Energy Department Wins Furnace Testing Battle Against Industry
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy confirmed that the new test for commercial warm air furnaces, called the TE2 test, is official and will be enforced starting July 3, 2023. This affects manufacturers who must now follow this test to prove their furnaces meet energy rules. The decision means companies need to update how they test their products, which could impact costs and product designs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
TE2 Test Rule Confirmed July 3, 2023
The Department of Energy confirmed the TE2 test procedure for commercial warm air furnaces is effective July 3, 2023. Manufacturers must use DOE test procedures as the basis for certifying compliance with DOE energy conservation requirements.
Measured Efficiency Can Change by Up to 4.5%
DOE found the industry test could miss up to a 4.5% difference in measured efficiency compared to the TE2 (appendix B) test. For example, a furnace that tests at 81% efficiency under the industry test could measure between 77.5% and 82% under the TE2 test, and DOE previously estimated a 1% efficiency change corresponded to about $284 in average life-cycle consumer savings.
Makes Product Efficiency Differentiation Possible
DOE says the industry test does not let manufacturers show advantages from features like well-insulated jackets, because models with different jacket losses can get the same advertised efficiency. The TE2 (appendix B) test includes jacket losses so manufacturers with better-insulated models can differentiate their products.
Appendix B Use Not Required Until Standards Compliance
DOE states that manufacturers would not be required to use the appendix B (TE2) test procedure until the compliance date of any amended energy conservation standards based on the new representative average use cycle, if and when DOE adopts such standards.
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