Residential Furnace Fans
A furnace fan is an electrically-powered device used in residential buildings for the purposes of circulating air through duct work. A furnace fan consists of a fan motor and its controls, an impeller, and a housing, typically as an assembly incorporated in a residential central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) product.
On June 25, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a new standard for furnace fans that will save approximately 3.99 quads of energy, reduce harmful carbon pollution by up to 34 million metric tons – equivalent to the annual electricity use of 4.7 million homes – and save Americans over $9 billion in home electricity bills through 2030.
Recent Updates | Standards | Test Procedures | Waiver, Exception, and Exemption Information | Statutory Authority | Historical Information | Contact Information
DOE published a final rule technical correction regarding test procedures for consumer products for furnace fans. 79 FR 37937 (July 3, 2014) For more information, please see the rulemaking page.
DOE published a final rule regarding energy conservation standards for residential furnace fans. 79 FR 38129 (July 3, 2014) For more information, please see the rulemaking page.
Standards for Residential Furnace Fans
The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for residential furnace fans. The text is not an official reproduction of the Code of Federal Regulations and should not be used for legal research or citation.
Amended Standard
Residential furnace fans incorporated in the products listed in Table 1 and manufactured on and after July 3, 2019, shall have a fan energy rating (FER) value that meets or is less than the following standards:
| Table 1. Standards for Covered Residential Furnace Fans* Effective July 3, 2019. |
| Product Class |
FER** (Watts/cfm) |
| Non-Weatherized, Non-Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (NWG-NC) |
FER = 0.044 x QMax + 182 |
| Non-Weatherized, Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (NWG-C) |
FER = 0.044 x QMax + 195 |
| Weatherized Non-Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (WG-NC) |
FER = 0.044 x QMax + 199 |
| Non-Weatherized, Non-Condensing Oil Furnace Fan (NWO-NC) |
FER = 0.071 x QMax + 382 |
| Non-Weatherized Electric Furnace / Modular Blower Fan (NWEF/NWMB) |
FER = 0.044 x QMax + 165 |
| Mobile Home Non-Weatherized, Non-Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (MH-NWG-NC) |
FER = 0.071 x QMax + 222 |
| Mobile Home Non-Weatherized, Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (MH-NWG-C) |
FER = 0.071 x QMax + 240 |
| Mobile Home Electric Furnace / Modular Blower Fan (MH-EF/MB) |
FER = 0.044 x QMax + 101 |
| Mobile Home Non-Weatherized Oil Furnace Fan (MH-NWO) |
Reserved |
| Mobile Home Weatherized Gas Furnace Fan (MH-WG)** |
Reserved |
* Furnace fans incorporated into hydronic air handlers, SDHV modular blowers, SDHV electric furnaces, and CAC/HP indoor units are not subject to the standards listed in this table.
** QMax is the airflow, in cfm, at the maximum airflow-control setting measured using the final DOE test procedure at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix AA.
After a regulatory action has been completed, Exective Order 12866 requires agencies to identify the substantive changes between the draft submitted to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review and the action subsequently announced, and to identify those changes made at the suggestions or recommendation of OIRA.- OIRA Compare Document (coming soon)
DOE published a final rule to establish test procedures for measuring the electrical consumption for electrically-powered devices used in weatherized and non-weatherized gas, oil and electric furnaces and modular blowers to circulate air through ductwork. This final rule establishes procedures that will take effect on February 3, 2014. These procedures will be mandatory for product testing to demonstrate compliance with future energy standards and for representations starting 180 days after publication.
Because there are no energy conservation standards or test procedures for furnace fans, the provisions of 10 CFR Part 430 and Part 1003 that apply to waivers, exceptions, state exemptions to Federal pre-emption, and small business exemptions are not relevant.
The current energy conservation standards for furnace fans are mandated by Part A, the "Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). (42 U.S.C. § 6291–6309) These appliances are treated as "covered products" under Part A. (42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D))
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles, covering major household appliances. The Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 2005 amended EPCA to give DOE authority to regulate the energy efficiency of the use of electricity for purposes of circulating air through duct work of residential heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (furnace fans). DOE has initiated a rulemaking to consider new energy conservation standards or energy use standards for furnace fans.
In addition, EPCA directs DOE to establish test procedures for new covered products, such as furnace fans. (42 U.S.C. 6295(r)) Finally, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 amended EPCA to require that any new or amended energy conservation standard adopted after July 1, 2010, shall address standby mode and off mode energy use pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o). (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)) For these reasons, DOE has initiated a furnace fan test procedure rulemaking.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
residential_furnace_fans@ee.doe.gov
