ACCA Fights DOE Ban on Non-Condensing Furnaces

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is fighting new Department of Energy (DOE) requirements on the efficiency of furnaces which will effectively eliminate non-condensing furnaces used by most builders and installers in our area by December of 2028.  The ACCA notes that according to the gas industry groups non-condensing furnaces make up roughly 55% of the market for natural gas furnaces nationwide and I believe that number would be significantly higher in the southern Texas area.  This would include replacement of furnaces for existing homes and could result in very high costs for replacement due to the difference in vent flue systems, in some cases the form factor of the equipment, or the need for use of an electric alternative where retrofit may not be possible.  This would also raise the cost of new construction as condensing furnace are much more expensive.  Condensing furnaces in our climate and area are typically only used where furnaces are placed inside a well-sealed building typically associated with foam insulation and sealed attic spaces.  For those who are concerned about the high cost of housing, this type of mandate drives higher construction and maintenance costs.  If you have an opinion on this, you should contact your representatives and express it.  For more information: Supreme Court asked to review non-condensing furnace ban: What it means for your business