, a new regulation, proposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and approved by Congress will be put in place.

St. Louis (I-Newswire) October 2, 2012 - The new regulation will require homeowners to install 90%+ efficient furnaces, making 80% efficient furnaces obsolete in our area. The DOE split the country into three regions. Missouri and Illinois are included in the Northern region. The minimum efficiency (AFUE rating) for a furnace in our area will go from 80% to 90%.

While this regulation results in more efficient furnaces and lower monthly gas bills, 90%+ furnaces are not always the best option for all homeowners. In some home configurations, it is nearly impossible to install the PVC venting that is required with 90%+ furnaces. The DOE might make waivers available, but to date, we have no information concerning waiver availability. That is why we, along with other HVAC organizations and contractors are protesting the DOE’s new regulation for our area and doing what we can so homeowners in our area have a choice for the best option available for their home and family.

What homeowners need to do is:

1.Weigh the cost of the energy savings between an 80% and 90%+ furnace.

2.Calculate possible additional installation costs required to install a 90%+ furnace against the energy savings of an 80% furnace.

3.Have one of our estimators come to your home to see what modifications, if any, would be required to install a 90%+ furnace. Types of installations that might require modifications would be: furnaces in closets, attics, apartments, condos and finished basements.

4.Through combustion, 90%+ furnaces produce water. If your furnace is currently installed in an unconditioned space, you may have to make special modifications to the area to keep it above freezing.

5.Furnace manufacturers will be adjusting their inventory and a possible shortage of 80% furnaces closer to May 1, 2013 may be a possibility.

If you’re unsure, or have a home where it might be difficult to run the PVC flue piping required for a 90%+ efficient furnace, now is the time to look at replacing your existing furnace. Whether you want to replace your furnace with an 80% or 90%+ new furnace now is the time! Right now, you can take advantage of Carrier’s Factory Rebate and save up to $1,350. Plus, Carrier has several great financing options, some of the best we’ve seen in recent years! See if you qualify for 0% financing for 36 months or financing for 72 months! You also might be eligible for rebates from the utility companies. For a free estimate on a new furnace, or any new equipment, please contact us.