Obama Administration's Department of Energy 
establishes "regional energy rules" for entire nation.  

Broad sweeping changes to US energy policy ignores needs of local homeowners. New rules for how and what may be purchased by homeowners go into effect in 2012 for some situations and in 2013 for all homeowners.  

Currently homeowners are allowed to choose from several energy efficiency options when installing or replacing their heating and cooling system. Depending upon the age, size, condition and other factors of the building the most cost effective solution to replacing the heating or cooling system can vary widely.  New D.O.E. rules ignore those variable factors and require a much more narrow choice for replacement.

The most significant change, and the one that will impact homeowners the greatest, is the elimination of 80% efficient gas and propane furnaces.  In many cases an 80% efficient furnace is the only financially viable option for replacement. New D.O.E. rules will require all fossil fuel (natural gas and propane) furnaces to be at least 90% efficient.

While on the surface this appears to be a reasonable requirement it fails to take into account the more demanding installation requirements of 90% and higher efficiency furnaces.  Many buildings will require major reconstruction to accommodate the new furnaces required by the new D.O.E. ruling. 

For many building owners the cost to replace their existing gas heating system will skyrocket as modifications required to permit installing a new 90%+ furnace can include removing basement ceilings, moving entire air duct systems, chimney modifications, and in some cases completely eliminating the availability of natural gas or propane as a heating option.  If this is the case converting to electric heat is the only option.  Should that be the case most buildings will require a complete upgrade of the electrical panels and sometimes even the service line into the building will need to be replaced.

Unfortunately this can make what was a simple, routine change-out of the home's furnace into a major reconstruction and adaptation for the occupants.  Many will find what was an affordable cost of homeownership has become a major financial burden that has few if any options.

While this is a worst case scenario that will affect a minority of those facing the need to replace their heating system - it is a real one.  For those that fall into this situation the fact they are no longer allowed to choose will mean they will have to deal with it.

We wholeheartedly recommend you have an inspection done to determine if you fall into the worst case situation before you need to deal with it.  Now you have a choice, soon you will not. 

Call your local heating professional and ask them to determine if your home will be able to adapt to the new D.O.E requirements should your heating system need to be replaced.  By doing this you will be in a better position to prepare and not be caught in an un-affordable and unpleasant situation.