Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for Residential Furnaces and Boilers, 12875-12914 [2015-03619]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12875-12914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03619]



[[Page 12875]]

Vol. 80

Wednesday,

No. 47

March 11, 2015

Part III





 Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for 
Residential Furnaces and Boilers; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 12876]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024]
RIN 1904-AC79


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test 
Procedures for Residential Furnaces and Boilers

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public 
meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its 
test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers established under 
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This rulemaking will fulfill 
DOE's obligation to review its test procedures for covered products at 
least once every seven years. The proposed rule generally considers 
revisions based on the latest industry standards incorporated by 
reference, clarifications to the set-up and methodology, as well as new 
procedures for verification of the design requirements for certain 
categories of boilers and for estimating electrical consumption of 
furnaces and boilers. DOE is also announcing a public meeting to 
discuss and receive comments on issues presented in this test procedure 
rulemaking.

DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday March 26, 
2015 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be 
broadcast as a webinar. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' for 
webinar registration information, participant instructions, and 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
    Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding 
this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public 
meeting, but no later than May 26, 2015. See section V, ``Public 
Participation,'' for details.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585. To attend, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at 
(202) 586-2945. Persons may also attend the public meeting via webinar. 
For more information, refer to section V, ``Public Participation,'' 
section near the end of this notice.
    Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments using the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Alternatively, 
interested parties may submit comments, by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: ResFurnBoilers2013TP0008@ee.doe.gov Include the 
docket number EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 and/or RIN 1904-AC79 in the subject 
line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, 
Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special 
characters or any form of encryption.
     Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all 
items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC, 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
    No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the 
rulemaking process, see section V of this document (Public 
Participation).
    Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov, 
including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and 
transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All 
documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. 
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly 
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024. This Web 
page contains a link to the docket for this notice of proposed 
rulemaking on the www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web 
page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, 
including public comments, in the docket. See section V, ``Public 
Participation,'' for information on how to submit comments through 
www.regulations.gov.
    For further information on how to submit a comment, review other 
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting, 
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email: 
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC, 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-6590. Email: 
Ashley.Armstrong@ee.doe.gov.
    Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9507. Email: Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov.
    For information on how to submit or review public comments, contact 
Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-2945. Email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    DOE intends to incorporate by reference the following industry 
standards into 10 CFR part 430: ASTM-D2156--09 (Reapproved 2013).
    Copies of ASTM-D2156--09 can be obtained from the American Society 
of Testing and Materials (ASTM) at ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor 
Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, (877) 909-2786 
or (610) 832-9585, or go to https://www.astm.org.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Products Covered by the Proposed Rule
    B. Effective Date and Compliance Date for the Amended Test 
Procedure
    C. Proposed Test Procedure Amendments
    1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 From the 1993 Version to the 
2007 Version
    2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
    3. Electrical Consumption of Components
    4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
    5. Verification Test for Automatic Means for Adjusting the Water 
Temperature in Boilers
    6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft Factors
    7. AFUE Reporting Precision
    8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
    9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
    D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and Measurements
    E. Other Test Procedure Considerations
    1. Electrical Consumption for Modulating Products
    2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors
    3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To Replace ``Heat-Up'' and 
``Cool-Down'' Tests

[[Page 12877]]

    4. Calculation Simplification for Burner Cycling and Draft 
Losses
    5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
    6. Oversize Factor
    7. Boiler Supply and Return Water Temperatures
    8. Burner Operating Hours Determination
    9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration With ANSI Standards
    10. Harmonization of External Static Pressure Requirements
    11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/Boiler Efficiency 
Determination
    12. Test Procedure Scope
    13. Standby Mode and Off Mode
    14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics
    15. Test Burden
    16. Changes in Measured Energy Use
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
    A. Attendance at the Public Meeting
    B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak and Prepared 
General Statements for Distribution
    C. Conduct of the Public Meeting
    D. Submission of Comments
    E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Title III, Part B[hairsp]\1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation 
Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the Act''), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 
6291-6309, as codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to 
improve energy efficiency and established the Energy Conservation 
Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.\2\ These products 
include residential furnaces and boilers, the subject of this notice. 
(42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(5))
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
    \2\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical 
Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Public Law 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012).
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    Under EPCA, the energy conservation program generally consists of 
four parts: (1) Testing; (2) labeling; (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards; and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use as the basis for: (1) Certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted pursuant to EPCA, and (2) making other representations about 
the efficiency of those products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 42 U.S.C. 
6295(s)) Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to determine 
whether the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated 
under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
that DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA provides, in relevant part, that any test 
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably 
designed to produce test results which measure energy efficiency, 
energy use, or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product 
during a representative average use cycle or period of use, and shall 
not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test 
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test 
procedure would alter the product's measured energy efficiency as 
determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1))
    Further, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 
2007), Public Law 110-140, amended EPCA to require that at least once 
every 7 years, DOE must review test procedures for all covered products 
and either amend the test procedures (if the Secretary determines that 
amended test procedures would more accurately or fully comply with the 
requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) or publish a notice in the 
Federal Register of any determination not to amend a test procedure. 
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) Under this requirement, DOE must review the 
test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers not later than 
December 19, 2014 (i.e., 7 years after the publication of EISA 2007 on 
December 19, 2007). The final rule resulting from this rulemaking will 
satisfy this requirement.
    DOE's current energy conservation standards for residential 
furnaces and boilers are expressed as a minimum Annual Fuel Utilization 
Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE is an annualized fuel efficiency metric that 
accounts for fuel consumption in active, standby, and off modes. The 
following discussion provides a brief history of the rulemakings 
underlying the existing test procedure for residential furnaces and 
boilers.
    The existing DOE test procedure for determining the AFUE of 
residential furnaces and boilers is located at 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix N, Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption 
of Furnaces and Boilers. The existing DOE test procedure for 
residential furnaces and boilers was established by a final rule 
published in the Federal Register on May 12, 1997, and it incorporates 
by reference ASHRAE Standard 103-1993, Method of Testing for Annual 
Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and 
Boilers. 62 FR 26140, 26157 (incorporated by reference at 10 CFR 
430.3(f)(10)). On October 14, 1997 DOE published an interim final rule 
in the Federal Register to revise a provision concerning the insulation 
of the flue collector box in order to ensure the updated test procedure 
would not affect the measured AFUE of existing furnaces and boilers. 62 
FR 53508. This interim final rule was adopted without change in a final 
rule published in the Federal Register on February 24, 1998. 63 FR 
9390.
    On October 20, 2010 DOE amended its test procedure for furnaces and 
boilers to establish a method for measuring the electrical energy use 
in standby mode and off mode for gas- fired and oil-fired furnaces and 
boilers, as required by EISA 2007. 75 FR 64621. These test procedure 
amendments incorporated by reference, and were based primarily on, 
provisions of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 
Standard 62301 (First Edition), Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power. On December 31, 2012 DOE published a 
final rule in the Federal Register that updated the incorporation by 
reference of the standby mode and off mode test procedure provisions to 
refer to the latest edition of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 77 
FR 76831. On July 10, 2013, DOE published a final rule in the Federal 
Register that amended its test procedure for residential furnaces and 
boilers by adopting needed equations that allow manufacturers the 
option to omit the heat-up and cool-down tests and still generate a 
valid AFUE measurement. 78 FR 41265. On August 30, 2013, DOE published 
a correction to the July 10,

[[Page 12878]]

2013 final rule that rectified errors in the redesignations of affected 
subsections within section 10 of appendix N. 78 FR 53625.
    Most recently, on January 4, 2013, DOE published a request for 
information (RFI) in the Federal Register that sought comment and 
information on a variety of issues relating to the existing DOE 
residential furnace and boiler AFUE test method. 78 FR 675. Key issues 
discussed in the RFI include: (1) Test conditions impacting the AFUE 
metric; (2) test conditions impacting non-AFUE efficiency parameters; 
(3) the incorporation of a performance test to verify compliance with 
the design requirement that mandates the boiler must have a functioning 
automatic means for adjusting water temperature; (4) harmonization of 
standards; (5) reducing the test burden; (6) alternative methods for 
furnace/boiler efficiency determination; (7) scope of test procedure 
coverage; and (8) standby mode and off mode. By issuing the RFI, DOE 
began the process of fulfilling its obligation to periodically review 
its test procedures under 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A).

II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In this NOPR, DOE proposes to modify the existing DOE test 
procedure for residential furnaces and boilers to improve the 
consistency and accuracy of test results generated using the DOE test 
procedure and to reduce test burden. DOE's proposals in the NOPR are 
based on data collected during product testing, as well as public 
comment received on the January 2013 RFI. A summary of the data 
analysis is included in the furnace and boiler development testing 
report (``Testing Report'').\3\
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    \3\ U.S. Department of Energy--Office of Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy. Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: 
Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedure Rulemaking: Testing 
Report: Energy Efficiency Standards for Consumer Products: 
Residential Furnaces and Boilers (February 2015) (Available in 
Docket #EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 at https://www.regulations.gov).
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    In overview, DOE proposes to amend the residential furnaces and 
boilers test procedure by incorporating by reference ASHRAE Standard 
103-2007 (hereinafter referred to as ASHRAE 103-2007) in place of 
ASHRAE 103-1993, which currently is referenced in the existing test 
procedure. In addition, this notice proposes to adopt modifications 
that establish revised test procedures for two-stage and modulating 
products, as well as for boilers with long post-purge times that would 
not otherwise be included in the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 
Standard 103-2007.
    DOE also proposes to amend the test procedure to include: (1) 
Allowing the measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions 
during the steady-state test rather than requiring an additional 30 
minutes of testing after the steady-state conditions are established; 
(2) revised annual electricity consumption equations to account for 
additional electrical components; (3) revised test procedure references 
to ``manufacturer recommendations'' or ``manufacturer's instructions'' 
that do not explicitly identify the source of the recommendations or 
instructions; (4) a test protocol for determining the functionality of 
the automatic means for adjusting water temperature, (5) adopting a 
test method to indicate the absence or presence of airflow to determine 
whether the minimum default draft factor may be used; (6) revised 
required reporting precision for AFUE; (7) specifying testing 
requirements for units that are installed without a return duct, and 
(8) testing requirements for units with multiposition configurations. 
The specific proposed changes to the test procedure are presented at 
the end of this notice.
    In any rulemaking to amend a test procedure, DOE must determine to 
what extent, if any, the proposed test procedure would alter the 
measured efficiency of any covered product as determined under the 
existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) For residential 
furnaces and boilers, DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed 
test procedure amendments would have a de minimis impact on the 
products' measured efficiency.

III. Discussion

    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought input from interested parties 
on the following topics: (1) Test conditions impacting the AFUE metric; 
(2) test conditions impacting non-AFUE efficiency parameters; (3) the 
incorporation of a performance test to verify compliance with the 
design requirement that mandates the boiler must have a functioning 
automatic means for adjusting water temperature; (4) harmonization of 
standards; (5) reducing the test burden; (6) alternative methods for 
determining furnace/boiler efficiency; and (7) scope of test procedure 
coverage. 78 FR 675, 676-79 (Jan. 4, 2013). The following 14 interested 
parties submitted written comments: American Gas Association (AGA), 
National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), American Public Gas 
Association (APGA), Lennox Industries Inc.--PD&R (LII), United 
Technologies (UT) and Carrier (UT&C), Ingersoll Rand Residential 
Solutions (IRRS), Crown Boiler Company (CBC), U.S. Boiler Company 
(USBC), Energy Kinetics, Inc. (EKI), Rheem Manufacturing Company (RMC), 
the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), 
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Natural Resources Canada 
(NRCan), and Goodman Global, Inc. (GGI). Stakeholders provided comments 
on a range of issues, including those DOE identified in the January 
2013 RFI, as well as several other pertinent issues related to the 
proposed test procedure changes and also clarification and 
consideration of some additional opportunities for improvement. The 
following discussion addresses the specific topics and provides DOE's 
responses to stakeholder comments.

A. Products Covered by the Proposed Rule

    The proposed test procedure amendments cover those products that 
meet the definitions for residential furnaces and boilers, as codified 
in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.2, which defines a furnace as a 
product that: (1) Utilizes only single-phase electric current, or 
single-phase electric current or direct current (DC) in conjunction 
with natural gas, propane, or home heating oil; (2) is designed to be 
the principal heating source for the living space of a residence; (3) 
is not contained within the same cabinet with a central air conditioner 
whose rated cooling capacity is above 65,000 Btu per hour; (4) is an 
electric central furnace, electric boiler, forced-air central furnace, 
gravity central furnace, or low pressure steam or hot water boiler; and 
(5) has a heat input rate of less than 300,000 Btu per hour for 
electric boilers and low pressure steam or hot water boilers and less 
than 225,000 Btu per hour for forced-air central furnaces, gravity 
central furnaces, and electric central furnaces.\4\
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    \4\ The definition of ``Furnace'' currently in the CFR at 10 CFR 
430.2 mistakenly repeats the terms ``gravity central furnaces, and 
electric central furnaces'' at the end of the definition. In this 
NOPR, DOE proposes modifying the definition to correct this error 
and remove the duplicated language.
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    The definitions for the individual products covered in this test 
procedure, as codified in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.2, include: 
(1) An electric boiler is an electrically powered furnace designed to 
supply low pressure steam or hot water for space heating application. A 
low pressure steam boiler operates at or below 15 pounds per

[[Page 12879]]

square inch gauge (psig) steam pressure; a hot water boiler operates at 
or below 160 psig water pressure and 250[emsp14][deg]F water 
temperature; (2) an electric central furnace is a furnace that is 
designed to supply heat through a system of ducts with air as the 
heating medium, in which heat generated by one or more electric 
resistance heating elements is circulated by means of a fan or blower; 
(3) a forced air central furnace is a furnace that burns gas or oil and 
is designed to supply heat through a system of ducts with air as the 
heating medium. The heat generated by combustion of gas or oil is 
transferred to the air within a casing by conduction through heat 
exchange surfaces and is circulated through the duct system by means of 
a fan or blower; (4) a gravity central furnace is a gas-fueled furnace 
which depends primarily on natural convection for circulation of heated 
air and which is designed to be used in conjunction with a system of 
ducts; (5) A low pressure steam or hot water boiler is an electric, 
gas, or oil-burning furnace designed to supply low pressure steam or 
hot water for space heating applications. A low pressure steam boiler 
operates at or below 15 pounds psig steam pressure; a hot water boiler 
operates at or below 160 psig water pressure and 250[emsp14][deg]F 
water temperature; (6) a mobile home furnace is a direct vent furnace 
that is designed for use only in mobile homes; (7) an outdoor furnace 
or boiler is a furnace or boiler normally intended for installation 
out-of-doors or in an unheated space (such as an attic or a crawl 
space); and (8) a weatherized warm air furnace or boiler is a furnace 
or boiler designed for installation outdoors, approved for resistance 
to wind, rain, and snow, and supplied with its own venting system.

B. Effective Date and Compliance Date for the Amended Test Procedure

    This notice proposes amendments that would be made in 10 CFR 430.3, 
10 CFR 430.23, and in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N. Pursuant 
to 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2), effective 180 days after DOE prescribes or 
establishes a new or amended test procedure, manufacturers must make 
representations of energy efficiency, including certifications of 
compliance, using that new or amended test procedure.

C. Proposed Test Procedure Amendments

    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comments about improving the 
residential furnace and boiler test procedure's effectiveness in 
quantifying energy efficiency performance under typical field 
conditions. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). DOE identified opportunities 
to reduce variability, eliminate ambiguity, and address discrepancies 
between the test procedure and actual field conditions. DOE received 
input on a variety of issues, including: (1) Updating the incorporated 
ASHRAE Standard 103 from the 1993 version to the 2007 version; (2) 
measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions; (3) 
measurement of additional electrical consumption for modulating 
products and auxiliary components; (4) installation and operational 
manual reference; (5) verification test for automatic means for 
adjusting water temperature; (6) AFUE reporting precision; (7) oversize 
factor; (8) supply and return water temperature; (9) default factors, 
including draft, jacket loss, and seasonal factors; (10) calculation 
simplification for burner cycling and draft losses; (11) room ambient 
temperature and humidity ranges; (12) burner operating hours 
determination; (13) alignment of vent stack configuration with American 
National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards; (14) harmonization of 
pressure drop requirements; (15) alternative methods for determining 
the efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers; (16) the scope of 
the test procedure; and (17) full-fuel-cycle (FFC) energy metrics in 
the AFUE test. In addition, DOE considered: (18) Specifying ductwork 
requirements for units that are installed without a return duct and 
(19) specifying testing requirements for units with multiposition 
configurations. The proposed test procedure amendments are addressed in 
further detail immediately following.
1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 From the 1993 Version to the 2007 
Version
    The DOE test procedure for determining the AFUE of residential 
furnaces and boilers currently references industry test standard ASHRAE 
103-1993. The ASHRAE Standard 103-1982 test procedure was initially 
developed in 1982 based on the DOE test procedures for single-stage 
furnaces and boilers recommended by Kelly et al.\5\ ASHRAE 103 was 
revised in 1988 and again in 1993 to include test procedures for 
condensing units, for two-stage and modulating units, and for units 
employing a short post-purge period after the burner is shut off. In 
1998, ASHRAE organized Standard Project Committee (SPC) 103R to begin 
the revision process to ASHRAE 103-1993, which followed comments from 
the industry on the need to address some possible shortcomings of the 
standard based on user experiences. The 1993 ASHRAE Standard 103 was 
updated in 2007 (ASHRAE Standard 103-2007) to reflect product design 
improvements and other changes. Particular attention was given to the 
new classes of two-stage and modulating products, as well as products 
incorporating combustion chamber post-purge technology. The ASHRAE 
standard was also updated to reflect greater understanding of energy 
losses, as well as to incorporate changes to clarify nomenclature and 
definitions. In addition, the revisions included changes to parameters 
in appendix C of ASHRAE 103, impacting the determination of national 
average burner operating hours, average annual fuel energy consumption, 
and average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption for gas or 
oil furnaces and boilers.
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    \5\ Kelly, G.E., Chi, J., Kuklewicz, M.E., ``Recommended Testing 
and Calculation Procedures for Determining the Seasonal Performance 
of Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers,'' NBSIR 78-1543 (March 
1978).
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    DOE received several comments regarding updating its incorporation 
by reference of ASHRAE 103-2007 in the DOE test procedure. Lennox, 
NRDC, and NRCan responded in favor of adopting the 2007 version of 
ASHRAE 103 without requesting specific changes. Additionally, Goodman, 
Carrier, AHRI, and Ingersoll Rand requested that DOE consider adopting 
the newer version, but with some exceptions. Rheem expressed concerns 
about the adoption of specific provisions of ASHRAE 103-2007 that in 
their view would not be an improvement to the current version DOE has 
incorporated by reference. These comments are addressed in further 
detail subsequently.
    Lennox stated that the company generally supports incorporation by 
reference of the new version of the ASHRAE standard into the DOE test 
procedure. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) NRDC also supports the use of ASHRAE 
103-2007 to the extent that the standard is fully up-to-date and not 
controversial from a technical perspective. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1) 
NRCan also supports the use of ASHRAE 103-2007 and stated that Canada 
has already used it to update its oil-fired boiler regulations. (NRCan, 
No. 15 at p. 1) Goodman supports DOE's intent to update references to 
the most current edition of industry test procedures as well. Goodman 
also recommended better coordination between the development of DOE's 
and ASHRAE's test procedures to reduce the regulatory burden on

