The DOE is looking to increase energy efficiency requirements for commercial boilers sold in the U.S., according to a recently filed notice of proposed rulemaking. The proposed standards, which will go into effect three years after the new rule is finalized, would raise minimum efficiency levels to 81-88% depending on the specific type and fuel requirements of the boiler.
Building owners and managers will see benefits from the new rule, with the agency’s analysis showing positive average LCC savings and a payback period shorter than the equipment’s life for all classes of boilers. Additionally, the DOE notes that the proposed standard would cut energy consumption by 0.39 quadrillion BTUs, save consumers around $0.4-$1.6 billion, and eliminate 22 million tons of CO2 emissions over the course of its 30-year life.
