The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on July 2 that traditional 80% efficient furnaces could no longer be installed after May 1, 2013. This new Regional Standards regulation would require (with a few exceptions) only high efficiency furnaces be installed in the Seattle / Tacoma area starting in May.
The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) formally petitioned DOE requesting an 18 month extension. The extension is requested in order to allow manufacturers to adjust manufacturing processes and clear inventory of 80% efficient furnaces.
While MM Comfort Systems encourages consumers to select and install high efficiency heating systems, we are uncomfortable with government mandates which impose significant additional cost on consumers. High efficiency furnaces are up to 60% more expensive than traditional furnaces. While this higher first cost is recovered over time through energy cost savings, not all consumers can afford the higher initial price tag.
