Federal Register · checked weekly

Rules that change your house

Efficiency standards, refrigerant rules, tax credits and safety standards decide what you can buy and what a replacement costs. Each explainer says what the rule does, its status and dates, and links the Federal Register documents.

Department of EnergyThe 2029 water heater efficiency standard

Final rule in effect (effective July 5, 2024); compliance required from May 6, 2029.

Newest Federal Register document: 2024-07-23 Department of EnergyThe withdrawn tankless gas water heater rule

Withdrawn May 20, 2025 (Congressional Review Act disapproval).

Newest Federal Register document: 2025-05-20 Department of EnergyThe 95% AFUE gas furnace standard (December 2028)

Final rule in effect; compliance from December 18, 2028. Petition to amend the compliance date open for comment (April 27, 2026).

Newest Federal Register document: 2026-04-27 Department of EnergyFurnace fan efficiency rules

Existing standards unchanged; request for information (May 16, 2025) open for future revision.

Newest Federal Register document: 2025-05-16 Environmental Protection AgencyR-410A to R-454B: the AC refrigerant transition

In effect, as amended by the May 26, 2026 final rule (effective July 27, 2026).

Newest Federal Register document: 2026-05-26 Internal Revenue ServiceThe 25C home improvement tax credit ended with 2025

Ended for improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS, checked 2026-10-05).

Newest Federal Register document: 2024-10-25 Department of EnergySEER2 and HSPF2: how AC and heat pumps are rated

Test procedure in effect; SCORE/SHORE not required yet. Certain enforcement provisions delayed one year (September 9, 2025).

Newest Federal Register document: 2025-09-09 Environmental Protection AgencyLead dust standards for older homes

In effect since January 13, 2025 (corrections published December 16, 2024 and July 9, 2025).

Newest Federal Register document: 2025-07-09 Consumer Product Safety CommissionThe dresser tip-over safety standard

In effect since May 24, 2023.

Newest Federal Register document: 2026-01-30 Department of EnergyClothes washer efficiency and water standards

Direct final rule effective July 15, 2024 (compliance March 1, 2028); proposed rescission of water-use standards (May 16, 2025) pending.

Newest Federal Register document: 2025-05-16