[[Page 12880]]

manufacturers. (Goodman, No. 16 at p. 2) Carrier agreed with the 
adoption of ASHRAE 103-2007, as long as it does not affect the measure 
of AFUE of existing furnaces and boilers. It added that DOE must 
maintain the exceptions allowed by ASHRAE 103-1993 because the burden 
of testing would increase significantly without the exceptions, while 
the effect on the result would be small. These exceptions include not 
needing to fully insulate the inducer and allowing for the 30-second 
post-purge of the inducer. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1)
    AHRI conditionally agreed with updating the test procedure based on 
ASHRAE 103-2007 but stated that DOE must try to avoid making changes 
just for the sake of making changes. AHRI also recommended DOE 
consider: (1) Not incorporating sections 11.4.9.11 and 11.4.9.12 of 
ASHRAE 103-2007 because those provisions add a consequential burden to 
manufacturers without an obvious benefit; and (2) that the table of 
Design Heating Requirements (DHR) (Table 8 in the 1993 edition) has 
been deleted from the 2007 version, and the associated calculations,\6\ 
which formerly used DHR values from that table, now rely solely on the 
oversize factor and heating capacity when operating under steady-state 
conditions (QOUT). AHRI stated that this change may have 
more of an effect on estimates of electric consumption than on the AFUE 
value. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2-3)
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    \6\ In ASHRAE 103-1993, in addition to being used in the 
calculations related to electricity use, DHR is also used in: (1) 
Calculating the oversize factor in section 11.4.8.3; (2) calculating 
EffySS,M in section 11.4.8.8; and, (3) calculating 
QOUT,M in section 11.4.8.10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ingersoll Rand acknowledged that on balance, adoption of ASHRAE 
103-2007 in its entirety would be an improvement over currently 
referenced ASHRAE 103-1993. However, in its comments, Ingersoll Rand 
identified changes made to the 2007 version that are troublesome and 
need further study, such as the change to the on/off timings of two-
stage and modulating products, which has been found to result in lower 
AFUE results for high-efficiency furnaces (90+ percent AFUE) and higher 
AFUE results for less-efficient furnaces (80+ percent AFUE). Ingersoll 
Rand also stated its view that the changes are significant enough 
require retesting and rerating of current equipment. In addition, the 
change to how DHR is determined would change the electrical usage 
calculation, which may require recalculating electrical usage estimates 
for all products and could result in delisting of many current Energy 
Star products. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 2)
    Rheem also commented on ASHRAE 103-2007 provisions. Rheem stated 
that Table 7 (Average Burner On-Time and Off-Time Per Cycle for 
Furnaces and Boilers) from ASHRAE 103-2007 should not be included in 
the DOE test procedure. Rheem believes that the ASHRAE 103-2007 method 
for calculating the on and off cycle times based on a calculated 
oversize factor has value, but that the calculation is flawed due to 
the assumption that the thermostat cycle response at 50-percent load, 
N50, is equal to 5 cycles per hour for furnaces (equations 
11.4.9.11 and 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 103-2007). (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 4) 
Rheem believes that there should be a significant difference between 
the high-fire cycle time and reduced-fire cycle time. Rheem presented 
data to support this statement. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 5)
    In addition, according to Rheem, the elimination of the requirement 
to test the efficiency at maximum input rate for multi-stage products 
would significantly reduce the burden on manufacturers. Rheem argued 
that currently, the efficiency at the maximum input rate has very 
little, if any, effect on the overall AFUE rating and is not 
representative of operation of the furnace in the field. Rheem stated 
that an AFUE metric for multi-stage products, that incorporates 
measured values at a reduced input that is close to the design load is 
a more appropriate representation of furnace operation in the average 
home. Rheem suggested that multi-stage products be tested at the lowest 
reduced input rate and the highest reduced input rate below 60 percent 
of furnace rated capacity.\7\ (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The 60 percent rate cited by Rheem represents the capacity 
required to meet the design house heating load when using an 
oversize factor of 0.7 (100%/(1 + 0.7) = 59%).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rheem highlighted that ASHRAE 103-2007 and ASHRAE 103-1993 allow an 
option to collect condensate over an additional three cycles (ASHRAE 
103-2007, section 9.8.5), but the standards do not sufficiently address 
the issue of variation of condensate flow at varying cycle rates. 
ASHRAE 103-2007 addresses variation within subsequent cycles at a 
single rate but does not address differences between cycle rates. 
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 6-7)
    In response to the stakeholder comments, DOE notes that results 
from testing to ASHRAE 103-2007 more accurately reflect the efficiency 
of two-stage/modulating models because the standard calculates the on/
off cycle times for such models, as opposed to ASHRAE 103-1993, which 
assigned fixed values to these parameters. When tested under the ASHRAE 
103-1993 test procedure, some two-stage/modulating units operate at 
reduced fire more than 95 percent of the time.\8\ Thus, under the test 
procedure calculations, such units operate similarly to a single-stage 
unit operating at the reduced input capacity of the unit. As a check 
for consistency, the AFUE of a two-stage/modulating unit operating 
entirely at reduced input, as determined using the single-stage 
calculation method, should be very similar to the actual AFUE of that 
unit, as determined using the two-stage/modulating calculation method. 
However, the two-stage and modulating calculation method in ASHRAE 103-
1993 can result in an AFUE of more than one percentage point higher 
than the AFUE resulting from the single-stage calculation method.\9\ 
The reason for this discrepancy is that ASHRAE 103-1993 assigns 
different on/off times to single-stage and two-stage/modulating units. 
ASHRAE 103-2007 resolves the inconsistency between the two calculation 
methods by calculating the on/off cycle times for two-stage/modulating 
units while maintaining fixed on/off times for single-stage equipment. 
The resulting two-stage and modulating on/off cycle times are closer to 
those specified for single-stage units, as one would expect based upon 
their operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Liu, Stanley, ``Proposed Revisions of Part of the Test 
Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in ASHRAE Standard 103-1993,'' 
NIST (September 2002).
    \9\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another calculation revision addressed by ASHRAE 103-2007 is the 
equation used for determining off-period losses. ASHRAE 103-1993 limits 
the post-purge period to three minutes after the burner is shut off, 
thereby producing inaccurate flue loss results for oil-fired boilers 
that require a post-purge time longer than three minutes. ASHRAE 103-
2007 addresses this issue by providing a calculation to account for 
greater flue losses for boilers with post-purge times longer than three 
minutes.
    Additionally, ASHRAE 103-2007 provisions allow calculating AFUE for 
two-stage and modulating products based on the reduced fuel input only 
when the balance point temperature (TC) value is less than 
or equal to 5[emsp14] [deg]F (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 11.4.8.4), which 
occurs when QOUT,R/QOUT is greater than 0.59. 
This is the case for all two-stage furnaces currently on the market and 
for some modulating models. The adoption of this ASHRAE 103-2007 
provision would allow testing of models that meet the balance point

[[Page 12881]]

provision using only the steady-state test at low fire for many two-
stage and modulating models, resulting in a reduction of test burden.
    Finally, ASHRAE 103-2007 improved the accuracy of the determination 
of national average burner operating hours (BOH), average annual fuel 
energy consumption (EF), and average annual auxiliary 
electrical energy consumption (EAE), especially for two-
stage and modulating products, based on a 2002 study from NIST.\10\ A 
2006 study \11\ showed that the main improvements to these parameters 
in the 2007 ASHRAE test procedure are: (a) The approach used to 
calculate the heat generated by the product's electrical components; 
(b) properly accounting for maximum and reduced operating modes; (c) 
the approach used to determine the design heating requirement; and (d) 
the approach for calculating on-time ratios for the product's 
electrical components. This study showed that these updates 
significantly increase the accuracy of the two-stage and modulating 
calculations so that they can be more comparable to single-stage 
results and field studies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Liu, Stanley, ``Proposed Revisions of Part of the Test 
Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in ASHRAE Standard 103-1993,'' 
NIST (September 2002).
    \11\ Lekov, A., V. Franco, and J. Lutz, ``Residential Two-Stage 
Gas Furnaces: Do They Save Energy?,'' Presented at 2006 ACEEE Summer 
Conference. LBNL (August 2006) (Available at: https://aceee.org/files/proceedings/2006/data/papers/SS06_Panel1_Paper16.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Burner operating hours account for the heat provided by the fuel 
and electrical components. In the calculation for the number of annual 
burner operating hours (BOHR and BOHM) for two-
stage and modulating furnaces (or boilers), respectively, the existing 
DOE test procedure estimates the BOHR and BOHM 
using heat provided by the fuel and electrical components, which are 
measured at the maximum operating mode only.\12\ In practice, two-stage 
and modulating furnaces (or boilers) operate most of the time in a 
reduced mode, which lengthens the product's hours of operation. To make 
the test procedure for two-stage and modulating products more 
representative of actual operating conditions, the existing DOE text 
procedure incorporates the factor R calculated as the ratio of the 
duration of on-time of two-stage or modulating products during actual 
usage to the duration of on-time of single-stage products. The factor R 
is not included in the ASHRAE 103-2007 test procedure, as heat provided 
from the electrical components is determined separately for the burner 
operating hours at the maximum, reduced, and modulating modes, which 
results in reducing the fraction of heat from the electricity 
components. By adopting ASHRAE 103-2007, the proposed DOE test 
procedure eliminates the factor R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ ``BOHR'' is defined as the national average 
number of burner operating hours at the reduced operating mode for 
furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage or step-modulating 
controls. ``BOHM'' is defined as the national average 
burner operating hours in the modulating mode for furnaces and 
boilers equipped with step-modulating controls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the current DOE test procedure calculates 
EF for two-stage and modulating products at the maximum 
operating mode only. In contrast, because the majority of the heating 
load is not delivered at the maximum input operating mode, ASHRAE 103-
2007 calculates EF for two-stage and modulating products by 
taking into account the fuel consumption at maximum, reduced, and 
modulating operating modes. This approach results in a more accurate 
calculation of EF for two-stage and modulating products. 
Under the existing test procedure, DHR is calculated as a step function 
of output capacity, which causes a small rise in the heating capacity 
to impact the calculated DHR value in a way that results in higher, 
calculated, energy consumption for more-efficient furnaces. This causes 
the current DOE test procedure methodology to not always be suitable 
for comparing furnace energy use. ASHRAE 103-2007 improves the 
calculation of the house heating load in the BOH calculations by 
replacing the DHR step function in the existing DOE test procedure with 
a linear function of the oversize factor and heating capacity when 
operating under steady-state conditions (QOUT). Lastly, the 
on-time ratios for the product's electrical components (yR 
and yP,R) are included in ASHRAE 103-2007 to more accurately 
represent the duration of the electrical components operating in 
reduced operating mode when calculating BOH and EAE.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ ``y'' is the ratio of blower or pump on-time to average 
burner on-time. ``yP'' is the ratio of induced or forced 
draft blower on-time to average burner on-time. ``yR'' 
and ``yP,R'' are the equivalent parameters at reduced 
operating mode.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In conclusion, DOE has tentatively decided to incorporate by 
reference ASHRAE 103-2007 with amendments as set forth in this 
rulemaking. DOE has tentatively concluded that ASHRAE 103-2007 offers 
significant improvements over ASHRAE 103-1993 through the changes made 
to the AFUE calculation method for two-stage/modulating products, for 
products with a post-purge period longer than 3 minutes, and for the 
determination of BOH, EF, and EAE parameters. In 
addition, the majority of stakeholders responded in favor of adopting 
the 2007 version of ASHRAE Standard 103. The incorporation by reference 
of ASHRAE 103-2007 requires removing from 10 CFR 430.3 the section 
exceptions to ASHRAE 103-2007 associated with the residential furnaces 
and boilers test procedure and the residential furnace fans test 
procedure. Accordingly, DOE proposes to include the product-specific 
section exceptions in the definitions section in the corresponding 
appendix of subpart B of 10 CFR 430, (i.e., appendix N for furnaces and 
boilers and appendix AA for furnace fans). Therefore, DOE proposes to 
revise section 2.2 of appendix N and section 2.3 of appendix AA of 
subpart B of 10 CFR 430 to include the product-specific section 
exceptions to ASHRAE 103-2007. DOE also proposes to modify the 
equations for determining BOH, EF, and EAE 
parameters adopted from ASHRAE 103-2007 to incorporate ignition power 
consumption, standby mode and off mode energy consumption, and electric 
components' useful heat parameter in the burner operating hours as a 
function of the installation location, all of which are incorporated 
into the current DOE test procedure.
2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
    DOE considered the possibility of reducing test burden by providing 
that the condensate mass can be measured during the establishment of 
steady-state conditions, rather than after steady-state has been 
achieved. Section 9.2 of both ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-2007 
requires that the measurement of condensate shall be conducted during 
the 30-minute period after steady-state conditions have been 
established. To reduce test burden, DOE proposes to allow for the 
measurement of condensate during the establishment of the steady-state 
conditions (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 9.1) rather than during a 30-
minute period after establishing steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 103-
2007, section 9.2). DOE investigated the difference in condensate mass 
collected and the rate of condensate production during the two separate 
periods (i.e., during the establishment of steady-state conditions and 
after steady-state conditions have been reached). Based on the 
comparison of the measurements, DOE has determined that there is no 
significant difference in the mass of condensate collected or the rate 
of condensate production during the two separate tests.

[[Page 12882]]

3. Electrical Consumption of Components
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE stated that it would consider 
amendments to account for the electrical consumption of additional 
components not already captured by the existing DOE test procedure. 78 
FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). Currently, the DOE residential furnace and 
boiler test procedure measures only the power supplied to the power 
burner motor, the ignition device, and the circulation pump. The 
existing DOE test procedure does not explicitly include other devices 
that use power during the active mode, such as the gas valve, safety 
and operating controls, and internal pumps used to maintain a minimum 
flow rate through the heat exchanger that do not function as system 
circulating pumps.
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comment on whether the 
boiler average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption 
calculations should include one system circulating pump and an 
additional pump (if present) that circulates water during burner 
operation, and how to address any electrical power consumption not 
already measured during the active mode. Id.
    AHRI commented that the electrical consumption of any internal 
circulating pump should be included in the test procedure. However, 
AHRI stated that in most designs, the operation of this internal 
circulating pump is directly tied to the operation of the burner (i.e., 
water must be flowing for the burner to fire). Thus, according to AHRI, 
it may be more appropriate to include the electrical consumption of the 
internal circulating pump in the ``BE'' term.\14\ (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 
5) NRCan also stated that the residential furnace and boiler test 
procedure provisions for electrical ratings should include all 
connected loads and ancillary components. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ The term BE means ``the circulating air fan or water pump 
electrical energy input rate at full load steady state operation'' 
(ASHRAE 103-2007, p. 51).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current DOE test procedure accounts for the power consumed by 
the ignition device, circulating pump, and power burner motors, but it 
does not account for the power used by other devices during the active 
mode (e.g., gas valve operation and safety and operating controls). In 
the January 2013 RFI, DOE stated its intent to consider including any 
electrical power consumption not already measured during the active 
mode, and requested comment on how to address electrical power 
consumption by these additional components. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 
2013).
    Lennox, Rheem, and AHRI did not support measuring additional 
electrical power consumption that is not already measured during the 
active mode. Lennox stated that manufacturers typically connect two 
power cords to their furnaces for efficiency testing, one for the 
blower motor and one for the rest of the furnace; therefore, all the 
significant electrical power consumption is being recorded. (Lennox, 
No. 6 at p. 3) Rheem commented that the manufacturer has already 
included the power consumed by the gas valve and safety operating 
controls in the measurement of electrical power to the burner (PE). 
Rheem categorized the control, inducer, and gas valve as components of 
the burner system. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended that DOE 
not address this issue, as power consumed by other devices during the 
active mode may already be measured. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) In 
contrast, Carrier recommended that all electrical power consumption 
needed to operate the appliance should be measured during active mode 
and included in the annual electrical consumption calculation. 
(Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2)
    DOE performed electrical measurements to investigate the presence 
of auxiliary electrical energy consumption not accounted for in the 
existing test procedure. DOE concluded that there is significant 
measureable auxiliary electricity consumption associated with 
components such as controls, gas valves, and additional pumps (if 
present), which is not captured by the specific methods of electrical 
measurement prescribed in the existing DOE test procedure. Therefore, 
DOE proposes to expand the electricity use equations and the applicable 
parameter definitions to specifically capture all active mode 
electricity use. In particular, DOE proposes to add two new terms to 
the calculations of EAE for single-stage, two-stage, and 
modulating products. The first new term (BES) accounts for a 
secondary boiler pump for units with such a device, and the second term 
(EO) represents electrical power not captured in the 
existing terms.\15\ If BE is determined by subtracting PE from the 
total measured power (or if PE is determined by subtracting BE from the 
total measured power), EO would be zero. DOE believes that 
these changes would introduce only a small additional testing burden 
because the total electricity consumption is often being captured 
during testing. In addition, EAE values already have to be 
recalculated due to ASHRAE 103-2007 changes; therefore, the proposed 
changes are not expected to introduce any additional burden in terms of 
recalculating and reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ The existing DOE test procedure includes five terms for 
determining electrical consumption: (1) BE, which is the electrical 
power to the circulating air blower or water pump; (2) PE, which is 
the electrical power to the burner; (3) PIG which is the 
electrical input to the interrupted ignition device, (4) 
PW,SB which is the standby mode power; and (5) 
PW,OFF which is the off mode power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE has tentatively concluded that the additional electrical 
components (secondary, pump, controls, and gas valve) represent a 
significant, measurable amount of the total electrical power. 
Therefore, DOE proposes to include electrical consumption of additional 
electrical components in the test procedure, as this would provide for 
a more accurate and complete measurement of the total electricity 
consumed by the furnaces and boilers.
4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
    The existing DOE test procedure specifies that the tested product 
is to be set up according to ``manufacturer's recommendations'' or 
``manufacturer's instructions.'' \16\ In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 
sought comment on whether the test procedure should specify that the 
tested product is set up according to recommended field settings as 
defined in the product's installation and operation (I&O) manual. 78 FR 
675, 677-78 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See sections 7.2.3.1, 7.2.3.2, 7.8, 8.3.3.2, and 8.4.1.1.2 
in ASHRAE 103-1993 for references to ``manufacturer's 
instructions''; see sections 7.2.2.2 and 8.4.1.1 in ASHRAE 103-1993 
for references to ``manufacturer's recommendations.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    APGA, Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, AHRI, and NRDC all agreed that DOE 
should consider changes to its furnaces and boilers test procedure to 
better account for recommended field settings for those products. APGA 
stated that DOE should test appliances according to field settings 
because setting up products in a manner inconsistent with recommended 
field guide settings raises safety concerns for the testing 
professional as well as future customers, and testing appliances in a 
manner inconsistent with recommended field guide settings may yield 
inaccurate data. According to APGA, appropriate installation procedures 
are important to ensure proper furnace/boiler performance, especially 
with vent configurations. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) Lennox also stated that 
the test procedure should be revised to specify that the tested product 
be set up according to recommended field settings, as defined in the 
product's

