Court upholds national furnace efficiency standards

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals in DC upheld efficiency standards for gas-powered commercial water heaters and consumer furnaces that were finalized in 2023. The standards, slated to take effect in 2028, require certain gas furnaces to use fuel more efficiently.

The standards will require new furnaces to use about 15% less energy than today’s least efficient models. Canada has required similar efficiency levels since 2010, according to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. 

The environmental impacts of the rule are significant. By 2050, the furnace standards are expected to cut carbon pollution by an amount comparable to shutting down 24 gas power plants. Environment America advocated for the standards and joined others in celebrating when they were finalized. 

“The upheld efficiency standards will reduce pollution, save money and save lives,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America. “This ruling is welcome news for our planet and our health. The cleanest energy is the energy we never need to use in the first place.”

The court’s decision comes as some members of Congress aim to roll back energy efficiency standards more broadly. You can urge your member of Congress to stand up for energy efficiency by taking action below.