DOE Confirms No Change to Furnace Fan Efficiency Standards in Latest Determination

On October 18, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its final decision regarding the energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans, concluding that no amendments are necessary. This decision results from a thorough six-year review mandated by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which requires DOE to evaluate whether the existing standards should be updated based on technological advancements, cost-effectiveness, and potential energy savings.

The DOE's review focused on whether more stringent standards for furnace fans would be economically justified and result in significant energy savings. After assessing the data, DOE determined that the current standards, which have been in place since July 2019, remain appropriate and do not need revision.

The current standards set forth specific energy consumption limits, measured by the fan energy rating (FER), which ensures that furnace fans efficiently circulate air through residential ductwork while minimizing electricity use. These rules apply to various furnace types, including non-weatherized, mobile home, gas, oil, and electric furnaces.

The DOE’s decision to maintain the current standards reflects that increased requirements must be technologically feasible and economically justified. EPCA requires that the DOE review the FER rating again in three years because the efficiency standard was not increased.