New Energy Standards for Heating and Cooling Systems will Reduce Pollution, Save Consumers Billions of Dollars

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Environment America

Environment America joined consumer, energy efficiency and environmental organizations in praising Secretary of Energy Steven Chu for finalizing stronger efficiency standards for heating and cooling systems. The standards, supported by manufacturers, consumer groups, energy efficiency organizations, and environmental groups, would reduce global warming pollution by 143 million tons over 30 years — the equivalent of taking one coal plant off line every year.

Based on DoE’s analysis, the new standards will provide significant benefits for the nation including:

Net consumer savings of about $18.7 billion over 30 years;

  • 156 billion kWh of electricity savings from the AC and heat pump standards over 30 years (roughly enough to power 8.7 million U.S. homes for a year);
  • 31 billion therms of natural gas savings from the furnace standard over 32 years (roughly enough to heat 2 out of 3 U.S. homes for one year); and,
  • CO2 emission savings of 143 million metric tons over 30 years (roughly equal to the amount emitted by 25 million cars in a year).

Over the past decade, state officials, frustrated by federal inaction and responding to public concern about the amount of energy wasted in heating and cooling systems, took action and adopted state standards for furnaces, air conditioners, and other heating and cooling equipment.

Emily Fischer, Energy Associate with Environment America, responded to the announcement: “The Department of Energy deserves tremendous credit for responding to the concern of state officials, recognizing the opportunity for energy savings in the heating and cooling of our homes and businesses, and ultimately adopting an effective national standard.  

“We look forward to working with Secretary Chu and others to ensure that these new standards are implemented in the ongoing effort to capture the amount of energy wasted by appliances, so that we can reduce pollution from burning fossil fuels and lower energy bills for home and business owners across the country.”