2013 Federal Furnace Efficiency Law
On 5/1/2013 the minimum efficiency requirement for furnaces in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin will be 90% AFUE.
How does this affect you as a homeowner if you have a 80% AFUE furnace?
- Any furnace replacement and/or installation after 5/1/2013 will require a 90%+ AFUE furnace.
- 90%+ furnaces are condensing units, meaning they emit water vapor along with carbon dioxide in the flue gases which will rust the sheet metal piping that 80% furnaces are exhausted with. Due to the corrosion 90%+ furnaces require a new PVC flue to be installed.
- Depending on the location of the new 90%+ furnace; the PVC flue may be exposed in the interior of buildings and may require minor remodeling following the installation.
- A chimney liner may also be required at the time of the 90+ furnace installation for existing atmosheric venting water heating
for more info, go to the web address below:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/cacfurn_dfr_confirmation.pdf
You have from today until 5/1/2013 to replace your older 80% furnace with a new 80% furnace.
