Fossil Fuel Groups Beg DOE to Slow Down Heater Efficiency Rules
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy got a request from gas and propane groups to change the deadlines for new energy-saving rules on commercial water heaters and home furnaces. DOE wants your thoughts on whether to approve this and possibly update the rules. If you care about energy bills or equipment deadlines, now’s the time to speak up before May 27, 2026!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Request to Delay Equipment Deadlines
DOE received a petition asking to move the compliance date for commercial water heaters from October 6, 2026 and for consumer furnaces from December 18, 2028 to at least January 1, 2030. DOE is asking for public comment on that petition by May 27, 2026.
Non-Condensing Furnaces Market Share Threatened
The petition notes non-condensing furnaces make up about 55% of the U.S. market and says the consumer furnace rule would effectively ban manufacturing of non-condensing furnaces after the compliance date (December 18, 2028). The petition says removal of those furnaces would force costly home renovations or elimination of gas heating.
Seniors Face Possible Higher Costs
DOE's data cited in the petition says 30% of senior-only households would be negatively impacted by the consumer furnace standard. The consumer furnace compliance date cited is December 18, 2028.
Low-Income Households Disproportionately Hit
The petition states that 26% of low-income households would be negatively affected by the consumer furnace standard. The petition argues extending compliance dates would help energy affordability for these households.
Small Businesses May Face Higher Costs
DOE's petition text says 27% of small business consumers would be negatively affected by the consumer furnace standard. Petitioners asked DOE to delay the consumer furnace compliance date (currently December 18, 2028).
Mobile-Home Furnace Users Affected
The petition states that 39% of consumers with mobile home gas furnaces would be negatively affected by the consumer furnace standard. The petition requests changing the compliance timing to at least January 1, 2030.
Stated Fuel Cost Differences
The petition cites DOE data that households using natural gas for heating, cooking, and clothes drying save an average of $1,030 per year versus homes using electricity for those uses. The petition also says natural gas is about 3.5 times more affordable than electricity and electricity is 1.4 times more expensive than propane.
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