Stronger efficiency standards for residential HVAC backed in agreement

October 14, 6:30 PMSeattle Energy Policy ExaminerJim DiPeso

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Map shows zones for governing HVAC agreement. Graphic Alliance to Save Energy

HVAC manufacturers, the California Energy Commission, and energy efficiency advocacy organizations signed an agreement October 13 supporting tougher federal efficiency standards for new home furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.

Between now and 2030, standards put in place under the agreement would save 3.7 quadrillion Btu, or "quads" of energy, nearly 4 percent of total U.S. energy consumption.

The average household would save $100 per year in energy costs. Heating and cooling typically account for about 40 percent of a household's monthly energy bill.

The signatories will submit the agreement to Congress and recommend its inclusion in legislation, and to the Department of Energy for adoption as a rule. The standards would take effect in 2013 for non-weatherized furnaces and 2015 for weatherized furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.

The agreement divides the United States into three zones (see map). For Washington and other northern states with long heating seasons, new gas-fired furnaces that are not weatherized would have to achieve an efficiency of 90 percent. The current federal standard is 78 percent.

For new homes, the agreement calls for amending federal law, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, to provide for 92 percent-efficient gas furnaces in the northern zone.