[[Page 12883]]

installation instructions or comparable documentation. (Lennox, No. 6 
at p. 2) AHRI agreed that this issue should be considered. AHRI stated 
that there are some test set-up specifications that would need to be 
clarified and that they will provide specific recommendations in a 
subsequent submittal.\17\ (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) NRDC stated that DOE 
should develop specifications that minimize the difference between test 
procedure conditions and field conditions, particularly for 
manufacturer-recommended settings for parameters like carbon dioxide 
(CO2), part-load motor efficiency, and use of pumps that are 
included as part of the product. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE has not 
received any additional information from AHRI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Carrier and Rheem offered specific instances in which manufacturer 
set-ups should be used in testing. Carrier specified that if a product 
has a unique and required set-up specified in the manufacturer's 
instructions such that the only way of using the product is as defined 
in the manufacturer's instructions, the DOE test procedure should allow 
for testing using these instructions. However, if the instructions for 
a unique set-up are merely optional for the use of a product, then the 
default should be to test per the DOE test procedure. (Carrier, No. 7 
at p. 2) Rheem commented that if the operation manual requires that the 
furnace should be set at a low-fire rate, it would be appropriate to 
make the same adjustment in the DOE test procedure for the AFUE test. 
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9)
    In response, DOE proposes changing the test procedure language to 
explicitly state that, where permitted by the test procedure, the 
testing recommendations should be drawn from the I&O manual shipped 
with the unit. The existing language (e.g., ``manufacturer 
recommendations'' or ``manufacturer instructions'') is vague and 
ambiguous and can lead to the use of ad hoc instructions derived solely 
for AFUE testing purposes. DOE believes the proposed language will 
increase the repeatability and reproducibility of the existing test 
procedure and will not result in additional test burden. In particular, 
in relation to Carrier's comments, DOE believes that the proposed 
provision will allow a product to be tested with its own primary, 
unique, and required set-up specified in the manufacturer's 
instructions, and that the language is clear that testing may not be 
done using any other optional set-ups that may be available in the 
manufacturer's I&O manual. It also clarifies that the information 
provided in an I&O manual would not trump any portion of the DOE test 
procedure provisions. Concerning Rheem's comment, the test procedure 
requires two-stage and modulating furnace and boilers to be tested at 
high-fire and low-fire rates unless specific criteria are met, 
regardless of the operational manual recommendations. DOE is also 
proposing specific instructions for parameters such as combustion 
airflow ratio (see proposed 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, 
sec. 7.3), and reduced fuel input rate (see proposed 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, appendix N, sec. 10.3), for instances where I&O 
recommendations are not provided. Further, DOE would clarify that when 
the DOE test procedure provisions and I&O manuals are not sufficient 
for testing a furnace or boiler, the manufacturer must request a test 
procedure waiver from DOE.
5. Verification Test for Automatic Means for Adjusting the Water 
Temperature in Boilers
    In 2008, DOE published a technical amendment to the 2007 furnace 
and boiler final rule to add design requirements for boilers consistent 
with the provisions of EISA 2007.\18\ 73 FR 43611 (July 28, 2008). 
These design requirements prohibit constant-burning pilot lights for 
gas-fired hot water boilers and gas-fired steam boilers, and require an 
automatic means for adjusting the water temperature for gas-fired hot 
water boilers, oil-fired hot water boilers, and electric hot water 
boilers (``automatic means''). The automatic means must automatically 
adjust the temperature of the water supplied by the boiler to ensure 
that an incremental change in inferred heat load produces a 
corresponding incremental change in the temperature of water supplied. 
For boilers that fire at a single input rate, the requirement that the 
boiler have an automatic means for adjusting water temperature may be 
satisfied by incorporating controls that allow the burner or heating 
element to fire only when the inferred heat load cannot be met by the 
residual heat of the water in the system. However, this prescriptive 
requirement lacks sufficient detail as to how a manufacturer may 
execute the control strategy for the means to be considered automatic. 
DOE reasons that the statute established these design requirements as a 
way to conserve energy, and DOE believes that proper functional testing 
will help to ensure these energy savings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ EISA 2007 mandated, starting September 1, 2012, that all 
gas, oil, and electric hot water boilers (excluding those equipped 
with a tankless domestic water heating coil) must be equipped with 
automatic means for adjusting the boiler water temperature (codified 
at 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(3)). This excludes boilers that are 
manufactured to operate without any need for electricity. 73 FR 
43611, 43613 (July 28, 2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment regarding any 
principles or tests currently used, or being considered for use, to 
evaluate whether a boiler design satisfies the automatic means 
requirement. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
    AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue. AHRI commented 
that the designs being used to comply with the automatic means 
requirement are so diverse that it is not possible to develop a test 
that could properly evaluate all these design solutions. It stated that 
any benefit from this concept is overwhelmed by its potential for 
controversy. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) NRCan provided a verification test 
it developed that is based on: (1) Identification of how the automatic 
control infers a change of load; (2) simulating a change to that 
variable; and (3) measuring the response from the control. (NRCan, No. 
15 at p. 5-6)
    DOE's RFI also sought comment on required inputs and types of 
technologies needed to project changes in demand, and the relationships 
between these inputs/technologies and supply temperature or pump/burner 
operation. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). DOE received no comments 
regarding the technologies and/or strategies used for adjusting the 
boiler supply water temperature based on inferred heat load. The 
following describes DOE's understanding of the technologies used to 
address the boiler design requirements.
    Outdoor Reset. The most prevalent technology for adjusting water 
temperature according to load is outdoor reset. Outdoor reset uses a 
simple outdoor temperature sensor, typically located on the north side 
of the home. Another sensor mounted at the boiler senses water 
temperature. A computer chip in the control system uses the outdoor 
temperature information to adjust the boiler's output by changing the 
boiler's supply water temperature. Some systems also employ a third 
internal room sensor to provide additional data for the control 
system.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ TJ's Plumbing and Heating, ``Weather-Responsive Controls 
(Outdoor Reset Controls)'' (2013) (Available at: https://www.tjsradiantheat.com/noteworthies/weather-responsive-controls/); 
Weil-McLain, ``WM-ODR Outdoor Reset Control Instruction Manual'' 
(Available at: https://www.weil-mclain.com/en/assets/pdf/outdoor_reset_controls_odr_manual.pdf); Tekmar, ``Outdoor Reset 
ARC'' (2008).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 12884]]

    Inferred Load. The adjustment of water temperature based on 
building load can also be achieved using software, rather than sensors, 
to predict the inferred heating load. Inferred heating load can be 
based on outdoor temperature information, thermostat demand patterns, 
indoor temperature information, or burner cycling and/or modulation 
patterns.\20\ Under this approach, microprocessor-based algorithms 
monitor thermostat activity to track how much heat the building 
requires and adjust the supply water temperature accordingly.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ AHRI, ``Residential Boilers Certification Program 
Operations Manual'' (Available at: https://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/Certification/OM%20pdfs/updated/RBLR%20OM-%202013.pdf). (Last accessed January 16, 2015).
    \21\ Hydrolevel Company, ``Fuel Smart Hydrostat Sales Sheet 
Three Function Control'' (Available at: https://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) (Last accessed January 16, 
2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thermal Pre-Purge. Thermal pre-purge is an automatic means that 
identifies the amount of residual heat available in the boiler 
following a call for heating. This strategy allows the pump to operate 
prior to the ignition of the burner.\22\ Following an ``off'' cycle, 
the boiler's control system determines how much latent heat is still 
available from the previous ``on'' cycle, and only activates the burner 
when the measured latent heat cannot meet the heating demand.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Tekmar, ``Boiler Post Purge'' (2012) (Last accessed January 
16, 2015).
    \23\ Hydrolevel Company, ``Fuel Smart Hydrostat Sales Sheet 
Three Function Control'' (Available at: https://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) (Last accessed January 16, 
2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on the overall comments and the provided draft test 
methodologies, DOE proposes the use of two test methods--one for 
single-stage boilers and one for two-stage/modulating boilers--for 
verification of the functionality of the automatic means for adjusting 
the water temperature supplied by a boiler. These test methods are 
independent of the AFUE test because the automatic means requirement is 
a design requirement and is not part of the minimum efficiency 
requirements. The draft testing methodologies provided by NRCan, as 
well as the California mechanical codes section for non-residential 
boilers,\24\ were used as bases for the proposed test methods. The 
proposed test methods can evaluate a variety of control strategies used 
to comply with the automatic means prescriptive requirement. The two 
separate tests have been developed to accommodate the various boiler 
control strategies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ California Energy Commission, ``Reference Appendices for 
the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and 
Non-residential Buildings'', p. 332, (Available at: https://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-400-2008-004/CEC-400-2008-004-CMF.PDF) (Last accessed January 16, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed previously, the requirement to incorporate an 
automatic means does not specify how a manufacturer must implement the 
automatic means. It only requires that an incremental change in 
inferred heat load produce a corresponding incremental change in heat 
output. Each of the proposed test methods allows for accommodation of 
technological advances in controls and designs and does not limit the 
innovation of this control type.
    The proposed test methods for automatic means verification would 
confirm whether the boiler heat output responds to a change in inferred 
heat load, thereby verifying the functionality of the automatic means. 
Specifically, the single-stage boiler test captures the delayed burner 
reaction following a call for heating when residual heat is present 
within the boiler. The two-stage/modulating test monitors water 
temperature settings from the inferential load controller and/or supply 
water temperature measurements to determine whether these values 
properly respond to changes in the inferred load. The proposed tests 
would be added to 10 CFR part 429.134.
6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft Factors
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested feedback on existing default 
draft factor values for furnaces and boilers. 78 FR 675, 676-77 (Jan. 
4, 2013). Existing draft factors, as specified in the test 
procedure,\25\ include the off-cycle draft factor for flue gas flow 
(DF) and the power burner draft factor (DP), the 
off-cycle draft factor for stack gas flow (DS), and the off-
cycle draft factor for stack gas flow without a stack damper 
(DS\O\). The existing DOE test procedure allows for the use 
of the default values for DF of 0.4 for furnaces and boilers 
with power burners and 1.0 for furnaces and boilers with atmospheric 
burners.\26\ The DOE test procedure also allows for DF to be 
assigned a value equal to DP, which is determined using 
optional testing.\27\ Also, for furnaces and boilers employing a power 
burner, if the measured DP is less than 0.1, then 
DP is set at 0.05 because, based on input by industry 
experts and DOE testing, the tracer gas test is often inaccurate at 
flows lower than a DP of 0.1.\28\ Under the existing DOE 
test procedure, when there is no airflow through the flue side of the 
heat exchanger in the off cycle, manufacturers may apply a minimum 
default draft factor (DF or DP) of 0.05.\29\ 
However, the existing test procedure does not provide a process to 
determine whether the tested model is designed with no measurable 
airflow through the combustion chamber and heat exchanger during the 
burner off-period. DOE sought comment on whether a minimum default 
draft factor may be applied at all, the conditions under which a 
minimum default draft factor may be applied, and how such conditions 
can be verified.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ Sections 11.2.9.9, 11.2.9.10, 11.2.10.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
    \26\ See Table 6 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
    \27\ Sections 8.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
    \28\ Section 11.6.4 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
    \29\ See section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993 (``On units whose 
design is such that there is absolutely no chance of airflow through 
the combustion chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is off, 
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.'') and section 9.7.4 of ASHRAE 
103-1993 (``On units having a design such that there is absolutely 
no chance of airflow through the combustion chamber and heat 
exchanger when the burner(s) is off, DF and DP may be set equal to 
0.05.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ingersoll Rand commented that testing burden can be reduced by 
improving draft factor default values. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 1) 
Rheem indicated that the default draft factor for furnaces should be 
lowered for today's furnaces. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem stated that 
for all furnaces, it uses a value for DF and DP 
of 0.05, although actual tested values may be lower. (Rheem, No. 12 at 
p.7) AHRI recommended that DOE reassess the default values for draft 
factors. AHRI also stated that information provided by their members 
indicates that the default draft factors are too high for current 
models of furnaces and boilers. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) Energy Kinetics 
also stated that the off-cycle draft factor may be reduced due to the 
use of draft-controlling devices, controls, and control strategies. 
(Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2)
    Lennox stated that the test procedure should specify the conditions 
under which it is appropriate to use the minimum default draft factor 
of 0.05, and also should include instructions explaining how to test 
for low or no flow through the heat exchanger. It added that furnaces 
designed with burners above the outlet of the heat exchanger/combustion 
air inducer usually have no flow through the heat exchanger and into 
the vent system. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) AHRI recommended that the test 
procedure should continue to use a minimum

[[Page 12885]]

default draft factor for products with restricted flueways. AHRI also 
requested that DOE consider identifying conditions under which the 
minimum default draft factor can be applied. AHRI additionally 
recommended that DOE consider revising the default draft factor value 
and reevaluating the tracer gas method, and it offered to provide 
information on some of these additional items based on experience 
obtained from their efficiency certification program.\30\ (AHRI, No. 13 
at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE has not 
received any additional information from AHRI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE tested several furnaces and boilers and used the measured mass 
flow rate to calculate DF. The calculated DF 
ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 for five tested furnace models and from 0.15 
to 1.00 for three tested boilers equipped with power burners or direct 
venting capabilities. DOE also analyzed data from manufacturer testing 
conducted in 2001 \31\ for 10 two-stage or modulating furnaces, which 
showed that DF varied from 0.05 to 0.22. Although it appears 
that the data support lower default factors for DF (i.e., 
the direction taken by ASHRAE), the development of entirely new default 
draft factors would require a larger representative sample than the 
data from the available test results. Therefore, DOE has tentatively 
concluded that the test data are not sufficient to support revising the 
default draft factors at this time. DOE did not receive comments from 
stakeholders regarding default values for DS and 
DS\O\. Neither ASHRAE 103-1993 nor ASHRAE 103-2007 explain 
the derivation of the fixed default values when provided for these 
terms. In cases where default values for DS and 
DS\O\ are not used, these values are dependent on 
DF, which, as discussed previously, DOE does not propose to 
change. Therefore, DOE tentatively proposes to adopt the default draft 
values as defined in ASHRAE 103-2007, which are unchanged from the 
existing DOE test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ Provided to DOE in 2002 by the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DOE recognizes that stakeholders have indicated that 
they are interested in the test procedure providing better direction as 
to how to determine whether a boiler model design and/or performance 
would qualify the boiler to use the minimum default draft factor of 
0.05 (i.e., for units with no airflow through the combustion chamber 
and heat exchanger).\32\ Two separate, but related, sections of the DOE 
test procedure address the conditions required for use of this minimum 
default draft factor. Specifically, section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993, 
which is incorporated by reference into the DOE test procedure for 
residential furnaces and boilers, states that ``on units whose design 
is such that there is absolutely no chance for airflow . . ., 
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.'' Similarly, 
section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-1993, which is also incorporated by 
reference in the DOE test procedure, states that ``for units designed 
with no measurable airflow . . ., DF and DP may 
be set equal to 0.05.'' DOE agrees that the existing DOE test procedure 
lacks specificity in terms of determining whether a boiler design 
allows for no measurable airflow through the combustion chamber and 
heat exchanger during the burner off-period. Without such details, it 
is unclear to DOE how the manufacturers of residential boilers 
determine whether a particular model satisfies this criterion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Verification of absolutely no flow through combustion 
chamber and heat exchanger is left to the discretion of ``the one 
testing'' (typically the manufacturer or testing agency), as set 
forth in sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-
2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upon further inquiry, it is DOE's understanding that the commonly 
used test to prove ``no flow'' is based on tracer gas testing and/or 
identification of designs that ensure no chance of airflow. However, 
experience with the tracer gas testing applied to these types of 
product designs indicates that the tracer gas method does not produce 
consistent and repeatable results for very low to no-flow conditions. 
In addition, DOE is not aware of any existing design characteristics 
that provide for ``absolutely'' no chance of airflow.
    DOE has not found a consistent and widely accepted test method to 
determine whether the use of the minimum default draft factor value is 
appropriate for a given model. To address this issue, DOE considered 
retaining the existing language in conjunction with the following 
methods:
    (a) Define design characteristics which ensure no flow through the 
combustion chamber and heat exchanger;
    (b) Use of commonly applied tracer gas method;
    (c) Smoke stick protocol; and
    (d) A combination of (b) and (c).
    DOE considered defining product design characteristics, such as 
downflow heat exchangers and availability of combustion intake dampers, 
which would be used for identifying products, which meet the 
requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103. However, DOE 
understands that identified design characteristics do not always 
guarantee that there will be no chance of measurable airflow through 
the combustion chamber and heat exchanger when the burner is off.
    DOE also considered the use of the existing tracer gas test. As 
addressed in the previous discussion, in instances where the measured 
DP is less than 0.1, DP can be set at 0.05. Based 
on testing experience, DOE understands that the tracer gas test is 
often inaccurate at flows lower than a DP of 0.1 and, 
therefore, may not provide clear evidence of the absence of flow.
    After considering the alternatives, DOE proposes to incorporate a 
test based on the use of a smoke stick. The proposed test protocol 
would establish the absence of flow through the heat exchanger using a 
smoke stick device for products designed with no measurable airflow. If 
the smoke from the stick passes by the combustion air intake without 
visual disturbance, then it indicates that there is no measurable 
airflow through the heat exchanger. If the smoke from the stick is 
visually induced into the combustion air intake, then it indicates that 
there is measurable airflow through the heat exchanger. The smoke stick 
test is not intended to quantify the volume of air moving through the 
heat exchanger. If the smoke stick test indicates that there is an 
absence of flow through the heat exchanger, the use of the minimum 
default factor would be allowed (per sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of 
incorporated ASHRAE Standard 103). In the event that the smoke stick 
test indicates the presence of airflow, the use of the optional tracer 
gas test \33\ would be required for determining a draft factor value 
other than the default draft factor as specified in Table 6 of ASHRAE 
103-2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ Per sections 8.8.2 (Optional Tracer Gas Method for 
Determining Draft Factors DP and DF for 
Systems Equipped with Power Burners or Direct Vent) and 9.7 
(Optional Tracer Gas Method for Determining Draft Factors 
DP, DF, and DS for Systems Equipped 
with Power Burners or Direct Vent and Not Equipped with Stack 
Dampers) of ASHRAE 103-2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DOE proposes to include revisions to the incorporated 
requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007, 
specifically to accommodate the use of the smoke stick test and to 
eliminate use of the term ``absolutely'' in sections 8.8.3 and 9.7.4. 
See proposed sections 7.12, 8.10, and 8.11 of 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix N for the detailed test protocol and language revisions.

[[Page 12886]]

7. AFUE Reporting Precision
    DOE's existing furnaces and boilers test procedure specifies that 
the AFUE rating be rounded to the nearest whole percentage point (see 
10 CFR 430.23(n)(2)). In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on 
how much precision is statistically possible when reporting AFUE. 78 FR 
675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
    Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI commented that the AFUE rating 
should be reported to the nearest tenth of a percent. (Lennox, No. 6 at 
p. 3; Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9; AHRI, No. 13 at p. 
5) Rheem added that furnaces listed in the AHRI Directory report AFUE 
values at this level of specificity. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9) AHRI 
stated that rounding AFUE values to the nearest tenth of a percent has 
been common industry practice for furnaces and boilers, and it provides 
a sufficient level of accuracy to distinguish models that have 
different efficiencies. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5)
    DOE understands that reporting AFUE values to the nearest tenth of 
a percent has been common industry practice for furnaces and boilers. 
DOE agrees with stakeholders that reporting AFUE values to the nearest 
tenth of a percent will provide a sufficient level of precision to 
distinguish models that have different efficiencies. Therefore, DOE 
proposes to update the existing requirement for residential furnaces 
and boilers to report AFUE to the nearest tenth of a percentage point.
8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
    Section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103-1993, incorporated by reference in the 
existing DOE test procedure, specifies use of a return duct for all 
furnaces according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in section 7.2.1. During 
DOE's furnace and boiler testing, it was observed that there could be 
some ambiguity about testing requirements for units that manufacturers 
have designed to be installed without a return duct. To eliminate such 
ambiguity, DOE proposes to add a provision in the test procedure 
clarifying that the return (inlet) duct is not required during testing 
for units intended to be installed without a return duct, according to 
the manufacturer's I&O manual.
9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
    The current DOE test procedure does not specify the testing 
requirements for multiposition furnaces.\34\ During DOE's furnace and 
boiler testing, DOE observed ambiguity in testing requirements for 
multiposition furnaces, regarding which furnace orientation to use 
during testing and how to test the unit if there is no open inlet. 
Testing the furnace in different configurations (i.e., upflow, 
downflow, or horizontal) often results in different AFUE ratings. In 
addition, some multiposition furnaces might be shipped without an open 
inlet. Instead, there may be perforated metal cutouts blocking the 
inlet options that correspond to the available installation 
configurations. In some cases, DOE understands that testing facilities 
remove the blower access door and use it as an inlet instead of one of 
the inlet configurations, even though the DOE test procedure does not 
provide this option. Using the blower access door opening on sealed 
cabinets preserves the value of the test unit and reduces the length of 
the set-up time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ A multiposition furnace is a furnace that can be installed 
in more than one airflow configuration (e.g., upflow or horizontal; 
downflow or horizontal; and upflow, downflow or horizontal).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To reduce ambiguity, DOE proposes to require that multiposition 
furnaces be tested using, at a minimum, the least-efficient position. 
DOE is also expressly allowing manufacturers to test multiposition 
furnaces in other configurations in addition to the least efficient if 
they wish. DOE understands that currently, most multiposition models 
are already tested using multiple configurations because the existing 
DOE test procedure has different requirements and test setup for each 
configuration, which can result in different AFUE ratings. Therefore, 
DOE believes that in most cases, there would be no additional testing 
burden to the manufacturer associated with this clarification. DOE 
notes that, under this proposal, the manufacturer must either: (1) 
represent the efficiency of each of the various configurations using 
the AFUE of the least-efficient configuration and certify them pursuant 
to the requirements in 10 CFR part 429 or (2) test and certify the 
various configurations pursuant to the requirements in 10 CFR part 429.
    Regarding multiposition furnaces not shipped with an open inlet, 
DOE proposes to allow testing of the unit using only the blower access 
door. This testing approach allows the value of the test unit to be 
preserved and reduces the length of the set-up time.

