Dear Neighbor-
For better or worse, the Department of Energy’s new rules on the efficiency of heating equipment has been officially halted; for the foreseeable future, it would appear. Although a version of the new regulations has been pending for almost a decade, lawsuits and concerns from industry professionals have pushed enactment of the regulations back years. Finally, this year the DOE dropped the new standard completely and said it will start over using new studies.
What does this mean for the people of Whatcom County? It means that simpler, 80% efficient furnaces will be continue to be available. These appliances are currently the most common source of heat in our community, and a more affordable option for families that can’t afford the cost of upgrading to a higher efficiency model. Nevertheless, the higher efficiency models will continue increasing in popularity, especially with the rebates and tax credits available on many models. Although the upfront cost of these units is higher, they do decrease fuel use (and thus, utility bills), sometimes dramatically.
Thinking of replacing your old furnace? Or upgrading to a higher-efficiency model? If you have any questions or would like an estimate, give us a call, or fill in and submit the form to the right. I do all the estimates in person, so you won’t get a fancy salesman in a polo shirt. I’ll walk you through all the options and make sure we find the perfect equipment for your home and your family.
Warmly,
Ken Marr
