What does the new efficiency standard for gas furnaces mean to home owners?
A new national minimum energy performance standard for gas furnaces will come into effect on December 31, 2009. Gas furnaces for most residential applications manufactured as of that date must have a minimum fuel efficiency level of 90% AFUE. The final Regulation evolved over many years of consultation with stakeholders – including manufacturers, distributors and contractors in the heating industry as well as utilities and provincial governments. It was published in the Canada Gazette Part II, on December 24, 2008, after a 75 day public review and comment period. It applies to gas-fired central forced air furnaces that use propane or natural gas, but does not include furnaces for mobile homes or recreational vehicles. This new level of efficiency is achieved primarily through “condensing technology”. Therefore, these furnaces are commonly referred to as condensing gas furnaces. They typically use a larger heat exchanger to condense the water vapour in the exhaust gas, thereby extractin
