Energy conservation in home furnaces

Abstract

This paper considers the economic attractiveness of improving the design of new furnaces and modifying existing furnaces to raise their efficiency. Engineering field studies and laboratory tests have shown that even new furnaces waste a substantial portion of the energy in the heating oil or natural gas that they burn. It is concluded that improving the efficiency of new and existing furnaces is not only technically feasible but highly economical. Fuel use reductions of 10–15% are achievable by measures that will pay for themselves in a few years. These design improvements have been understood in principle for years, but have not been put to use because consumers are unable to verify efficiency claims and will therefore not pay a higher price for higher efficiency. Several policies are proposed that would create incentives which would lead to the adoption of more efficient designs. Such policies are necessary if we are to utilize the technological capabilities that are available.