New energy-efficiency standards proposed for gas furnaces

Today, the Department of Energy proposed to phase out the most inefficient gas furnaces, triggering a 60 day public comment period. 

The Department of Energy estimates that the proposed efficiency standard for furnaces—potentially the first meaningful update in 35 years—would cut carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons — the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit each year. The standard also would reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, which cause asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.

“Turning up the heat in our homes doesn’t have to mean turning up levels of pollution,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of Environment America’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy. “If these efficiency standards get approved, heating our homes will get a whole lot cleaner.”