CEE Record Availability of Efficient Gas Furnaces

According to research performed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), 22% of available

residential gas furnace models are rated at or above 90% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Only 12% scored that high five years ago. Although the federally mandated minimum efficiency for gas furnaces is 78% AFUE, 90% AFUE is required for CEE to define it as “high-efficiency.” In its Residential Gas Heating Initiative of October 2002, CEE revised its performance levels, setting tiers at 90, 92, and 94% AFUE, allowing energy-efficiency programs to be tailored to specific climates. More information is available online at

www.cee1.org.