Furnace fan efficiency rules
Existing standards unchanged; request for information (May 16, 2025) open for future revision.
On October 18, 2024 DOE issued a final determination that the existing energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans do not need to be amended. On May 16, 2025 DOE published a request for information saying it is considering whether to revise those standards. No new furnace fan standard had been adopted when we checked.
What a furnace fan rule covers
The furnace fan is the blower that moves air through the ducts for both heating and, in most homes, cooling. Its standard is measured by fan energy rating (FER) under DOE’s test procedure, which DOE amended in April 2024.
What to do now
- Change the furnace filter on schedule; a clogged filter makes the blower work harder whatever its rating.
Federal Register documents
- 2024-10-18FR Doc. 2024-23907 · Final determination: furnace fan standards do not need to be amended.
- 2025-05-16FR Doc. 2025-08583 · Request for information on revising furnace fan standards.
A plain-language summary of public documents, not legal or tax advice. Rules in this area have changed several times since 2024; the dates above are the record. Report a change we missed.