D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and Measurements

    In the RFI, DOE requested comment as to whether the existing 
statistical variability of AFUE is acceptable. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 
2013). The statistical variability within the test procedure depends on 
the permissible variations in test conditions (room ambient 
temperature, return water temperature, and product hourly Btu nameplate 
input rating) and the existing equipment measurement error associated 
with the measurement of variables (such as firing rate, heating media 
temperatures, flow rates, fuel calorific value, weight of condensate, 
water flow and temperature, voltage, and flue gas composition). DOE 
sought comment and received input on whether the existing tolerance 
ranges for test conditions and statistical variability in the test 
procedure are acceptable or whether DOE should define different methods 
of measuring and recording such variables.
    The DOE test procedure allows for variations in certain test 
conditions. While these conditions do not directly impact the accuracy 
of the of the test method, they may impact the reproducibility of the 
AFUE results determined under the range of allowable test 
conditions.\35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ See section III.E.5 of this notice for an example of how 
reproducibility is affected by the allowed tolerances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rheem commented that the firing rate varies with run time; having a 
wider tolerance ensures that a sample furnace may be set at an 
appropriate rate at the beginning of a test and stay within the 
tolerance for the duration of the test. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7) Lennox 
added that any additional narrowing of the firing rate tolerance range 
from 2% could cause the product to drift out of range while 
conducting the steady-state, heat-up, and cyclic condensate collection 
tests. According to Lennox, variations in gas valve performance can 
cause gas manifold pressures to vary slightly over time while 
conducting the test, thereby affecting the firing rate. (Lennox, No. 6 
at p. 2) Several of the stakeholders reiterated that DOE should only 
consider changing tolerances if DOE has data supporting the change. 
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2, Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1, Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7, 
AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3) NRDC commented that permissible variations for 
tests can be used, from a positive perspective, to avoid the need to 
control arbitrary conditions in an overly tight or an overly expensive 
way, or they can be used, from a negative perspective, as a way of 
influencing the results by choosing the end of the tolerance range that 
gives the best AFUE. The commenter stated that DOE should review 
existing certifications to make sure that the latter is not happening, 
and tighten the permissible variation ranges if it is. (NRDC, No. 14 at 
p. 1) Other

[[Page 12887]]

stakeholders (NRCan, APGA, AHRI, Carrier, Lennox, Crown Boiler, APGA, 
and Energy Kinetics) also commented on this issue regarding specific 
variables, such as room ambient air conditions and boiler supply and 
return water temperature ranges.
    DOE has addressed room ambient air conditions and boiler supply and 
return water temperature ranges in sections III.E.5 and III.E.7 of this 
notice. For product hourly Btu nameplate input rating, DOE agrees with 
Lennox that the variation in gas valve performance does not allow 
further narrowing of the tolerance range. Additionally, there are no 
data to support such a change. Therefore, DOE has decided not to 
propose changes to the allowable tolerance range on firing rate because 
of the increased manufacturer burden.
    On the subject of the appropriateness of the existing test 
procedure tolerances on measured variables, AHRI, Rheem, Carrier, and 
Lennox all stated that they believe the existing tolerances for 
measured variables such as fuel calorific value, weight of condensate, 
water flow and temperature, voltage, flue gas composition, firing rate, 
heating media temperatures and flow rates, and ambient air temperatures 
are acceptable. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3; Rheem No. 12 at p. 7; Carrier, 
No. 7 at p. 1; Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2)
    To establish the overall uncertainty of the test procedure, DOE 
developed an analytical tool that determines the AFUE of residential 
furnaces and boilers based on ASHRAE 103-1993 provisions. The 
methodology applies Monte Carlo simulations that use distributions of 
values for all variables with defined measurement error. The tool is 
implemented as a computer spreadsheet with an add-on program to perform 
10,000 iterations of the simulation. The parameter uncertainty ranges 
were defined based on the tolerances specified in section 5 and section 
8.6.1.3 (jacket loss) of ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-2007, which are 
incorporated by reference or are proposed to be incorporated by 
reference, respectively, in the DOE test procedure.
    Table 1 provides a summary of the maximum standard deviations by 
product type, using the existing DOE test procedure. For the models 
tested, AFUE uncertainty ranged from 0.1 (for modulating condensing 
boilers) to 0.4 (for single-stage non-condensing boilers). Detailed 
results of the uncertainty analysis are presented in the Testing 
Report, which can be found in the docket for this rulemaking.

               Table 1--Uncertainty on AFUE by Product Type, Based on Existing DOE Test Procedure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Boilers                        Furnaces
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                  Control type                         Non-                            Non-
                                                    condensing      Condensing      condensing      Condensing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-stage (1)................................             0.4             0.2             0.3             0.3
Two-stage (2)...................................             0.2  ..............             0.3             0.3
Modulating (3)..................................  ..............             0.2             0.3             0.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on DOE's analysis of the uncertainty associated with AFUE and 
stakeholder input, DOE agrees that, overall, the tolerances as 
specified within the existing DOE test procedure (section 5 of 10 CFR 
part 430, subpart B, appendix N) allow for an acceptable level of 
uncertainty. Considering stakeholders' input, the lack of data 
supporting any other specific changes to the existing tolerances, and 
the results of the uncertainty analysis, DOE proposes no modifications 
to any of the measurement tolerances in the existing test procedure.

E. Other Test Procedure Considerations

1. Electrical Consumption for Modulating Products
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE considered incorporating a method to 
measure part-load efficiency for modulating products with variable-
speed motors. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). Modulating units are often 
equipped with electronically commutated motors that allow for variable-
speed operation of circulating blowers and pumps and combustion 
blowers. Motor efficiency changes as a function of partial loading 
(operation at speeds other than the nominal speed), which occurs as a 
result of a change in firing rate. These types of motors consume less 
energy when the product is functioning at lower speeds (i.e., reduced 
firing rates). However, for modulating units, ASHRAE 103-1993 and 
ASHRAE 103-2007 assume that motors always operate at the settings for 
the maximum input rate during the modulating mode. Including a method 
for determining the part-load electricity consumption into the total 
electricity consumption calculations for modulating equipment could 
improve the accuracy of the electricity consumption calculations for 
modulating products.
    Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI all opposed incorporating in the proposed 
test procedure a method for calculating part-load motor efficiency into 
its electricity consumption calculations. Carrier stated that motor 
efficiency is fairly constant within the useable operating range and 
that the benefits attendant to adding part-load efficiency provisions 
is not worth complicating the calculations. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2) 
Rheem commented that the existing test procedure does not assume a 
fixed motor efficiency: the EAE (average annual auxiliary 
electrical energy consumption) has always been a part-load efficiency 
descriptor because it applies to multistage products such as modulating 
furnaces. Rheem argued that expanding EAE to include four 
levels of operations, similar to the approach used by IEER,\36\ would 
require double the testing. Rheem does not believe that this added 
level of complexity would provide consumers with information that would 
help them to make more informed product purchase decisions. (Rheem, No. 
12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended DOE not consider the issue of part-load 
efficiency because the proposed approach would not provide a 
significantly improved consumption calculation, and would only amount 
to a minor change to an electrical consumption value that is already 
insignificant compared to the total furnace or boiler energy 
consumption. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox commented that incorporating 
an additional testing method beyond that in the incorporated ASHRAE 
103-2007 could impose an undue burden on manufacturers without 
providing a significant benefit to the customer, as the electrical 
consumption is a small

[[Page 12888]]

percentage of the overall energy consumption for a furnace, and even 
more so for furnaces that incorporate modulating power burners. 
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated that the test procedure should 
incorporate measurement of electrical energy used by power burners and 
circulating pumps in modulating appliances as part of a ``connected 
load'' during active mode testing, rather than developing and 
incorporating a new part-load motor efficiency calculation. (NRCan, No. 
15 at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) is a metric that 
integrates cooling part-load EER efficiency for commercial unitary 
air conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted 
operation at various load capacities for the equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Modifying the method to include part-load testing (in addition to 
the required testing at full and reduced-load operation) for 
determining the electricity consumption for modulating products would 
result in a minor improvement of the accuracy of the electricity 
consumption calculations. However, incorporating part-load electricity 
consumption testing for modulating products would require a significant 
amount of additional testing in the modulating mode of operation. 
Therefore, DOE has tentatively concluded that including additional 
provisions for part-load testing for modulating products would impose 
an undue burden on manufacturers without providing a significant 
benefit to the customer. Thus, DOE does not propose to modify the 
existing method for determining the electricity consumption for 
modulating products.
2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors
    DOE's January 2013 RFI also requested feedback on parameters that 
account for heat losses through the furnace or boiler jacket, 
including: (1) An overall jacket loss value (LJ), which is 
either assigned a value of 1.0 percent or determined in accordance with 
8.6 of ASHRAE 103-1993; and (2) the default factors that adjust the 
LJ based on installation location--jacket loss factor 
(CJ) and the factor that adjusts jacket losses measured in 
the laboratory to those that would be measured under outdoor design 
conditions (K).\37\ 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ See section 11.2.11 (CJ) and 11.2.8.1 (K) of 
ASHRAE 103-1993, which are incorporated by reference in the DOE test 
procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ingersoll Rand argued that the testing burden can be reduced by 
improving jacket loss default values. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 1) 
Rheem stated that the existing default jacket loss value is too high, 
and that a value more representative of the results of an actual jacket 
loss test may eliminate the need for this test. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) 
Rheem stated that testing of current production furnaces indicates 
jacket losses (LJ) in the range of 0.3 to 0.4, far below the 
default value of 1.0. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) AHRI also stated that the 
default jacket loss value for furnaces may be twice as high as the 
typical jacket loss of current models. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2)
    Several stakeholders indicated that applying the existing jacket 
loss default factors may result in an overestimation of the AFUE rating 
of furnaces and boilers. NRCan commented that the definition of the 
permitted default jacket loss value and jacket loss factors should be 
re-examined to ensure that jacket losses from furnaces and boilers are 
accurately calculated and reflect the way that those products are 
typically installed in residential applications. NRCan also stated that 
DOE should clarify and review the definitions for ``isolated combustion 
system,'' ``direct vent system,'' and ``systems intended to be 
installed indoors'' to ensure that the definitions unambiguously lead 
to and clearly identify the appropriate jacket loss factors for 
residential furnaces and boilers. In addition, NRCan stated that the 
jacket loss factor (CJ) for non-weatherized boilers should 
not be set to zero. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 2&3) NRDC suggested that DOE 
pursue conservatively chosen default factors, which would result in 
lower AFUE values that are more representative of the majority of real 
world situations. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1) Energy Kinetics indicated that 
steady-state jacket losses, which can range from 2 percent to 6 
percent, are not accounted for in the AFUE rating and, therefore, could 
encourage manufacturers to minimally insulate boilers, which may 
contribute to inflated AFUE values. Energy Kinetics stated that DOE, as 
demonstrated by its test procedure and energy conservation standard, 
assumes that these losses contribute to heating the home, but in most 
instances, boilers are not located within the heated living space, so 
jacket losses are efficiency losses. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2)
    DOE understands that determining jacket loss through testing 
presents a testing burden for manufacturers. The existing test 
procedure sets the default jacket loss value at 1 percent. Rheem and 
AHRI reported that the jacket losses determined through testing are 
about half the default value, which for non-weatherized furnaces 
represents an AFUE increase of up to 1.2 percent \38\ when using the 
measured value as compared to using the default value.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ According to Rheem's results, which report measured jacket 
losses averaging of 0.3 to 0.4 percent compared to the default value 
of 1 percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on available test data, DOE has tentatively concluded that 
changing the jacket loss default value would be inappropriate at this 
time. DOE tested a number of residential furnaces and boilers according 
to the test methods prescribed in section 7 of the DOE test procedure 
and used the resulting measurements to calculate LJ, which 
ranged from 0.360 to 0.776 for the five furnace models tested. The 2001 
manufacturer test data provided by NIST for 16 two-stage or modulating 
furnaces showed this value to range from 0.112 to 0.750. In DOE's view, 
there are not enough data to represent the more than 5,000 furnace and 
boiler models with diverse design characteristics currently on the 
market, and a larger, statistically representative market sample would 
be needed for DOE to consider such a major change. The preparation of 
such a sample would require a significant amount of manufacturer input 
that was not available for this notice. Therefore, DOE does not propose 
changing the existing default value for the jacket loss at this time.
    The existing DOE test procedure identifies default jacket loss 
factors CJ and K based on product type (non-weatherized 
furnaces, non-weatherized boilers, and weatherized furnaces and 
boilers) and the assumed intended installation location. NRCan, NRDC, 
and Energy Kinetics commented that the values for these factors should 
be reevaluated on the basis that installation location assumptions 
within the existing test procedure do not reflect the way that those 
products are typically installed in residential applications. (NRCan, 
No. 15 at pp. 2-3; NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1; Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 
2) The installation locations associated with each product type are as 
established by the statute \39\ and cannot be changed by DOE. 
Therefore, DOE is not proposing any changes to the existing default 
values for the jacket loss factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Under 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(20), ``[t]he term `annual fuel 
utilization efficiency' means the efficiency descriptor for furnaces 
and boilers, determined using test procedures prescribed under 
section 6293 of this title and based on the assumption that all--
    (A) weatherized warm air furnaces or boilers are located out-of-
doors;
    (B) warm air furnaces which are not weatherized are located 
indoors and all combustion and ventilation air is admitted through 
grills or ducts from the outdoors and does not communicate with air 
in the conditioned space; and
    (C) boilers which are not weatherized are located within the 
heated space.''

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[[Page 12889]]

3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To Replace ``Heat-Up'' and ``Cool-
Down'' Tests
    During the heat-up and cool-down tests, flue gas temperatures are 
measured at various time intervals throughout the test. These 
measurements are used when determining the impact of the cyclic 
conditions on AFUE. Several terms in the AFUE calculation are dependent 
on the measurements from the heat-up and cool-down tests. The use of 
default seasonal factors may reduce overall manufacturer test burden by 
making the ``heat-up'' and ``cool-down'' tests (and their associated 
calculations) unnecessary. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested input 
from stakeholders as to whether such default factors are a feasible 
alternative to testing and whether such factors correlate to the 
physical characteristics of the product. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
    AHRI recommended that DOE consider replacing the heat-up and cool-
down tests with default seasonal factors. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) Both 
Lennox and Rheem stated that they were in favor of replacing the heat-
up and cool-down tests with seasonal default factors to reduce the test 
burden. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 1; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Lennox agreed 
that the physical characteristics of the product may have a bearing on 
the heat-up and cool-down test values and their effect on the AFUE. 
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 1) Rheem suggested that data from the heat-up test 
show a difference between condensing and non-condensing furnaces in the 
calculated value of AFUE. In contrast, Rheem also stated that data from 
the cool-down test do not show a difference between condensing and non-
condensing furnaces and, in general, the cool-down test has a minimal 
effect on AFUE. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem recommended separate 
default values for CTON (heat-up temperature profile 
correction factor for the effect of cycling) and CTOFF 
(cool-down temperature profile correction factor for the effect of 
cycling) for both non-condensing and condensing products: 0.9 for 
CTON and 0.9 for CTOFF for non-condensing 
products, and 0.6 for CTON and 0.9 for CTOFF for 
condensing products. Rheem provided a statistical summary that showed 
low variability of cool-down and heat-up results in their testing and 
suggested DOE allow the use of default factors for CTON and 
CTOFF.
    In DOE's view, replacing CTON and CTOFF with 
default values would simplify the AFUE calculation. However, DOE cannot 
establish representative default values for CTON and 
CTOFF for all covered units based on data from only one 
manufacturer's products. Additionally, these two parameters are only 
two calculated values among several that depend on the time-temperature 
values measured during the cool-down and heat-up tests.\40\ Completely 
eliminating the heat-up and cool-down would require replacing all of 
these values with default values. Therefore, DOE tentatively concludes 
that it cannot justify replacing the heat-up and cool-down tests with 
default factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ Section 8.0 of Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430, which 
refers to ASHRAE 103-1993, sections 9.5, 9.6; and section 10 of 
Appendix N, which refers to ASHRAE 103-1993, sections 11.2.9.4--
11.2.9.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Calculation Simplification for Burner Cycling and Draft Losses
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comment on whether 
simplifying the calculation for determining the burner cycling and 
draft losses used to compute seasonal efficiency is a viable 
alternative to testing, and whether or not such a simplification would 
result in a less precise assessment of the efficiency rating. 78 FR 
675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
    AHRI recommended that DOE try to simplify the calculation procedure 
for determining the burner cycling and draft losses. (AHRI, No. 13 at 
p. 2) Lennox likewise stated support for DOE's efforts in simplifying 
the calculation procedure for determining the burner cycling and draft 
losses. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) Rheem suggested that, based on the 
minimal variation in CTON and CTOFF, default 
values would be acceptable to use in place of performance testing. 
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 3) However, Rheem recommended that non-condensing 
and condensing products should have different default values for 
CTON. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 3)
    Although stakeholder comments indicate agreement with 
simplification of the calculation process, data are required to 
substantiate a change to the values. Given the lack of proposed 
simplifications and supporting data, DOE does not propose to simplify 
the calculation for determining the burner cycling and draft losses at 
this time.
5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
    The DOE test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers set 
forth in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, which currently 
incorporates by reference ASHRAE 103-1993, includes a steady-state and 
a cyclic condensate collection test for modulating and two-stage 
condensing furnaces and boilers. The amount of condensate produced, 
which captures the latent energy of the flue gases, is a major 
determinant of AFUE for condensing products but is sensitive to the 
humidity and temperature of the room ambient air. Under the existing 
DOE test procedure, the room temperature may not fall below 
65[emsp14][deg]F or exceed 100[emsp14][deg]F, except for condensing 
furnaces and boilers, for which the room temperature may not exceed 
85[emsp14][deg]F. Additionally, the existing test procedure specifies a 
maximum relative humidity limit of 80 percent. To improve the 
comparability of AFUE for models tested under different conditions 
within the allowable range of room ambient conditions, DOE considered 
revisions to these conditions as set forth in the current DOE test 
procedure. In particular, in the RFI, DOE requested comment as to the 
appropriateness of tightening the allowable room air temperature range. 
78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). Several stakeholders provided comments 
in response to this request.
    NRCan stated that the ambient room temperature tolerance for 
testing condensing furnaces should be tightened. NRCan stated that in 
the DOE test procedure for water heaters, the ambient air temperature 
is required to be maintained between 65.0[emsp14][deg]F and 
70.0[emsp14][deg]F (18.3 [deg]C and 21.1 [deg]C) on a continuous basis. 
An ambient temperature range from 65[emsp14][deg]F to 85[emsp14][deg]F, 
as currently permitted for condensing furnaces and boilers, might be 
too wide, resulting in greater variation of AFUE for models tested 
under different temperature conditions. (NRCan, No. 15 at p 1-2) APGA 
stated that a furnace test may produce higher AFUE results during a hot 
summer day; to aid customers in comparing products, the testing 
conditions (with regards to ambient air temperature) should be similar. 
(APGA, No. 5 at p. 2)
    Carrier supported consideration of a narrower window for allowable 
room air temperature range, provided that the low temperature limit is 
not increased above 65[emsp14][deg]F. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1) AHRI 
commented that the topic merits consideration but also that DOE must 
recognize that any tightening of the range may either require test 
facility changes to control temperature or limit a manufacturer to 
conducting this test only during certain times of the year when the 
outside ambient conditions allow the test facility to be within the 
specified range. AHRI suggested that if DOE's inclination is to tighten 
this range, this consideration should include the option of a 
mathematical correction to adjust results when a test is conducted with 
the room temperature

