The new furnace efficiency standards set for 2013 will require more efficient furnaces to be installed in new construction and when existing furnaces are replaced. The requirements vary based on home region, with stricter efficiency standards for heaters in colder climates and stricter efficiency standards for air conditioning in warmer climates. Indianans will see changes to efficiency requirements for heaters, while air conditioning efficiency will remain at current levels.
The requirements for residential weatherized furnaces and residential air conditioners and heat pumps take effect Jan. 1, while non-weatherized furnace standards are set for May 1.
Indiana, as part of the Northern Region, will be required to have 90 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for non-weatherized furnaces. The AFUE represents the average thermal efficiency of the unit over the heating season. For a gas furnace, a 90 percent AFUE unit puts out 90 BTUs of heating for every 100 BTUs of natural gas input.
Air conditioning standards in the Northern Region aren't as strict. The requirements for homes in Indiana are the same as the current national minimum standard, 13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), cooling output.
Heat pumps have a national minimum requirement of 14 SEER and 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF); there are no regional variances.
These new furnace efficiency standards do not mean you need to replace your current system immediately. However, if you plan on replacing your furnace in 2013, you'll need to ensure that you purchase or have installed a system that meets the 90 percent AFUE standard for non-weatherized furnaces. If you decide to replace your system, the higher AFUE also will help your budget by reducing your energy bills. Other ways to lower your heating bills include keeping your furnace properly maintained. Annual fall furnace tune-ups will save energy, money, keep your home comfortable and keep your system functioning longer.
For more information about furnace efficiency standards and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been serving the Fort Wayne area since 1963.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace efficiency standards and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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