Energy Dept Ditches Tricky Test for Warm Air Furnaces
Published Date: 10/7/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is dropping a complicated test for commercial warm air furnaces because it’s too tricky and doesn’t add enough value. Instead, these furnaces will keep using the simpler, existing test method. This change affects manufacturers and takes effect on December 7, 2026, making testing easier without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
DOE withdraws TE2 test (Appendix B)
DOE is removing 10 CFR part 431, subpart D, appendix B and the definition of “thermal efficiency two” effective December 7, 2026. DOE says appendix B (the TE2 test procedure) is withdrawn because its uncertain increase in representativeness does not outweigh the likely increase in test burden.
Appendix A remains required test
Commercial warm air furnaces will continue to be subject to the existing federal test procedure in 10 CFR part 431, subpart D, appendix A for certifying compliance and making efficiency representations; that requirement remains in place effective December 7, 2026.
TE2-based performance claims removed
Because DOE is removing the TE2 definition and appendix B effective December 7, 2026, manufacturers will no longer have the appendix B/TE2 test procedure available for optional performance representations based on TE2.
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