[[Page 12890]]

outside the specified range. (AHRI, No.13 at p. 3)
    Lennox similarly commented that tightening the allowable ambient 
air temperature range may require some test facilities to implement 
test facility temperature control. In the case of non-condensing 
furnaces, this would prove costly and burdensome to manufacturers while 
providing little value to consumers, because AFUE is not significantly 
impacted by ambient room temperatures for such products. (Lennox, No. 6 
at p. 2)
    The AFUE of condensing boilers is also affected by room ambient 
humidity ratio because the amount of condensate produced depends in 
part on the moisture content of the ambient air: The higher the 
humidity ratio, the more condensate is available from which a boiler 
can extract heat. Crown Boiler stated that the current humidity limit 
significantly increases the amount of condensate a condensing boiler 
can collect compared to what is theoretically possible under typical 
operating conditions. Crown Boiler stated that most residential 
condensing boilers are designed so that they can be directly vented to 
outside the home; in addition, AFUE is currently calculated based on 
venting using outdoor air at a temperature assumed to be 
42[emsp14][deg]F. Based on this, in Crown Boiler's view, the upper 
limit for humidity for testing condensing boilers should be the 
humidity ratio at 100 percent relative humidity at 42[emsp14][deg]F. 
According to Crown Boiler, this equates to a room humidity of slightly 
more than 20 percent at the current maximum allowable 85[emsp14][deg]F 
ambient temperature. Limiting the relative humidity would help to 
ensure that the testing conditions accurately reflect the assumptions 
made in the test procedure calculations. However, Crown Boiler also 
stated that the decision to limit room humidity should not be taken 
lightly, as it could create a significant new test burden for 
manufacturers who may need to construct environmental chambers in order 
to continue performing AFUE testing during humid weather. Given the 
burden associated with restricting room humidity, Crown Boiler 
requested that even if such changes prove warranted for condensing 
boilers, DOE should not change the limitations for room humidity for 
furnaces or non-condensing boilers, unless there are data to justify 
such a change for these types of products. Crown Boiler stated that the 
imposition of this burden may be justified for condensing boilers in 
order to ensure that the energy performance is more accurately 
represented in the marketplace. Crown Boiler stated that it would also 
support the adoption of a computational technique for correcting 
results from testing done at higher relative humidity (RH) levels back 
to a standard RH that can be realistically expected in the field. 
(Crown Boiler, No. 9 at pp. 1-2)
    AHRI stated that DOE should give careful consideration before 
amending the DOE test procedure to specify a relative humidity range. 
AHRI also recommended that mathematical corrections should be taken 
into consideration in lieu of tightening the room air humidity range. 
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3)
    The stakeholder comments discussed two options for addressing the 
room ambient conditions during testing: (a) Introduce a mathematical 
correction methodology that normalizes condensate production during the 
AFUE test to a standard set of ambient conditions while retaining the 
existing ambient temperature ranges and (b) further restrict 
temperature and humidity ranges during testing.
    DOE investigated the impact of ambient conditions on AFUE of non-
condensing units by testing one non-condensing furnace and one non-
condensing boiler under several sets of ambient conditions. Based on 
the testing results, DOE concluded that the room ambient air 
temperature and humidity do not have a statistically significant impact 
on the AFUE of non-condensing furnaces and boilers. (See Testing 
Report.) Therefore, for non-condensing products, DOE has tentatively 
decided not to propose revisions to the existing ambient temperature 
and humidity ranges.
    To evaluate the impact of varying room ambient conditions on 
condensing product efficiency, DOE conducted eight separate AFUE tests 
on one modulating condensing boiler and one two-stage condensing 
furnace (four tests per unit) based on the existing DOE test procedure. 
For the tested furnace model, the AFUE difference between the tests 
conducted at varying ambient conditions shows that AFUE may vary as 
much as 2.3 percent. This variation in AFUE is greater than the 
uncertainty associated with the measurement error and is attributed to 
changes in ambient conditions between the tests. For the tested boiler 
model, the test results show that the AFUE of the tests conducted at 
varying ambient conditions are within the overall measurement 
uncertainty; therefore, the variation in AFUE cannot be attributed to 
changes in ambient conditions based on the data. The details of the 
test results can be found in the Testing Report.
    DOE investigated a computational method for normalizing condensate 
mass to a set of standard ambient conditions in order to limit the 
variability in reported AFUE from tests conducted at various ambient 
temperatures and humidity levels. To assess the validity of the 
normalization methodology, DOE utilized the test data from the eight 
AFUE tests performed at different temperature and humidity conditions.
    Applying the normalization approach to the test data resulted in 
significant differences in the calculated AFUE values at different room 
ambient conditions, particularly for the furnace models. DOE conducted 
a statistical evaluation to determine whether the differences in the 
adjusted AFUE values at different room ambient conditions can be solely 
attributed to measurement tolerances. For the statistical evaluation, 
DOE assumed that only two factors impacted condensate collection: Room 
ambient conditions and measurement accuracy. Based on the results from 
the statistical evaluation, which are described in the Testing Report, 
DOE concluded that the normalization methodology does not eliminate the 
variability of AFUE due to the room ambient conditions.
    Based on the analyzed test data and the outcome of the statistical 
test, the normalization approach appears to be ineffective. Therefore, 
DOE is not proposing to implement a mathematical approach for 
normalizing condensate production to a standard set of conditions 
during the AFUE test.
    Alternatively, DOE assessed whether to further restrict the 
currently required room temperature and humidity ranges during testing. 
To determine whether narrowing the admissible range of ambient 
conditions would impact the ability of the test facility to perform 
testing, DOE assessed the average ambient conditions (dry-bulb 
temperature and relative humidity) using Typical Meteorological Year 3 
(TMY3) data \41\ for all TMY weather stations across the United States. 
The results of this assessment, which are included in the Testing 
Report, show that 75 percent of the stations currently within the 
allowable range would fall outside the considered restricted allowable 
range of ambient test conditions. Based on this assessment, DOE agrees 
with AHRI, Lennox, and Crown Boiler that tightening the allowable 
ambient air temperature and humidity range may force some test 
facilities that currently do not use

[[Page 12891]]

mechanical space conditioning to incorporate environmental controls or 
limit the testing to only certain times of the year, thereby resulting 
in additional testing burden for these facilities. Therefore, based on 
the potentially significant burden to manufacturers, DOE is not 
proposing to restrict the currently required room ambient conditions 
ranges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ See https://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/1991-2005/tmy3/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Oversize Factor
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment as to whether the use 
of the existing oversize factor \42\ (0.7, or 170 percent of the house 
heating load) remains appropriate for current field installations. 78 
FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). This request was primarily focused on use 
of the oversize factor for single-stage boilers, as the adoption of 
ASHRAE 103-2007 should adequately address the oversize factor issues 
related to two-stage/modulating products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ ``Oversize factor'' accounts for the national average 
oversizing of equipment that occurs when a heating product is sized 
to satisfy more than the heating load of the household. This is 
typically done to size the equipment so that it is able to satisfy 
the days in which the house heating requirements might be exceeded 
and/or to take into account uncertainties regarding house heating 
load. For example, a 0.7 oversize factor is equivalent to 170-
percent oversizing of the heating equipment (i.e., 70 percent 
greater input capacity than is required).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Energy Kinetics, Rheem, NRCan, and NRDC all agreed that the 
existing 0.7 oversize factor merits review. Energy Kinetics stated that 
the fixed 0.7 oversizing factor provides misleading information to the 
marketplace: A boiler that is perfectly sized will have no benefit in 
the AFUE rating compared to a system that is oversized by a factor of 
five. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) Rheem would appreciate 
clarification from DOE on the definition of ``average oversizing'' and 
the specific assumptions that lead to a national value. Rheem stated 
that it has seen no indication that replacement furnaces are less 
oversized than in the past, but there is an important effect due to the 
increasing market share of multistage products. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8) 
DOE acknowledges that when units operate at the reduced input rate in 
the cycling mode, the unit is considered to be properly sized at the 
reduced rate to meet the heating load.\43\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ Kweller, E. and Thomas, F., ``An Analysis of United States 
Weather Data for the Calculation of Average Outdoor Temperatures and 
Fractional Heating Loads for Furnaces and Boilers Equipped with 
Fuel-Modulating Controls, National Bureau of Standards'' (1982).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Energy Kinetics, Rheem, and NRDC each offered recommended 
adjustments to the existing oversize factor. Energy Kinetics stated 
that fuel consumption data coupled with degree-day analysis indicate 
that an oversize factor of 2.0 (i.e., an additional 200 percent of the 
house heating load, resulting in a total sizing of 300 percent of the 
house heating load) or more is not only common, but the norm. (Energy 
Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) NRDC commented that DOE should review the 
concept of oversizing as a multiplicative factor, as opposed to a more 
nuanced adjustment. NRDC stated that a more sophisticated approach may 
make more sense in light of thermal upgrades to the International 
Energy Conservation Code (IECC),\44\ both those already adopted and 
those anticipated in the future. (NRDC, No. 14 at p 1) The commenter 
stated that for such an approach, DOE should investigate whether an 
oversize factor that varies as a function of furnace sizing would 
provide a more accurate representation of expected field results. 
(NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ International Code Council, 2012 International Energy 
Conservation Code (2011) (Available at: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/icc.iecc.2012.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In contrast, Carrier and AHRI commented that the oversize factor, 
as set forth in the existing test procedure, does not need to be 
reviewed. However, Carrier recommended, in the event that DOE does not 
adopt ASHRAE 103-2007, DOE should use the same fixed oversize factor 
for maximum input on modulating products, which is currently not the 
way the incorporated modulating section of ASHRAE 103-1993 assigns an 
oversize factor. (Carrier, No. 7, p. 2) AHRI commented that the heating 
loads of today's residences tend to be lower because of tighter 
building envelopes and weatherization improvements, but this does not 
correlate directly to any change in the oversize factor. It added that 
the increased use of two-stage and multistage models reduces the 
significance of having an accurate oversize factor in the test 
procedure. AHRI stated that in the field, the oversize factor only 
relates to the full input rate of the furnace or boiler. When the unit 
is operating at the reduced rate, it will fire at an input much closer 
to the estimated design heating load of the house. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 
4)
    A literature review conducted by DOE in response to stakeholder 
comments revealed a variety of recommended oversize factors. Some 
sources recommended lower values. For example, the Cold Climate Housing 
Research Center stated that, although the assumed national oversize 
factor is 0.7, recent developments in software and sizing techniques 
have allowed installers to size appliances more closely to the Air 
Conditioners Contractors of America (ACCA) guidelines of using an 
oversize factor of 0 to 0.4 (i.e., 100 percent to 140 percent of the 
house heating load).\45\ The Center cited both the March 2012 
Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofit \46\ oversize factor of 
0.4, which is based on the ACCA recommendation, and the 2009 Alaska 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards \47\ value of 0.20, as more 
representative of current field installations. Research released later 
in 2012 by the Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofit also 
stated that high-efficiency furnaces are insensitive to oversizing when 
AFUE is evaluated according to the ASHRAE standard (i.e., not varying 
by more than 0.5 percent AFUE when tested between 70 percent and 120 
percent oversizing).\48\ A report by the Minnesota Department of 
Commerce State Energy Office stated that 47 percent of their field 
studies revealed oversizing of 50 percent or more, which it considers a 
significant problem because oversized units cycle more often, resulting 
in less-efficient operation.\49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ Cold Climate Housing Research Center, ``Annual Fuel 
Utilization Efficiency, A Review for Cold Climate Applicability'' 
(2013).
    \46\ Brand, Larry, ``Achieving the Best Installed Performance 
from High-Efficiency Residential Gas Furnaces,'' Partnership for 
Advanced Residential Retrofit (March 2012).
    \47\ Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska-Specific 
Amendments to the IECC 2009 (2011) (Available at: https://www.ahfc.us/files/1013/7393/1537/ak_bees_2009_ashrae_std_62_2_2010.pdf).
    \48\ Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure Guideline: High 
Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, U.S. Department of Energy Building 
America program (2012) (Available at: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf).
    \49\ Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota Mechanical 
Systems Field Guide, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy 
Office (2005).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other researchers found a higher range of oversize factors. 
Research by Arctic Energy Systems of South Central Alaskan Homes found 
that forced-air furnace oversizing ranged from 66 percent to 223 
percent, with an average of 121 percent.\50\ A report by the Minnesota 
Department of Commerce State Energy Office also found that ACCA's 
Manual J computer software \51\ currently incorporates an oversizing 
safety factor of around 25 percent, so safety factors added by 
contractors and wholesalers can oversize units even more drastically 
(i.e., in the

[[Page 12892]]

neighborhood of 50 to 200 percent).\52\ Additionally, the heating, 
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry oftentimes scales 
predicted loads up to take into account unmeasured window performance, 
envelope construction, insulation, and duct system efficiency 
information. Integrated Building and Construction Solutions (IBACOS) 
modeled two baseline houses in Chicago, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida, 
and applied common ``safety factors'' to determine their effect on 
oversizing. Combining all the considered outdoor/indoor design, 
building component, ductwork and ventilation/infiltration safety 
factors resulted in 55 percent total oversizing for the Chicago house, 
and 141 percent total oversizing for the Orlando house.\53\ A report in 
Home Energy magazine stated that the assumed amount of oversizing 
varies with the size of the furnace, but averages about 100 
percent.\54\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ Kaluza, Phil, ``Over-Sizing of Residential Forced-Air 
Heating Systems in Southcentral Alaska Homes,'' Arctic Energy 
Systems (June 2002).
    \51\ ACCA's Manual J software produces equipment sizing loads 
(heating and cooling) for single-family-detached homes, small multi-
unit structures, condominiums, town houses and manufactured homes.
    \52\ Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota Mechanical 
Systems Field Guide, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy 
Office. (2005).
    \53\ Burdick, Alan, ``Accurate Heating and Cooling Load 
Calculations'' IBACOS, Inc. (June 2011).
    \54\ Pigg, Scott, ``Electricity Use by New Furnaces,'' Energy 
Center of Wisconsin (October 2003).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another study was conducted by the city of Fort Collins, Colorado, 
to assess the impact of the city's 1996 energy code (implementation 
experience, compliance rates, and energy-saving results).\55\ The study 
focused on homes built between 1994 and 1999. The major components of 
the study were: (1) Inspections of 20 homes under construction; (2) 
market research interviews with 20 builders and 150 homeowners; (3) 
energy inspections, energy modeling, and utility bill analysis for 80 
completed homes; and (4) performance testing of 40 completed homes. The 
study concluded that the furnaces installed in the homes surveyed were 
sized an average of 158 percent of the minimum required size with 
oversizing observed for 70 percent of the furnaces.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ Evaluation of New Home Energy Efficiency, Summary Report, 
City of Fort Collins (June 2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After considering the available information, DOE tentatively 
concludes that the revisions incorporated in ASHRAE 103-2007 have 
effectively addressed oversize factor corrections for two-stage and 
modulating products, and that the literature supports the continued use 
of an oversize factor of 0.7. Although Energy Kinetics, Rheem, NRCan, 
and NRDC commented that there is merit in reviewing the oversize 
factor, no data were provided that would support a change to the 
existing oversize factor. Moreover, based on recent research evaluating 
the sensitivity of AFUE to a change in oversize factor,\56\ DOE found 
that furnace AFUE is generally insensitive to oversizing in the 70 
percent to 120 percent oversizing range. Considering the conclusions 
and widely varying results presented by the studies discussed 
previously, DOE has tentatively determined the existing value of 0.7 
continues to be representative of the oversized factor applicable to 
the average U.S. household. Therefore, DOE proposes to maintain the 
existing oversize factor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure Guideline: High 
Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, U.S. Department of Energy Building 
America program (2012) (Available at: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Boiler Supply and Return Water Temperatures
    Currently, the DOE test procedure sets the temperature of water 
delivered to the boiler (i.e., return water) during the steady-state 
and heat-up tests between 120[deg]F and 124[deg]F \57\ for non-
condensing hot water boilers, and 120[deg]F  2[deg]F for 
condensing hot water boilers.\58\ In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought 
comment on these temperatures, and whether DOE should revise the values 
to more accurately reflect the average water temperatures of non-
condensing and condensing boiler installations. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 
2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ Section 8.4.2.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
    \58\ Section 8.4.2.3.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    APGA, Energy Kinetics, and NRCan agreed that the boiler water 
supply temperatures merit review. APGA commented that supply water 
temperatures can vary in different regions and seasons, and these 
regional and seasonal variations should be taken into account when 
measuring boiler performance. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) NRCan stated that 
for boilers, the supply and return water temperatures used to determine 
AFUE should approximate the temperatures that will be used after the 
appliance is installed. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4) Energy Kinetics stated 
that the nominal test return water temperature of 120[emsp14][deg]F and 
supply water temperature of 140[emsp14][deg]F used for determining AFUE 
are not representative of the supply and return water temperatures used 
in typical hydronic heating system installations, and the actual 
operational and off cycle temperatures may vary based on boiler 
controls. Energy Kinetics also stated that the performance of these 
controls is not assessed in the test method because of the fixed water 
temperatures used for the test, and that the exception for low-
temperature radiant applications referenced in the RFI has very limited 
relevance to American homes because of the small fraction of boilers 
installed in low-temperature radiant systems. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 
at p. 2-3)
    AHRI did not agree that the supply water temperatures specified for 
testing boilers need to be changed. AHRI recommended that DOE consider 
including the low-water-temperature test in Appendix F of ASHRAE 103-
2007 as an additional test for use by manufacturers if they choose to 
provide supplemental information. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 4-5)
    The supply water temperature in the existing DOE test procedure has 
been used to represent average supply temperature conditions of various 
boiler designs and applications. DOE acknowledges that return water 
temperatures may vary by application for different types of products; 
however, DOE has tentatively concluded that the existing temperature 
value allows for consistent comparison of AFUE between non-condensing 
and condensing models. Therefore, DOE does not plan to change the 
supply/return water temperatures for boilers in the DOE test procedure.
    DOE acknowledges AHRI's suggestion of identifying Appendix F of 
ASHRAE 103-2007 as the test method for use in determining seasonal 
efficiency testing at low supply water temperatures in the event that a 
manufacturer chooses to publish this efficiency information. In denying 
a prior waiver request from PB Heat, DOE clarified that it is 
permissible for a manufacturer conducting low-water-temperature 
seasonal efficiency (LWTSE) testing to present such results in product 
literature and to make related supplemental statements; however, AFUE 
test results generated under the DOE test procedure must continue to be 
disclosed, and LWTSE results must provide reasonable, clear, and 
distinguishable representations of those results to the consumer. 75 FR 
25228 (May 7, 2010). While DOE permits publication of these data as 
supplemental information, these measurements are not part of DOE's test 
procedure.
8. Burner Operating Hours Determination
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE explored whether the parameters used 
to calculate the burner operating hours in the DOE test procedure 
(national average home-heating loads) should be amended due to changes 
in housing construction and climate conditions. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 
2013). DOE sought comment on whether revised national

[[Page 12893]]

average values should be used to calculate burner operating hours.
    Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI did not support changing the burner 
operating hours. Carrier commented that unless there are compelling 
data showing the average conditions have changed significantly from 
what is currently the basis for the test procedure, it does not see a 
need to change the burner operating hours calculations. (Carrier, No. 7 
at p. 2) Rheem admitted that it has not studied climatic conditions 
that would affect the burner operating hours, but it recommended that 
the national average heating load hours should not change. (Rheem, No. 
12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue, as 
using a different average burner operating hours just moves the scale 
of comparison but provides no added value to consumers. (AHRI, No. 13 
at p. 6) In contrast, NRCan commented that operating times used to 
determine annual fuel and electrical energy consumption ratings should 
be based on representative loads for the specific types of products. 
(NRCan, No. 15 at pp. 4-5)
    DOE does not believe that there is sufficient evidence to 
substantiate a change in the national average heating load hours that 
are used to calculate the burner operating hours in the existing DOE 
test procedure. Therefore, DOE is not proposing changes to the existing 
value of the national average heating load hours.
9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration With ANSI Standards
    The installation configuration of a furnace or boiler vent stack 
depends on the type of product and the intended installation location. 
Currently, the configuration requirements for vent stacks used during 
testing differ between ANSI Z21.13 \59\/ANSI Z21.47 \60\ and the DOE 
test procedure. ANSI Z21.47 and ANSI Z21.13 are standards for safe 
operation, substantial and durable construction, and acceptable 
performance of gas-fired central furnaces and gas-fired low-pressure 
steam and hot water boilers, respectively. These standards are intended 
to be used by manufacturers and those responsible for its proper 
installation. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on whether 
there is a significant difference in efficiency rating related to the 
differences in vent stack configurations and whether it should consider 
adopting the vent stack requirements as set forth in ANSI Z21.13 and/or 
ANSI Z21.47. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ American National Standards Institute, American National 
Standard/CSA Standard for Gas-Fired Low Pressure Steam and Hot Water 
Boilers (2010) Report No. ANSI Z21.13-2010, CSA 4.9-2010.
    \60\ American National Standards Institute, American National 
Standard/CSA Standard for Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (2006) Report 
No. ANSI Z21.47-2006, CSA 2.3-2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lennox, Carrier, and AHRI stated that DOE should keep the existing 
test procedure vent stack configuration. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3; 
Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2; AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox stated that 
changes to the vent stack configuration provisions would shift the AFUE 
values and provide no practical benefit to consumers. (Lennox, No. 6 at 
p. 3) AHRI stated that the existing configuration is appropriate for 
efficiency testing and that the vent configurations in safety standards 
are different because they focus on safety considerations. (AHRI, No. 
13 at p. 5)
    Rheem and NRCan commented that the requirements in the identified 
ANSI standards merit consideration. Rheem stated that aligning the test 
procedure with the ANSI Z21.47 vent stack configuration, which is meant 
to represent a marginal installation and not a typical installation, 
would require the use of uninsulated and slightly shorter vents for 
AFUE testing. This change would affect the vent temperature slightly, 
lowering the test AFUE. Rheem suggested that DOE should consider 
adopting the same vent stack requirements as used in the ANSI Z21.47 
standard in order to reduce the number of test vents that must be 
maintained in the laboratory. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9) NRCan commented 
that the test procedure should adopt the same vent stack requirements 
as set forth in ANSI Z21.13 or ANSI Z21.47. NRCan stated that 
ultimately, the test procedure should incorporate whichever vent stack 
configurations are the most representative of typical field 
installations. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4)
    In response, DOE recognizes that there is a potential opportunity 
for reducing testing burden associated with the storage and mounting of 
multiple vent stacks, and reducing the testing differences between ANSI 
Z21.13/ANSI Z21.47 and DOE's test procedure. However, several 
stakeholders expressed the opinion that any reduction in test burden 
would not be significant enough to outweigh the potential impacts to 
AFUE and any re-testing required as a result of new stack 
configurations. DOE also agrees with Rheem's comment that the change in 
stack configuration has the ability to impact AFUE in a way that may 
make the AFUE results less representative of actual field conditions. 
Because the ANSI standards address both safety and performance, the 
tests specify the minimum configurations for safe installation, and are 
not necessarily representative of product field installations. 
Furthermore, DOE believes the potential reduction in test burden 
associated with this change is not significant enough to offset the 
impact to the AFUE rating. Based on these considerations, DOE proposes 
not to pursue changes to the DOE test procedure that would require the 
use of the stack configuration as specified in ANSI Z21.13 and ANSI 
Z21.47 standards for boiler and furnace products.
10. Harmonization of External Static Pressure Requirements
    In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on differences in 
efficiency performance caused by differences in minimum static pressure 
requirements between ASHRAE 103-2007 (Table IV) and DOE's recently 
published furnace fan test procedure,\61\ as well as any drawbacks or 
advantages associated with harmonizing the requirements. DOE also 
requested information on any other national or international standards 
that should be considered for this cycle of residential furnaces and 
boilers test procedure rulemaking. 78 FR 675, 678-79 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \61\ 79 FR 500 (Jan. 3, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lennox expressed support for harmonizing to the minimum static 
pressure requirements listed in ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, rather than 
the much higher static pressures in DOE's furnace fan test procedure. 
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated that it is difficult to predict 
the effects of revising the reference system in appendix N to match the 
proposed reference system in the furnace fan test procedure or vice 
versa. It commented that ideally the air duct reference system in both 
appendix N and the proposed furnace fan test procedure should be 
revised and harmonized to reflect realistic installations. NRCan went 
on to state that DOE should also consider harmonizing the minimum duct 
static pressures for gas furnaces and oil furnaces. (NRCan, No. 15 at 
p. 6) Rheem stated that the evaporator coils used in today's Rheem 
products have a pressure drop of close to 0.3 in. w.c. for an airflow 
rate of 350 cfm/ton and 0.4 in. w.c. at an airflow rate of 400 cfm/ton. 
Since the introduction of the 13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 
(SEER) minimum efficiency regulations, Rheem argued that the 
assumptions supporting the minimum static pressure in Table 4 of ASHRAE 
103-1993 are no longer true and that higher static

