Federal regulations will mean more expensive furnaces

LEAWOOD, Kan. - As furnaces are turned on for the first time this year, you may not know that some new rules for heating your home are about to begin. The federal regulations may have an impact on your bank account.

Leawood, Kan., homeowner Roxanne Powers had her furnace checked out Friday night. The machine is going on ten years old, and pretty soon furnaces like the Powers' can no longer be sold in 30 states -- including Kansas and Missouri.

The Powers' furnace is 80 percent efficient, but new regulations from the U.S. Department of Energy will require 90 percent efficiency. That rule kicks in May 1, 2013.

"Some people are trying to get in and get an 80 percent before they can't get it any longer," said LBA heating service technician Bill Thomas.

He said the new models will cost between $1,000 and $1,500 more than older furnaces.

Thomas said they're built differently and will take up more space. But the benefits include using less gas and electricity.

Powers said when the time come to replace her furnace, she will be able to see past the sticker price.

"Maybe in the long run, if you're saving efficiencies, it's probably worthwhile," she said.

Southern states also face new regulations in May, except for air conditioning units. The overall goal is for more energy efficiency.