Press Releases and Statements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Stuart Saulters
American Public Gas Association 
Phone: 202-802-0493
Email: ssaulters@apga.org

APGA Deeply Concerned by DOE’s Action to Ban Common Consumer Furnaces

Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2023) – Today, the American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing more than 730 local, municipally owned natural gas systems in 38 states, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) finalization of its rule pertaining to Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Furnaces. This rule establishes a new minimum efficiency standard for gas-fired residential furnaces, creating a de facto ban of non-condensing furnace technology. 

“APGA is extremely disappointed that the Department of Energy (DOE) has once again finalized a new minimum efficiency standard for residential gas furnaces that will directly harm consumers and undermine energy efficiency and emissions reductions. The rule wrongfully drives costly fuel switching, as it bans a popular appliance technology — non-condensing furnaces — from the market. Without access to this technology, many consumers will be forced to replace their furnaces with costly retrofits, if even possible, or switch to electric alternatives. This policy is especially concerning for vulnerable, underserved communities, potentially forcing them to shift to electric furnaces, which are less affordable and efficient than the direct use of natural gas.

APGA is a strong supporter of energy efficiency, and we are encouraged by data indicating that the current furnace market already enables consumers to opt for higher efficiency condensing furnaces when suitable. However, APGA continues to be concerned that DOE’s recent appliance efficiency rulemakings are not being driven by sound science, transparent analysis, and sufficient economic justification — unintentionally harming Americans instead. To address this issue, DOE should acknowledge that condensing and non-condensing furnaces require separate product classes, each with its own efficiency standard, to ensure that consumers can continue to have access to the appliances that best fit their homes, needs and budgets."