[[Page 12894]]

pressures are appropriate. Rheem commented that the static pressure 
values that were proposed in the furnace fan test procedure are more 
than double the existing test condition, and the effect on AFUE and the 
current product standards would require further study. (Rheem, No. 12 
at p. 11)
    AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue because it does 
not affect the AFUE measurement, so any change would have little to no 
value. It added that DOE should wait until the furnace fan test 
procedure is finalized before any further consideration is given to 
this issue. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6)
    Stakeholders' input indicates that the impact of harmonizing the 
static pressure requirements in the residential furnaces and boilers 
test procedure and the furnace fan test static pressure conditions in 
the furnace fans test procedure is uncertain and would require further 
study. DOE investigated a method applied in the furnace fan test 
procedure for the purposes of measuring the airflow at the required 
static pressure. This method was proposed by AHRI and uses procedures 
and a test setup consistent with those used for the DOE test procedure 
for furnaces. However, the method specifies a maximum airflow-control 
setting that is consistent with operation in cooling mode but may not 
be suitable in heating mode operation, which is required for 
determining AFUE. Therefore, DOE proposes not to change the minimum 
static pressure requirements from those set forth in the existing 
furnaces and boilers test procedure.
11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/Boiler Efficiency Determination
    As noted in the January 2013 RFI, DOE is aware of alternative 
methods to measure the heating efficiency of residential furnaces and 
boilers. In particular, DOE sought input on Brookhaven National 
Laboratory's test procedure for combination boilers,\62\ which 
determines the thermal efficiency of boilers operating under various 
space heating and domestic hot water loads, as well as any other test 
methods worthy of consideration. 78 FR 675, 679 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ T. Butcher, ``Performance of Integrated Hydronic Heating 
Systems,'' BNL-79814-2008-IR (December 2007) (Available at: https://www.bnl.gov/isd/documents/41399.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Energy Kinetics offered an extensive critique of the current DOE 
furnace efficiency metric (AFUE), maintaining that the metric restrains 
progress in the residential boiler market, fails to provide insight 
about a product's energy performance and actual field performance, does 
not reflect the real performance efficiencies of boilers, is based on 
incorrect concepts of hydronic heating systems, and potentially rewards 
poor performing boilers with high ratings. Energy Kinetics commented 
that the AFUE test for boilers is obsolete and should be replaced with 
a more appropriate metric such as the linear input/output method 
developed by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Energy Kinetics 
believes that this method provides several benefits, including greater 
accuracy, accounting for design improvements in products, and better 
differentiation between poorly performing and better performing 
products. Energy Kinetics commented that BNL's linear input/output 
metric also much more closely reflects annual efficiency than AFUE 
alone, and could also replace the heat-up/cool-down tests, which do not 
capture seasonal efficiency. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 4) AHRI 
recommended that DOE not consider any other procedures for measuring 
furnace and boiler efficiency. It stated that there is no value in 
considering wholesale changes to the current test procedure, and the 
effects on manufacturers and others would be significant and negative. 
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 7)
    Energy Kinetics recommended that DOE should abandon the current 
AFUE procedure and replace it with BNL's thermal efficiency test. 
Energy Kinetics identified the advantages of the BNL test in broad 
terms, but did not attempt to quantify the benefits that would result 
from its implementation. DOE understands that BNL's test accounts for 
jacket losses, which gives an efficiency advantage to well-insulated 
boilers. However, by definition, most boilers under DOE's test 
procedure are assumed to be indoor boilers, and, therefore, considers 
all jacket losses to be useful heat.\63\ Boilers that utilize designs 
for minimizing jacket losses during the off-season will be more 
efficient in the BNL test than under DOE's test procedure. However, 
DOE's test procedure is intended to be a measurement of the energy 
efficiency for space heating alone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ 42 U.S.C. 6291(20).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE considered the stakeholders' input about adopting alternative 
test procedures, specifically the test method developed by BNL. 
However, there are insufficient data regarding the accuracy and 
applicability of the linear input/output method to determine its 
feasibility as a measure of efficiency for residential furnaces and 
boilers. Additionally, DOE is statutorily required to use the metric of 
AFUE to calculate the efficiency of all residential furnace and boiler 
products.\64\ It is unclear how the AFUE metric could incorporate the 
thermal efficiency metric that is central to the BNL method. Therefore, 
DOE tentatively concludes that it will not modify the DOE test 
procedure to incorporate the BNL test procedure or other alternative 
test methods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ 42 U.S.C. 6291(20) and (22)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. Test Procedure Scope
    Currently, there is no DOE test procedure for determining the 
efficiency of combination products that can provide both space heating 
and domestic hot water. However, there are DOE test procedures for the 
individual components (boiler and water heater) of a combined appliance 
to determine efficiency ratings for each primary function (space 
heating and domestic water heating). ASHRAE has an existing test 
procedure, ASHRAE 124-2007 (Methods of Testing for Rating Combination 
Space-Heating and Water-Heating Appliances), which provides a test 
method to rate the performance of a combination space-heating and 
water-heating appliance. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought input on 
expanding the scope of the existing DOE test procedure to include 
definitions and test methods for combination products. 78 FR 675, 679 
(Jan. 4, 2013).
    AHRI supported the concept of covering combination products in 
general, but voiced concern as to whether a test procedure appropriate 
for all such types of combination products can be developed. (AHRI, No. 
13 at p. 7) Rheem commented that it may be difficult to measure energy 
use of modular components in combination products. Rheem believes that 
the market for combination products is too new to support combined 
energy efficiency ratings. (Rheem, No. 12 at p.11-12) NRCan stated that 
an expansion of the scope of the test procedure to include definitions 
and test methods for combination products may not be advisable. It 
noted that because the characteristics of one component of a 
combination system can strongly influence the performance of others, it 
is vital that the appliance be tested as a system rather than as 
separate components. NRCan suggested that combination appliances are 
different enough to warrant a separate rulemaking rather than trying to 
include them within appendix N. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 7) Energy Kinetics 
stated that a rating for combination heat and domestic water heating 
systems has

[[Page 12895]]

significant potential for energy conservation improvements. It noted 
that the existing state of ASHRAE 124 for combined heating and hot 
water products is not satisfactory; AFUE for heating season creates a 
conflict in considering jacket losses under the hot water portion of 
the test, while the heating portion considers them again. (Energy 
Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 1-4)
    DOE agrees that the concept of covering combination products has 
merit. However, DOE prefers not to delay or complicate this rulemaking 
in pursuit of test procedure requirements for combination products. DOE 
plans to continue to seek input about the development of a test 
procedure for combination appliances. DOE may consider a separate 
rulemaking devoted specifically to combination appliances in the 
future.
    Regarding another test procedure issue, Energy Kinetics commented 
that the well-established impact of idle losses \65\ on boiler 
operation was not addressed in the December 31, 2012 test procedure 
final rule for residential furnaces and boilers related to standby mode 
and off mode energy consumption. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ ``Idle loss,'' as the term applies to residential heating 
boilers, is heat wasted when the burner is not firing. For 
combination appliances, the idle losses occur following space 
heating and/or domestic hot water heating operations. The idle 
losses include the heat from combustion that is not transferred to 
the heating water and includes the products of combustion up the 
flue, the loss out of the heat exchanger walls and boiler's jacket 
in the form of radiant, conductive, or convective transfer, and the 
loss down the drain as a condensate. Since no fuel is being consumed 
during the off-cycle, off- cycle losses are important only to the 
extent that they must be replaced during the on-cycle by the burning 
of extra fuel (i.e., longer burner on times or higher firing rates).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, the DOE test procedure accounts for idle losses 
associated with boiler space heating in the heating season efficiency 
value. DOE recognizes that the idle losses during non-space heating 
operation (i.e., domestic water heating) are not captured in the 
existing DOE test procedure. However, the scope of this test procedure 
rulemaking does not account for the efficiency of the products that are 
used for both space heating and domestic water heating. For the reasons 
discussed, DOE is not considering provisions at this time to address 
non-space heating boiler operations, including idle losses.
13. Standby Mode and Off Mode
    On December 31, 2012 DOE published a test procedure final rule for 
residential furnaces and boilers to address the standby mode and off 
mode energy consumption of these products. 77 FR 76831. In the January 
2013 RFI, DOE requested comments on test procedure provisions for 
determining standby mode and off mode energy use. 78 FR 675, 679 (Jan. 
4, 2013).
    AHRI stated it had no specific comments regarding standby mode and 
off mode energy consumption at the time, though it generally agreed 
that these modes should be considered as part of this rulemaking. 
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 7) NRCan stated that standby mode and off mode 
power should include all ``connected loads'' rather than selected loads 
from a few identified components. It noted that a default value could 
be considered for a control thermostat and/or automatic temperature 
reset control to account for the fact that different furnace and boiler 
controls (with different electricity consumption characteristics) may 
be installed with the appliance. It added that a control transformer 
that is included with a furnace or boiler should be included within the 
base electric measurements, as it will be a part of the connected load 
after installation. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 8)
    DOE conducted a review of the IEC Standard 62301 and did not 
identify any changes or revisions to that standard that would 
necessitate updating sections of the DOE test procedure pertaining to 
standby mode or off mode calculations. DOE's standby mode and off mode 
power measurements include only auxiliary components that are part of 
the furnace and boiler, including the automatic temperature reset. The 
standby mode or off mode power of components such as the furnace 
controls that respond to the house thermostat input are included; 
however, the electricity consumption of the house thermostat device 
itself is not considered in the overall standby mode and off mode 
electricity consumption, because it is independent of the furnace or 
boiler. Furthermore, DOE is not aware of representative electricity 
consumption values that could be used as default values for the house 
thermostat.\66\ DOE's residential furnace and boiler test procedure 
only applies to covered products as defined in 42 U.S.C. 6291(23) and 
does not include other equipment and/or components installed in 
specific installations. For these reasons, DOE does not plan to modify 
the standby mode and off mode energy consumption provisions of the 
furnace and boiler test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, sections 8.6.1 and 
8.6.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics
    In comments on the January 2013 RFI, AGA stated that DOE should 
continue the transition toward use of full-fuel-cycle (FFC) energy 
metrics by developing a secondary energy descriptor for residential 
furnaces and boilers that reflects either extended site or FFC energy 
metrics. (AGA, No. 3 at pp. 1-4) AGA stated that EPCA does not preclude 
the use of additional or secondary energy descriptors that provide 
useful information to consumers on the energy consumption and 
environmental impacts of their appliance choices. It stated that 
implementing an extended site or FFC energy descriptor would not 
require alteration of any test methods for the appliances, as a simple 
calculation can be done using the primary (site-based) energy 
descriptor as an independent variable.
    AGA pointed out that in DOE's August 2011 FFC Statement of Policy, 
DOE committed to working with other Federal agencies to make readily 
available to consumers improved information on energy consumption and 
emissions impacts of comparable products.\67\ AGA urged DOE to take the 
opportunity in this proceeding to formulate metrics that can be 
incorporated into a FFC descriptor and used on Energy Guide labels. 
According to AGA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously 
noted that energy consumption information on the Energy Guide labels 
must be derived from DOE's test procedures.\68\ The FTC acknowledged 
that it may be possible to derive fuel cycle emissions information from 
the DOE test procedures, but suggested that such procedures would need 
to specify the means for calculating fuel cycle impacts.\69\ AGA 
contends that adding a secondary FFC energy descriptor to appliance 
test procedures is an essential step in enabling the FTC to include 
such information on the Energy Guide labels to allow consumers to make 
better informed appliance choices, consistent with the recommendations 
of the National Academy of Sciences and DOE's FFC Statement of Policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ Statement of Policy for Adopting Full-Fuel-Cycle Analyses 
Into Energy Conservation Standards Programs, 76 FR 51281 (Aug. 18, 
2011).
    \68\ See Rule Concerning Disclosures Regarding Energy 
Consumption and Water Use of Certain Home Appliances and Other 
Products Required Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
(``Appliance Labeling Rule''), 72 FR 49948, 49961 (Aug. 29, 2007).
    \69\ Id. at 49961-62.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    AGA also contends that adding an FFC energy descriptor to the test 
procedures for residential furnaces and

[[Page 12896]]

boilers to establish FFC AFUE ratings for such appliances provides an 
important ability to compare the energy efficiency of heating systems 
that use different fuels. Finally, AGA stated that a secondary FFC 
energy descriptor could also be used to more accurately reflect the 
energy consumption of products within the same product class. It noted 
that because the electric energy consumption of natural gas furnaces is 
not currently included in the AFUE ratings, the current AFUE rating 
alone does not provide consumers with a measure of the true efficiency 
of a particular gas furnace product, nor allow consumers to properly 
compare products that use different fuels.
    DOE agrees with AGA that an FFC energy descriptor for furnaces 
could provide consumers and other parties with useful information for 
comparing products. Indeed, in its FFC Statement of Policy, DOE stated 
its intention to ``work with other Federal agencies to make readily 
available to consumers improved information on the energy use, life-
cycle cost and associated emissions of comparable products, even if 
those products use different forms of energy.'' 76 FR 51281, 51289 
(Aug. 18, 2011). However, DOE is not convinced that this test procedure 
is the appropriate vehicle for deriving an FFC energy descriptor for 
furnaces (or other products). As discussed in the Notice of Policy 
Amendment Regarding Full-Fuel-Cycle Analyses, DOE intends to use the 
National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) as the basis for deriving the 
energy and emission multipliers used to conduct FFC analyses in support 
of future energy conservation standards rulemakings. 77 FR 49701 (Aug. 
17, 2012). DOE also uses NEMS to derive factors to convert site 
electricity use or savings to primary energy consumption by the 
electric power sector. NEMS is updated annually in association with the 
preparation of the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual 
Energy Outlook. Based on its experience to date, DOE expects that the 
energy and emission multipliers used to conduct FFC analyses will 
change each year. If DOE were to include a secondary FFC energy 
descriptor as part of the furnace and boiler test procedure, DOE would 
need to update the test procedure annually.
    DOE believes that there are more suitable means to derive an FFC 
energy descriptor for residential furnaces and boilers, and, more 
generally, to provide consumers improved information on the energy use 
and associated emissions of furnaces and other products. DOE remains 
committed to work with the FTC and other interested parties to develop 
such information. Furthermore, DOE intends to estimate FFC energy 
savings in future energy conservation standards rulemakings for 
furnaces, and to take those savings into account in proposing and 
selecting amended standards.
15. Test Burden
    EPCA requires that the test procedures DOE prescribes or amends be 
reasonably designed to produce test results that measure the energy 
efficiency, energy use, water use (in the case of showerheads, faucets, 
water closets, and urinals) or estimated annual operating cost of a 
covered product during a representative average use cycle or period of 
use. These procedures must also not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 
See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3).
    Under the proposed test procedure, the cycle on and off times are 
calculated as a function of high and reduced input capacity, as opposed 
to under the existing test procedure, which specifies a burner on time 
of 10 minutes and off time of 10 minutes for two-stage and step-
modulating furnaces, and a burner on time of 15 minutes and off time of 
15 minutes for two-stage and step-modulating boilers. In DOE's view, 
the proposal requiring manufacturers to perform calculations to 
determine burner cycling times as opposed to using standard fixed 
values would impose a small additional burden on manufacturers. 
However, the additional time necessary to calculate the cycle times 
would likely be offset by the shorter cycling times during testing, 
which may result in overall shorter test duration. In addition, the 
proposed calculation method for determining AFUE for two-stage and 
modulating products would allow the use of reduced fuel input only, 
allowing manufacturers to bypass the high fire test for many of these 
units. Therefore, on average, DOE expects little or no additional 
burden as the result of this proposed revision.
    Allowing the condensate to be measured during the establishment of 
steady-state conditions rather than during an additional 30-minute 
period once steady-state conditions have been established would reduce 
the time required to measure condensate mass and, thus, would reduce 
the test burden to manufacturers while still providing accurate 
results.
    DOE believes that capturing the total electrical consumption will 
significantly improve the accuracy and consistency of the reported 
electricity consumption across different models as well as align the 
test procedure with current field practices. Furthermore, in many 
cases, the total electricity consumption is already being captured 
during testing. Therefore, for most manufacturers, including additional 
measurements of electrical consumption would introduce little to no 
additional test burden.
    The proposed inclusion of reference to the approved I&O manual 
could provide additional guidance and clarity to the test procedure. 
DOE believes that this proposal would reduce the burden and time 
requirements by allowing the manufacturers to utilize information 
already available in the manufacturers' literature instead of 
instructions derived solely for AFUE testing purposes. Therefore, DOE 
expects that there would be no additional costs associated with this 
revision.
    Included within the proposed test procedure is the adoption of a 
method for verifying the functionality of the design requirement that 
requires an automatic means for adjusting water temperature. This test 
would be conducted independently of the AFUE test and would require 
additional time and labor beyond the existing AFUE test procedure. DOE 
expects that the required measurements should be able to be conducted 
using the same components and material required for the existing AFUE 
test. DOE has also tentatively concluded that the extra test is 
warranted to verify that the various controls for automatic means for 
adjusting water temperature operate as expected.
    DOE assumes that manufacturers currently perform the tracer gas 
test to determine whether the minimum default draft factor of 0.05 may 
be used. DOE believes that when establishing the absence of flow 
through the heat exchanger, the use of the smoke stick test will reduce 
the test burden to manufacturers by eliminating, in some cases, the 
need for the tracer gas test.
    For these reasons, DOE concludes that the amended test procedures 
proposed in the NOPR would not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
16. Changes in Measured Energy Use
    When DOE modifies test procedures, it must determine to what 
extent, if any, the new test procedure would alter the measured energy 
efficiency or energy use of any covered product. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) 
For the reasons described subsequently, DOE has determined that none of 
the proposed test procedure amendments would significantly alter the 
projected measured energy efficiency or energy use of the covered 
products that are the subject of this rulemaking.
    The test procedure amendments in this proposed rule would affect 
the test

[[Page 12897]]

procedures that will be required for certifying compliance with the 
amended energy conservation standards. Many of the changes that would 
be made to appendix N through this proposed rule would clarify the 
manner in which the test is conducted, or would otherwise represent 
minor changes or additions to the test or reporting requirements that 
would not affect measured energy use. These amendments include: (1) 
Revisions in instances where the test procedure references 
``manufacturer recommendations'' or ``manufacturer's instructions;'' 
(2) allowing the measurement of condensate under steady-state 
conditions during the steady-state test; (3) a test protocol for 
determining the functionality of the automatic means for adjusting 
water temperature; (4) adopting a test method to indicate the absence 
or presence of airflow to determine whether the minimum default draft 
factor may be used; (5) revised annual electricity consumption 
equations; (6) increasing AFUE reporting precision; (7) specifying 
ductwork for units that are installed without a return duct; and (8) 
specifying testing requirements for units with multiposition 
configurations.
    The one amendment in this proposed rule that might alter the AFUE 
of covered products is the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 103-
2007. DOE does not believe that the resulting changes in AFUE would 
require amending the applicable energy conservation standard or affect 
compliance with the standard. The impact on AFUE from the incorporation 
mentioned previously for two-stage and modulating non-condensing 
residential furnaces or boilers is small and tends to increase the 
AFUE. Furthermore, two-stage and modulating features are usually 
associated with premium or higher efficiency products. The product 
tests performed by DOE and stakeholder comments confirm that a model 
that would need to be re-rated using the provisions adopted in this 
notice would have a resulting AFUE above the current minimum required 
efficiency.

