A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposal could increase energy-efficiency requirements for the average natural gas furnace in American homes, and it has spurred questions about consumer choice and affordability.

“By updating energy standards for many carbon-emitting appliances, such as home furnaces, the Biden Administration is working to save consumers money,” DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm said.

The proposed rule would require nonweatherized gas furnaces and those used in mobile homes to achieve an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 95%. 

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In other words, compliant furnaces would produce 95 Btu of heating for every 100 Btu of...