December 22, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Howard Newman, CEE Communications Director
617-589-3949, ext. 209

CEE Board approves air handler specification

A high-efficiency specification for the air handler in gas furnaces was approved by the CEE Board of Directors on Dec. 11, 2003. This new performance level will be used as a component of the Residential Gas Heating Initiative. It’s an optional, add-on specification relative to the AFUE levels for gas furnaces.

The air handler specification sets performance levels for the blower unit that moves air through a forced-air heating system. To qualify as an energy-efficient air handler, the unit must use 2 percent or less of the total annual energy (fuel energy plus electrical energy) consumed by the furnace.

On average, high-efficiency equipment can save an estimated 300-400 kWh during the heating season; another 200 kWh of savings might be realized during the cooling season (if the same blower is used for an air conditioning unit).

This new air handler specification applies only to furnaces that meet the CEE's Tier 1 fuel efficiency specification (90 percent AFUE). Power use for air handling represents 70-80 percent of the electricity drawn by furnaces. Improved air handling systems can include motors with greater efficiency and fans that are more aerodynamically efficient. In addition, other available technologies offer both higher energy efficiency as well as other non-energy benefits, such as better temperature control and quieter operation.

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