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test 
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory 
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this 
regulatory action was not subject to review under the Executive Order 
by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996) 
requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis 
(IRFA) for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment and 
a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any such rule that 
an agency adopts as a final rule, unless the agency certifies that the 
rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis 
examines the impact of the rule on small entities and considers 
alternative ways of reducing negative effects. Also, as required by 
Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE published 
procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the 
potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly 
considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made 
its procedures and policies available on the Office of the General 
Counsel's Web site: https://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    DOE reviewed the proposed rule under the provisions of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on 
February 19, 2003. 68 FR 7990. DOE has concluded that the rule would 
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for this certification is as follows:
    For manufacturers of residential furnaces and boilers, the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) has set a size threshold, which defines 
those entities classified as ``small businesses'' for the purposes of 
the Act. DOE used the SBA's small business size standards to determine 
whether any small entities would be subject to the requirements of the 
rule. 65 FR 30836, 30848 (May 15, 2000), as amended at 65 FR 53533, 
53544 (Sept. 5, 2000) and codified at 13 CFR part 121. These size 
standards and codes are established by the North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) and are available at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. Residential boiler 
manufacturing is classified under NAICS 333414, ``Heating Equipment 
(Except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing,'' for which the maximum size 
threshold is 500 employees or fewer. Residential furnace manufacturing 
is classified under NAICS 333415, ``Air-conditioning and warm air 
heating equipment and commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment 
manufacturing'' for which the maximum size threshold is 750 employees 
or fewer. To estimate the number of companies that could be small 
business manufacturers of products covered by this rulemaking, DOE 
conducted a market survey using available public information to 
identify potential small manufacturers. DOE's research involved 
reviewing several industry trade association membership directories 
(e.g., AHRI \70\), SBA databases,\71\ individual company Web sites, and 
marketing research tools (e.g., Hoovers \72\ reports) to create a list 
of all domestic small business manufacturers of residential furnaces 
and boilers covered by this rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \70\ For more information on the boiler and furnace directories, 
see https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx.
    \71\ For more information see: https://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm.
    \72\ For more information see: https://www.hoovers.com/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After DOE identified manufacturers of residential furnaces and 
residential boilers, DOE then consulted publically-available data and 
contacted companies, as necessary, to determine if they both meet the 
SBA's definition of a ``small business'' manufacturer and have their 
manufacturing facilities located within the United States. DOE screened 
out companies that did not offer products covered by this rulemaking, 
did not meet the definition of a ``small business,'' or are foreign-
owned and operated. Based on this analysis, DOE identified 9 small 
businesses that manufacture residential furnaces and 9 small businesses 
that manufacture residential boilers (two of which also manufacture 
residential furnaces), for a total of 16 small businesses potentially 
impacted by this rulemaking.
    This notice proposes amendments to DOE's test procedure by 
incorporating several changes that modify the existing test procedure 
for furnaces and boilers. This proposal includes the following changes: 
(1) Incorporation by reference of the ASHRAE 103-2007; (1) allowing the 
measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions during the 
steady-state test; (1) a revised annual electricity consumption test 
protocol and calculation methodology; (1) revisions to how the test 
procedure references ``manufacturer recommendations'' or 
``manufacturer's instructions;'' (1) a test protocol for verifying the 
functionality of the automatic means for adjusting water temperature; 
(1) a smoke stick method

[[Page 12898]]

for determining whether the minimum default draft factor may be used; 
(1) revising the reporting precision for AFUE to the nearest tenth of a 
percentage point; (1) specifying ductwork for units that are installed 
without a return duct; and (1) specifying testing requirements for 
units with multiposition configurations. The estimated costs of 
testing/rating and potential impact to manufacturer burden resulting 
from use of the proposed test procedure are discussed subsequently. The 
estimated costs and potential impacts apply to all manufacturers, 
including the manufacturers identified as small businesses.
    Most of the proposed test procedure amendments in this notice would 
have little or no impact on test burden. As stated in section III.E.15, 
updating the ASHRAE 103 reference from the 1993 to the 2007 version 
would, in DOE's view, result in little or no additional burden on 
average, while improving the accuracy of the test procedure. Revising 
the language to reference Installation and Operation Manuals would not 
impose any additional burden on manufacturers. Revising the reporting 
precision for AFUE also would not impose any additional burden on 
manufacturers. DOE notes that allowing the measurement of condensate 
under steady-state conditions during the steady-state test, rather than 
requiring an additional 30-minute period for measuring condensate after 
steady-state conditions have been established, would reduce the test 
burden, as it would lessen the overall duration of the test. 
Additionally, the proposed smoke stick method for determining whether 
the minimum default draft factor may be used is intended to reduce the 
test burden to manufacturers.
    With respect to the proposal to include additional measurements of 
electrical consumption, DOE has evaluated the impact of measuring the 
electricity consumption of one additional component--the secondary 
pump--as part of the auxiliary electrical measurements. DOE has 
determined that this extra measurement would require 30 minutes of 
additional time to conduct the AFUE test. DOE has tentatively concluded 
that manufacturers would not have any additional material or component 
costs resulting from this proposal because these measurements should be 
able to be conducted using the same components and materials required 
for the existing measurements. DOE has estimated that at an assumed 
cost of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost to perform this 
additional electrical measurement is approximately $30 per unit tested.
    The proposed method for verifying the functionality of the design 
requirement that requires an automatic means for adjusting water 
temperature would require additional time and labor beyond the existing 
AFUE test procedure. DOE expects that manufacturers would not have any 
major material or component costs associated with the required 
measurements and that they should be able to be conduct such testing 
using the same components and material required for the existing AFUE 
test. DOE expects that all affected parties should have this type of 
capability readily available. DOE has estimated that at an assumed cost 
of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost to perform these 
additional test measurements is approximately $90 per unit tested.
    While DOE has estimated that the additional electrical measurements 
and the verification of automatic means would result in additional 
testing costs, two other proposed amendments--allowing the measurement 
of condensate under steady-state conditions during the steady-state 
test and the smoke stick method for determining the minimum default 
draft factor--would offset a portion of these additional test costs. 
For condensing furnaces and boilers that would benefit from the time 
and labor savings attributed to the measurement of condensate during 
the steady-state test, DOE estimates that the overall duration of the 
test would be reduced by 30 minutes. DOE has estimated that at an 
assumed cost of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost savings 
attributed to the measurement of condensate during the steady-state 
test is approximately $30 per unit tested. DOE estimated that 
condensing furnaces and boilers will account for about 40 percent and 
36 percent of the market in 2015, respectively. Furthermore, DOE 
estimated that the smoke stick method for determining the minimum 
default draft factor would reduce the overall duration of the test by 
about 15 minutes for units designed to have no flow through the heat 
exchanger. However, DOE does not have sufficient information to support 
estimating the fraction of units that have been designed such that 
there is no flow through the heat exchanger. Therefore, DOE has not 
included the cost savings associated with the smoke stick test but has 
included the cost savings associated with the measurement of 
condensate.
    To determine the potential cost of the proposed test procedure 
amendments on small furnace and boiler manufacturers, DOE estimated the 
cost of testing per basic model. DOE has estimated that the proposed 
test procedure changes would result in an additional testing cost of 
$30 per basic model for non-condensing furnaces, no additional cost per 
basic model for condensing furnaces, an additional testing cost of $120 
per basic model for non-condensing boilers, and an additional testing 
cost of $90 per basic model for condensing boilers. (The cost savings 
attributed to the measurement of condensate during the steady-state 
test have been accounted for in the cost estimates.) DOE estimated that 
on average, each furnace small business would have 51 basic models, and 
each boiler small business would have 70 basic models. DOE applied the 
condensing product market shares to the basic model counts to account 
for the difference in cost estimates between non-condensing and 
condensing products. Then the additional testing cost associated with 
the proposed test procedure amendments was multiplied by the estimated 
number of basic models produced by a small manufacturer. DOE has 
estimated a total added cost of testing of $916 per furnace 
manufacturer and a total added cost of testing of $7,640 per boiler 
manufacturer.
    When considering the costs just discussed, DOE believes they are 
very small relative to the overall cost of manufacturing, testing, and 
certifying residential furnace and boiler products. DOE seeks comment 
on its tentative conclusion.
    For the reasons stated previously, DOE certifies that this rule, if 
adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. Therefore, DOE did not prepare an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis for the proposed rule. DOE will 
transmit its certification and a supporting statement of factual basis 
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Manufacturers of residential furnaces and boilers must certify to 
DOE that their products comply with all applicable energy conservation 
standards. In certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their 
products according to the DOE test procedures for residential furnaces 
and boilers, including any amendments adopted for those test 
procedures, on the date that compliance is required. DOE has 
established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping 
requirements for all covered consumer

[[Page 12899]]

products and commercial equipment, including residential furnaces and 
boilers. 76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011); 80 FR 5099 (Jan. 30, 2015). The 
collection-of-information requirement for certification and 
recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been approved by 
OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the 
certification is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this proposed rule, DOE proposes amendments to its test 
procedure for residential furnaces and boilers. DOE has determined that 
this rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically excluded 
from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 
1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would amend the existing test 
procedure without affecting the amount, quality or distribution of 
energy usage, and, therefore, would not result in any environmental 
impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical Exclusion A5 
under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any rulemaking that 
interprets or amends an existing rule without changing the 
environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10, 
1999) imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and 
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that 
have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to 
examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any 
action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States, and 
to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order 
also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure 
meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications. 
On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the 
intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the 
development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE examined this 
proposed rule and has tentatively determined that it would not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA 
governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to 
energy conservation for the products that are the subject of this 
proposal. States can petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to 
the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 
6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive Order 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal 
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) 
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to 
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected 
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification 
and burden reduction. Regarding the review required by section 3(a), 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that 
Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the 
regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) 
clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) 
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting 
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive 
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses 
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship 
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of 
Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations 
in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine 
whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. 
DOE has completed the required review and tentatively determined that, 
to the extent permitted by law, the proposed rule meets the relevant 
standards of Executive Order 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year 
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published 
a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation 
under UMRA. 62 FR 12820. (This policy is also available at https://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE examined the proposed rule 
according to UMRA and its statement of policy and has tentatively 
determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate, 
nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and 
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any year. Accordingly, no further assessment or 
analysis is required under UMRA.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the 
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not 
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

[[Page 12900]]

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    Pursuant to Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental Actions and 
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights,'' 53 FR 
8859 (March 18, 1988), DOE has determined that this proposed rule would 
not result in any takings that might require compensation under the 
Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for Federal agencies to review 
most disseminations of information to the public under information 
quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general 
guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 
(Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 
(Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed the proposed rule under the OMB and 
DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable 
policies in those guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA 
at OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy 
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an 
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a 
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring 
the energy efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 or any 
successor order. Moreover, it would not have a significant adverse 
effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been 
designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator of OIRA. 
Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and, accordingly, DOE 
has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects for this rulemaking.

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 
1974

    Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act 
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), DOE must comply with all laws 
applicable to the former Federal Energy Administration, including 
section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 
93-275), as amended by the Federal Energy Administration Authorization 
Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-70). (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) Section 32 
essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed rule 
authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of 
proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of 
such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with 
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission 
(FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on 
competition.
    As discussed in section III.C.1 of this document, the proposed rule 
incorporates testing methods contained in the following commercial 
standard: ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, Method of Testing for Annual Fuel 
Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers. 
While this proposed test procedure is not exclusively based on this 
standard, DOE test procedure adopts several provisions from this 
standard without amendment. DOE has evaluated this standard and is 
unable to conclude whether it fully complies with the requirements of 
section 32(b) of the FEAA (i.e., that it was developed in a manner that 
fully provides for public participation, comment, and review). DOE's 
previous test procedure incorporated testing methods from the earlier 
version of the same standard (ASHRAE Standard 103-1993). The 
modifications reflected in ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 were developed as 
part of ASHRAE's public comment and review process. DOE will consult 
with the Attorney General and the Chairwoman of the FTC concerning the 
impact of these test procedures on competition prior to prescribing a 
final rule.

M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference

    DOE is proposing to incorporate by reference the test standard 
published by ASTM, titled ``Standard Test Method for Smoke Density in 
Flue Gases from Burning Distillate Fuels,'' ASTM-D2156-09 (Reapproved 
2013). ASTM-D2156 is an industry accepted test procedure that 
establishes uniform test methods for the evaluation of smoke density in 
the flue gases from burning distillate fuels. The test procedure 
proposed in this NOPR incorporates by reference in its entirety which 
includes terminology, methods of testing, materials, apparatus, 
procedures, reporting, and precision and bias. ASTM-D2156-09 is readily 
available for purchase on ASTM's Web site at 
http:[sol][sol]www.astm.org/Standards/D2156.htm.

V. Public Participation

A. Attendance at the Public Meeting

    The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in 
the DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this document. If 
you plan to attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards 
at (202) 586-2945 or Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
    Please note that foreign nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are 
subject to advance security screening procedures. If a foreign national 
wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE of this 
fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at (202) 
586-1214 or by email (Regina.Washington@ee.doe.gov) so that the 
necessary procedures can be completed.
    DOE requires visitors to have laptops and other devices, such as 
tablets, checked upon entry into the Forrestal Building. Any person 
wishing to bring these devices into the building will be required to 
obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing these devices, 
or allow an extra 45 minutes to check in. Please report to the 
visitor's desk to have devices checked before proceeding through 
security.
    Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS), there have been recent changes regarding identification 
(ID) requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings 
from specific States and U.S. territories. As a result, driver's 
licenses from several States or territory will not be accepted for 
building entry, and instead, one of the alternate forms of ID listed 
below will be required. DHS has determined that regular driver's 
licenses (and ID cards) from the following jurisdictions are not 
acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: Alaska, American Samoa, 
Arizona, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, 
Oklahoma, and Washington. Acceptable alternate forms

[[Page 12901]]

of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or Passport Card; an Enhanced 
Driver's License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by the States of Minnesota, 
New York, or Washington (Enhanced licenses issued by these States are 
clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver's License); a military ID or 
other Federal government-issued Photo-ID card.
    In addition, you can attend the public meeting via webinar. Webinar 
registration information, participant instructions, and information 
about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be 
published on DOE's Web site at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/55. Participants are 
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar 
software.

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak and Prepared General 
Statements for Distribution

    Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this 
notice of proposed rulemaking, or who is representative of a group or 
class of persons that has an interest in these issues, may request an 
opportunity to make an oral presentation at the public meeting. Such 
persons may hand-deliver requests to speak to the address show in the 
ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice between 9:00 a.m. and 
4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Requests may 
also be sent by mail or email to Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, or Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 
Persons who wish to speak should include in their request a computer 
diskette or CD-ROM in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) 
file format that briefly describes the nature of their interest in this 
rulemaking and the topics they wish to discuss. Such persons should 
also provide a daytime telephone number where they can be reached.
    DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to 
submit an advance copy of their statements at least one week before the 
public meeting. DOE may permit persons who cannot supply an advance 
copy of their statement to participate, if those persons have made 
advance alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies 
Program. As necessary, request to give an oral presentation should ask 
for such alternative arrangements.
    Any person who has plans to present a prepared general statement 
may request that copies of his or her statement be made available at 
the public meeting. Such persons may submit requests, along with an 
advance electronic copy of their statement in PDF (preferred), 
Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format, to 
the appropriate address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning 
of this notice of proposed rulemaking. The request and advance copy of 
statements must be received at least one week before the public meeting 
and may be emailed, hand-delivered, or sent by mail. DOE prefers to 
receive requests and advance copies via email. Please include a 
telephone number to enable DOE staff to make follow-up contact, if 
needed.

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting

    DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting 
and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The 
meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but 
DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6306). A court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and 
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of 
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of 
the public meeting. There shall not be discussion of proprietary 
information, costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters 
regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. After the public meeting, interested 
parties may submit further comments on the proceedings, as well as on 
any aspect of the rulemaking, until the end of the comment period.
    The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference 
style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the 
public meeting, allow time for prepared general statements by 
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views 
on issues affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed 
to make a general statement (within time limits determined by DOE), 
before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will allow, as time 
permits, other participants to comment briefly on any general 
statements.
    At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit 
participants to clarify their statements briefly and comment on 
statements made by others. Participants should be prepared to answer 
questions by DOE and by other participants concerning these issues. DOE 
representatives may also ask questions of participants concerning other 
matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official conducting the public 
meeting will accept additional comments or questions from those 
attending, as time permits. The presiding official will announce any 
further procedural rules or modification of the above procedures that 
may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting.
    A transcript of the public meeting will be posted on the DOE Web 
site and will be included in the docket, which can be viewed as 
described in the Docket section at the beginning of this notice. In 
addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript from the 
transcribing reporter.

D. Submission of Comments

    Instructions: DOE will accept comments, data, and information 
regarding this proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no 
later than the date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of 
this notice of proposed rulemaking. Interested parties may submit 
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at 
the beginning of this notice of proposed rulemaking.
    All submissions must include the agency name and docket number 
EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904-
AC79. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted.
    Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The 
www.regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment itself or in any documents attached to your 
comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable 
should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to 
your comment. Otherwise, persons viewing comments will see only first 
and last names, organization names, correspondence containing comments, 
and any

[[Page 12902]]

documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through 
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through 
the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted. 
For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business 
Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through www.regulations.gov before 
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being 
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed 
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several 
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that www.regulations.gov 
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand-delivery/courier, or mail. 
Comments and documents submitted via email, hand-delivery/courier, or 
mail also will be posted to www.regulations.gov. If you do not want 
your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not 
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, 
provide your contact information in a cover letter. Include your first 
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing 
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it 
does not include any comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a compact disk (CD), if 
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. 
No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English, and are free of any defects or 
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies: 
One copy of the document marked ``confidential'' including all the 
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document 
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be 
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if 
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential 
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
    Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat 
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the 
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as 
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is 
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the 
information has previously been made available to others without 
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the 
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from 
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its 
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why 
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

    Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE 
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of 
interested parties concerning the following issues:
1. ASHRAE 103 Update From Version 1993 to 2007
    DOE requests comment from stakeholders on the proposed changes to 
the DOE test procedure resulting from incorporating the 2007 version of 
ASHRAE 103 with some limited modifications.
2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
    DOE requests comment from stakeholders on the proposed changes to 
allow for the measurement of condensate during the establishment of 
steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 9.1).
3. Additional Auxiliary Electrical Consumption
    In this NOPR, DOE proposes changes to the test procedure by 
updating the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 103 to the 2007 
version and by incorporating testing of auxiliary electricity 
components. DOE requests comment from stakeholders on these proposed 
changes.
4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to clarify the test procedure 
language to explicitly state that testing recommendations should be 
drawn from each product's approved I&O manual, and to provide a 
specific combustion airflow ratio, reduced fuel input rate, and draft 
settings when the manufacturer does not provide recommended values in 
the I&O manual provided with the unit.
5. Automatic Means for Adjusting Water Temperature Testing
    DOE seeks stakeholder comment on any additional methods for 
inferring building heat load to ensure that DOE's proposed test method 
validates the functionality of all strategies currently available in 
the market used to provide an automatic means for adjusting water 
temperature.
6. Test Method for Indicating the Absence of Flow Through the Heat 
Exchanger
    DOE is interested in whether, in addition to the proposed smoke 
stick test, other options exist for measuring or indicating the absence 
of flow through the heat exchanger.
7. AFUE Reporting Precision
    DOE's existing furnaces and boilers test procedure specifies that 
the AFUE rating be rounded to the nearest whole percentage point. DOE 
requests comment on its proposal to update the existing requirement for 
residential furnaces and boilers to report AFUE to the nearest tenth of 
a percentage point.
8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
    DOE requests comments on the proposal to add a provision in the 
test procedure clarifying that the return

[[Page 12903]]

(inlet) duct is not required during testing for units which, according 
to the manufacturer's I&O manual, are intended to be installed without 
a return duct.
9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to allow testing of units 
configured for multiple position installations to use the blower access 
door as an option instead of one of the inlet openings.
10. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
    DOE requests comment from stakeholders on DOE's preliminary 
determination not to propose changes to the test procedure regarding 
room ambient temperature and humidity, neither in the form of a 
mathematical correction methodology nor by limiting the existing 
ambient condition ranges.
11. Oversize Factor Value
    DOE did not receive data supporting a change to the existing 
oversize factor of 0.7. DOE proposes to maintain the existing oversize 
factor and seeks comment on the appropriateness of this strategy.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of 
proposed rulemaking.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household 
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small 
businesses.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts 
429 and 430 of Chapter II, Subchapter D of Title 10, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.

