Effective May 1, 2013 the new Department of Energy Regional Efficiency Standards take effect. On the surface it sounds real simple and as it is, like a good idea.

What it means is that in northern states, (Ohio & Michigan) manufacturers, distributors and contractors will no longer be able to ship, sell or install any gas furnace that is less than 90% efficient.

The push to reduce energy consumption is vital, but like all changes sometimes hard to make, so planning becomes very important.

The new high efficient gas furnaces are condensing, this means there is water going through it. So if you
have an old inefficient furnace located in an attic, garage or some other unconditioned (un-heated) space you have to decide.

Replace it now with a new 80% efficient furnace while you can and kick the problem down the road
Build walls or relocated the furnace to a heated area when you replace it

The Department of Energy Regional Efficiency Standards do not allow for supplier and contractors to build large inventories and sell them off. There will be no grace period, after May 1, 2013 there will be no sales or installations permitted.

In Toledo a new high efficient furnace is a great idea. Removing an old furnace can save you up to 40% in operating costs. This savings is not only good for your budget it also means you are using less energy to heat the same home, so you are wasting less and that is a good thing for us all.

The Toledo heating demand, the time your furnace actually runs, is well over 2,000 hours. That is a lot of time to operated at less than maximum efficiency. A high efficient furnace Toledo, can be up to 98% efficient.

So yes, the new Department of Energy Regional Efficiency Standard is coming. In most cases it will not be a big deal. In some cases however, it will mean an additional expense to relocate or protect the high efficient furnace from the freezing temperatures.

Like it or not, it will soon be the standard, so just get ready. Don’t wait, call us now for an estimate to replace your old furnace and start saving now. Call 419-472-2040.

Department of Energy Regional Efficiency Standards

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