Attention Townhouse Owners—New Energy Regulations Will Involve Extra Expenses!

Effective May of 2013, the Department of Energy requires all replacement furnaces in Minnesota must meet minimum efficiency of 90% + AFUE. For townhouse owners, this could involve significant expenses.

Burnsville, Mn (I-Newswire) March 19, 2013 - Burnsville, Minnesota-Effective May of 2013, the Department of Energy requires all replacement furnaces in Minnesota must meet minimum efficiency of 90% + AFUE. If a townhouse is older than 10 years, replacing the Standard furnace with these new energy efficient furnaces requires PVC venting to an exterior wall of a townhouse. This could require extensive and costly remodeling because of common townhouse walls.

Standard Townhouse Efficiency Furnaces

How can a townhouse owner know if their townhouse has a standardized furnace? Here are a few clues: If the townhouse currently has a metal chimney, it is probably has a standard efficiency furnace. If the utility room is in the middle of the home with no PVC venting to an outside wall, it is a standard efficiency furnace.

What are the Options for Townhouse Owners?

Craig Angell, from Angell Aired in Burnsville, Minnesota explained several options. “While upgrading to a higher 90% + AFUE furnace will provide energy savings, the equipment and the remodeling to outside venting will mitigate some of the energy savings. Until May of 2013, townhouse owners can still purchase a standardized furnace. This could be an upgrade to the current furnace in their townhouse. After May of 2013, this option will no longer exist for the townhouse owner.”

Townhouse owners are advised to check out the status of their current furnace to determine if their furnace will require replacement. If a townhouse owner needs more information about this upcoming regulation by the Department of Energy, they can contact Craig Angell at Angell Aire, 952-746-5200.