WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department today announced a new energy efficiency standard for furnace fans, the latest of eight finalized standards and nine proposed standards issued since the Climate Action Plan was announced last year. These efficiency standards cut carbon pollution and save American families and businesses money by saving energy. The new standard for furnace fans will help reduce harmful carbon pollution by up to 34 million metric tons – equivalent to the annual electricity use of 4.7 million homes – and save Americans over $9 billion in home electricity bills through 2030.
“Since the President announced the Climate Action Plan one year ago, the Energy Department has finalized a number of efficiency standards that are expected to save Americans over $60 billion and reduce carbon pollution by 340 million metric tons through 2030,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “These standards help Americans save money by saving energy while also protecting the environment. The Energy Department will continue to develop standards that move the U.S. closer to its low carbon future, while also protecting our kids’ health and slowing the effects of climate change.”
Since the beginning of the Administration, the Energy Department has finalized new efficiency standards for more than 30 household and commercial products, including dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters, which are estimated to save consumers over $450 billion through 2030. To build on this momentum, the Administration is committed continuing to establish new efficiency standards that – when combined with the progress already made through previously finalized standards – will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons in total by 2030, equal to more than a year’s carbon pollution from the entire U.S. electricity system.
Furnace fans are used to circulate air through ductwork in residential heating and cooling equipment. Last year, approximately 3 million furnace fans were shipped in the United States. A standard furnace fan for a 70,000 Btu per hour furnace consumes approximately 1,000 kilowatt-hours per year and this standard could reduce energy use by 46 percent.
Find more information the Energy Department’s commonsense energy efficiency standards HERE.