0
2. Section 429.134 is amended by adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  429.134  Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (c) [Reserved].
    (d) [Reserved].
    (e) Test protocols for functional verification of automatic means 
for adjusting water temperature. These tests are intended to verify the 
functionality of the design requirement that a boiler has an automatic 
means for adjusting water temperature for single-stage, two-stage, and 
modulating boilers. These test methods are intended to permit the 
functional testing of a range of control strategies used to fulfill 
this design requirement. Section 2 Definitions and paragraph 6.1.a of 
appendix N to subpart B of part 430 of this title apply for the 
purposes of this paragraph.
    (1) Test protocol for single-stage products. This test is intended 
to verify the functionality of the automatic means for establishing a 
burner delay upon a heat call in single-stage boiler products. The 
nature of this test method allows the functional testing of the control 
strategy that allows the burner or heating element to fire only when 
the means has determined that the inferred heat load cannot be met by 
the residual heat of the water in the system.
    (i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. For boilers subject to 
this testing, boiler installation in the test room shall be in 
accordance with the setup and apparatus requirements by section 6.0 of 
appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430.
    (B) Activation of controls. Adjust the boiler controls (in 
accordance with the I&O manual to the default setting that allows for 
activation of the means for adjusting water temperature.
    (C) Adjustment of water flow and temperature. The flow and 
temperature of return (inlet) water to the boiler shall be capable of 
being adjusted manually.
    (ii) Boiler heat-up. (A) Boiler start-up. Power up the boiler and 
initiate a call for heat.
    (B) Adjustment of firing rate. Adjust the boiler's firing rate to 
within 5% of its maximum rated input.
    (C) Establishing flow rate and temperature rise. Adjust the water 
flow through the boiler to achieve a [Delta]T of 20 [deg]F (2 [deg]F) or greater with a supply water temperature equal to 120 
[deg]F (2 [deg]F).
    (D) Terminate the call for heating. Terminate the call for space 
heating, stop the flow of water through the boiler, and record the time 
at termination.
    (iii) Verify burner delay. (A) Reinitiate call for heat. Within 
three (3) minutes of termination (paragraph (e)(1)(i)(H) of this 
section) and without adjusting the inlet water flow rate or heat load 
as specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i)(G) of this section, reinitiate the 
call for heat and water flow and record the time.
    (B) Verify burner ignition. At 15-second intervals, record time and 
outlet water temperature until the main burner ignites.
    (C) Terminate the call for heat.
    (2) Test protocol for two-stage and modulating products. This test 
is intended to verify the functionality of the design requirement that 
a boiler has an automatic means for adjusting water temperature. The 
nature of this test method allows the functional testing of the control 
strategy that ensures that an incremental change in inferred heat load 
produces a corresponding incremental change in temperature of water 
supplied.
    (i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. Boiler installation in 
the test room shall be in accordance with the setup and apparatus 
requirements of section 6 of appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part 
430.
    (B) Establishing flow rate and temperature rise.
    (1) Start the boiler without enabling the means for adjusting water 
temperature. Establish a water flow rate that allows for a water 
temperature rise of greater than or equal to 20 [deg]F at maximum input 
rate.
    (2) Adjust the inferential load controller in accordance with the 
I&O manual.
    (C) Temperature stabilization. Following stabilization of boiler 
operations and water temperatures, continue to paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of 
this section.
    (ii) Establishing inferred load conditions for reduced boiler 
output.
    (A) Adjust the inferential load controller. (1) While the boiler is 
still operational, adjust the boiler controls (in accordance with the 
I&O manual) to the default setting that allows for activation of the 
means for adjusting water temperature. (For boiler controls that do not 
allow for control adjustment during active mode operation, terminate 
call for heating and adjust the inferential load controller in 
accordance

[[Page 12904]]

with the I&O manual. Then reinitiate call for heating.)
    (2) If the means for adjusting water temperature uses outdoor 
temperature reset, the maximum outdoor temperature setting (if 
equipped) should be set to a temperature high enough that the boiler 
operates continuously during the duration of this test (i.e., if the 
conditions in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section equal room 
ambient temperature, then the maximum outdoor temperature should be set 
at a temperature greater than the normal variation in the room ambient 
air temperature).
    (B) Establish inferred load conditions. (1) Establish the inferred 
load conditions (simulated using a controlling parameter) so that the 
supply water temperature is maintained at the lowest supply water 
temperature (4 [deg]F) prescribed by the boiler 
manufacturer's temperature reset control strategy found in the I&O 
manual.
    (2) The minimum supply water temperature of the default temperature 
reset curve is usually provided within the I&O manual. If there is no 
recommendation, set the minimum supply water temperature equal to 20 
[deg]F less than the high supply water temperature specified in 
paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(A).
    (C) Supply water temperature condition. (1) Maintain the call for 
heating until the boiler supply water temperature has stabilized.
    (2) For this test, a stabilized temperature control setting is 
deemed to be obtained when the setting does not vary by more than 
3 [deg]F over a period of 5 minutes. The duration of time 
required to stabilize the supply water, following the procedure in 
paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, is dependent on the reset 
strategy and may vary from model to model.
    (D) Supply temperature verification. (1) Verify that the resulting 
supply water temperature corresponds to the low boiler water 
temperature as required in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
    (2) Record the stabilized boiler supply water temperature.
    (iii) Verify Water Temperature Reset for Change in Inferred Load. 
(A) Adjust inferred load conditions. Establish the inferred load 
conditions so that the supply water temperature is set to the highest 
allowable supply water temperature (2 [deg]F) as prescribed 
in the I&O manual or if there is no recommendation, set to a 
temperature greater than 170[emsp14][deg]F.
    (B) Temperature stabilization. (1) Maintain the call for heating 
until the boiler supply water temperature has stabilized.
    (2) Record the boiler supply water temperature while the 
temperature is stabilized.
    (3) Terminate the call for heating.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

0
4. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition of ``Furnace'' 
to read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Furnace means a product which utilizes only single-phase electric 
current, or single-phase electric current or DC current in conjunction 
with natural gas, propane, or home heating oil, and which--
    (1) Is designed to be the principal heating source for the living 
space of a residence;
    (2) Is not contained within the same cabinet with a central air 
conditioner whose rated cooling capacity is above 65,000 Btu per hour;
    (3) Is an electric central furnace, electric boiler, forced-air 
central furnace, gravity central furnace, or low-pressure steam or hot 
water boiler; and
    (4) Has a heat input rate of less than 300,000 Btu per hour for 
electric boilers and low-pressure steam or hot water boilers and less 
than 225,000 Btu per hour for forced-air central furnaces, gravity 
central furnaces, and electric central furnaces.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (f)(10);
0
b. Removing paragraph (f)(11);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (f)(12) as (f)(11);
0
d. Revise paragraph (i).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  430.3  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (10) ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, (``ASHRAE 103-2007''), Methods of 
Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central 
Furnaces and Boilers, ANSI approved March 25, 2008, IBR approved for 
Sec.  430.23, appendix N, and appendix AA to subpart B.
* * * * *
    (i) ASTM. American Society of Testing and Materials, ASTM 
Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, 
PA 19428-2959, (877) 909-2786 or (610) 832-9585, or go to https://www.astm.org.
    (1) ASTM-D2156--09 (Reapproved 2013), Method of Test for Smoke 
Density in the Flue Gases from Distillate Fuels, approved December 1, 
2009, IBR approved for appendix N to subpart B.
    (2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
6. Revise Sec.  430.23(n)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  430.23  Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water 
consumption.

* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (2) The annual fuel utilization efficiency for furnaces, expressed 
in percent, is the ratio of the annual fuel output of useful energy 
delivered to the heated space to the annual fuel energy input to the 
furnace determined according to section 10.1 of appendix N of this 
subpart for gas and oil furnaces and determined in accordance with 
section 11.1 of the American National Standards Institute/American 
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
(ASHRAE) Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) 
for electric furnaces. Round the annual fuel utilization efficiency to 
the nearest one-tenth of a percentage point.
* * * * *
0
7. Revise section 2.3 of Appendix AA to subpart B to read as follows:

Appendix AA to Subpart B of Part 430 --Uniform Test Method for 
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Furnace Fans

* * * * *
    2.0 Definitions. * * *
    2.3 ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by reference; see 
Sec.  430.3) means the test standard published in 2007 by ASHRAE, 
approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on 
March 25, 2008, and titled ``Method of Testing for Annual Fuel 
Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and 
Boilers,'' except for sections 3.0, 7.2.2.5, 8.6.1.1, 9.1.2.2, 
9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.1, 10.0, 11.2.12, 
11.3.12, 11.4.12, 11.5.12 and appendices B and C. Only those 
sections of ASHRAE 103-2007 specifically referenced in this test 
procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where there is a 
conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix takes 
precedence over ASHRAE 103-2007.
* * * * *
0
8. Revise appendix N to subpart B to read as follows:

[[Page 12905]]

Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Furnaces and Boilers

    Note: On and after [180 days after publication of the final rule 
in the Federal Register], any representations made with respect to 
the energy use or efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers 
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to 
this appendix. On and after this date, if a manufacturer makes 
representations of standby mode and off mode energy consumption, 
then testing must also include the provisions of this appendix 
related to standby mode and off mode energy consumption (i.e., 
sections 8.12 and 10.12 of this appendix N).

    Until [180 days after the publication of the final rule in the 
Federal Register], representations must be made in accordance with 
the results of testing pursuant to either this appendix, or appendix 
N as it appeared at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B revised as of January 
1, 2015. Any representations made with respect to the energy use or 
efficiency of such residential furnaces and boilers must be in 
accordance with whichever version is selected. DOE notes that, 
because testing under this appendix N must be completed as of [180 
days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register], 
manufacturers may wish to begin using this test procedure 
immediately.
    1.0 Scope. This appendix provides the test procedures for 
furnaces and boilers subject to the standards specified at 10 CFR 
430.32(e).
    2.0 Definitions. Definitions include those specified in section 
3 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) 
and the following additional and modified definitions. In cases 
where there is a conflict, these definitions take precedence over 
the definitions specified in ASHRAE 103-2007.
    2.1 Active mode means the condition in which the furnace or 
boiler is connected to the power source, and at least one of the 
burner, electric resistance elements, or any electrical auxiliaries 
such as blowers or pumps, are activated.
    2.2 ASHRAE means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, 
and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
    2.3 ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3) 
means the test standard published in 2007 by ASHRAE, approved by the 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on March 25, 2008, and 
titled ``Method of Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of 
Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers'' (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except for sections 2, 7.1, 7.2.2.2, 
7.2.2.5, 7.2.3.1, 7.8, 8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1, 8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2, 
8.4.1.2, 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2, 8.8.3, 9.1.2.1, 
9.1.2.2.1, 9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 
9.7.6, 9.7.4, 9.10, 11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2 and appendices B and C. 
Only those sections of ASHRAE 103-2007 specifically referenced in 
this test procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where 
there is a conflict, the language of the test procedure in this 
appendix takes precedence over ASHRAE 103-2007.
    2.4 ASTM-D2156 means the test standard published by the American 
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), titled ``Method of Test 
for Smoke Density in the Flue Gases from Distillate Fuels,'' 
published in 2009 (reapproved 2013). (incorporated by reference, see 
Sec.  430.3)
    2.5 Controlling Parameter means a measurable quantity (such as 
temperature or usage pattern) used for inferring heating load, which 
would then result in incremental changes in supply water 
temperature.
    2.6 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), titled ``Household 
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication 
62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01). (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3)
    2.7 Installation and operation (I&O) manual means instructions 
for installing, commissioning, and operating the furnace or boiler, 
which are approved as part of the product's safety listing and are 
supplied with the product when shipped by the manufacturer.
    2.8 Multiposition furnace means a furnace that can be installed 
in more than one airflow configuration (i.e., upflow or horizontal; 
downflow or horizontal; and upflow, downflow, or horizontal).
    2.9 Off mode means a mode in which the furnace or boiler is 
connected to a mains power source and is not providing any active or 
standby mode function, and where the mode may persist for an 
indefinite time. The existence of an off switch in off position (a 
disconnect circuit), is included within the classification of an off 
mode.
    2.10 Off switch means the switch on the furnace or boiler that, 
when activated, results in a measurable change in energy consumption 
between the standby and off modes.
    2.11 Standby mode means any mode in which the furnace or boiler 
is connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the 
following space heating functions that may persist for an indefinite 
time:
    a. To facilitate the activation of other modes (including 
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote control 
(including thermostat or use patterns) or internal or external 
sensors (temperature);
    b. Continuous functions, including information or status 
displays (where present).
    2.12 Thermal stack damper means a type of stack damper which is 
dependent for operation exclusively upon the direct conversion of 
thermal energy of the stack gases to open the damper.
    3.0 Classifications. Classifications are as specified in section 
4 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    4.0 Requirements. Requirements are as specified in section 5 of 
ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    5.0 Instruments. Instruments must be as specified in section 6 
of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    6.0 Apparatus. The apparatus used in conjunction with the 
furnace or boiler during the testing shall be as specified in 
section 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3) except for sections 7.1, 7.2.2.2, 7.2.2.5, 7.2.3.1, and 7.8, 
and as specified in sections 6.1 through 6.5 of this appendix.
    6.1 General.
    a. Install the furnace or boiler in the test room in accordance 
with the I&O manual, as defined in section 2.7 of this appendix, 
unless a specific provision of the referenced test procedure 
applies. The exception to this case is that if additional provisions 
within this appendix have been specified, then the provisions herein 
drafted and prescribed by DOE shall govern. If the I&O manual and 
any additional provisions are not sufficient for testing a furnace 
or boiler, the manufacturer must request a waiver from the test 
procedure pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27.
    b. If the I&O manual indicates the unit should not be installed 
with a return duct, then the return (inlet) duct specified in 
section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not required.
    c. Test multiposition furnaces in the least-efficient 
configuration. Testing of multiposition furnaces in other 
configurations is permitted if represented pursuant to the 
requirements in 10 CFR 429. If a multiposition furnace is not 
shipped with an open inlet, testing of the unit would use the blower 
access door instead of removing one of the designed inlet cut-outs.
    d. The apparatus described below is used in conjunction with the 
furnace or boiler during testing. Each piece of apparatus shall 
conform to material and construction specifications and the 
reference standards cited.
    e. Test rooms containing equipment must have suitable facilities 
for providing the utilities (including but not limited to 
environmental controls, sufficient fluid source(s), applicable 
measurement equipment, and any other technology or tools) necessary 
for performance of the test and must be able to maintain conditions 
within the limits specified.
    6.2 Forced Air Central Furnaces (Direct Vent and Direct 
Exhaust).
    a. Units not equipped with a draft hood or draft diverter shall 
be provided with the minimum-length vent configuration recommended 
in the I&O manual or a 5-ft flue pipe if there is no recommendation 
(see Figure 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007). For a direct exhaust system, 
insulate the minimum-length vent configuration or the 5-ft flue pipe 
with insulation having an R-value not less than 7 and an outer layer 
of aluminum foil. For a direct vent system, see section 7.5 of 
ASHRAE 103-2007 for insulation requirements.
    b. For units with power burners, cover the flue collection box 
with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an outer 
layer of aluminum foil before the cool-down and heat-up tests 
described in sections 9.5 and 9.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007, respectively. 
However, do not apply the insulation for the jacket loss test (if 
conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or the 
steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    c. For power-vented units, insulate the shroud surrounding the 
blower impeller with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 
and an outer layer of aluminum foil before

[[Page 12906]]

the cool-down and heat-up tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6 of 
ASHRAE 103-2007. Do not apply the insulation for the jacket loss 
test (if conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or 
the steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. 
Do not insulate the blower motor or block the airflow openings that 
facilitate the cooling of the combustion blower motor or bearings.
    6.3 Downflow furnaces. Install an internal section of vent pipe 
the same size as the flue collar for connecting the flue collar to 
the top of the unit, if not supplied by the manufacturer. Do not 
insulate the internal vent pipe during the jacket loss test (if 
conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or the 
steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Do 
not insulate the internal vent pipe before the cool-down and heat-up 
tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6, respectively, of ASHRAE 
103-2007. If the vent pipe is surrounded by a metal jacket, do not 
insulate the metal jacket. Install a 5-ft test stack of the same 
cross-sectional area or perimeter as the vent pipe above the top of 
the furnace. Tape or seal around the junction connecting the vent 
pipe and the 5-ft test stack. Insulate the 5-ft test stack with 
insulation having an R-value not less than 7 and an outer layer of 
aluminum foil. (See Figure 3-A & B of ASHRAE 103-2007.)
    6.4 Units with Draft Hoods or Draft Diverters. Install the stack 
damper in accordance with the I&O manual. Install five feet of stack 
above the damper.
    a. For units with an integral draft diverter, cover the 5-ft 
stack with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an 
outer layer of aluminum foil.
    b. For units with draft hoods, insulate the flue pipe between 
the outlet of the furnace and the draft hood with insulation having 
an R-value of not less than 7 and an outer layer of aluminum foil.
    c. For units with integral draft diverters that are mounted in 
an exposed position (not inside the overall unit cabinet), cover the 
diverter boxes (excluding any openings through which draft relief 
air flows) before the beginning of any test (including jacket loss 
test) with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an 
outer layer of aluminum foil.
    d. For units equipped with integral draft diverters that are 
enclosed within the overall unit cabinet, insulate the draft 
diverter box with insulation as described above before the cool-down 
and heat-up tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6, respectively, 
of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007. Do not apply the insulation for the 
jacket loss test (if conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 or the steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007.
    6.5 Condensate Collection. Condensate drain lines shall be 
attached to the unit as specified in the I&O manual. A continuous 
downward slope of drain lines from the unit shall be maintained. 
Additional precautions (such as eliminating any line configuration 
or position that would otherwise restrict or block the flow of 
condensate or checking to ensure a proper connection with condensate 
drain spout that allows for unobstructed flow) shall be taken to 
facilitate uninterrupted flow of condensate during the test. 
Collection containers must be glass or polished stainless steel to 
facilitate removal of interior deposits. The collection container 
shall have a vent opening to the atmosphere.
    7.0 Testing conditions. The testing conditions shall be as 
specified in section 8 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except for section 8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1, 
8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2, 8.4.1.2, 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2, 
and 8.8.3; and as specified in sections 7.1 to 7.10 of this 
appendix, respectively.
    7.1 Fuel Supply, Gas. In conducting the tests specified herein, 
gases with characteristics as shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007 
shall be used. The gas supply, ahead of all controls for a furnace, 
shall be maintained at a test pressure between the normal and 
increased values shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Maintain the 
regulator outlet pressure at a level approximating that recommended 
in the I&O manual, as defined in section 2.7 of this appendix, or, 
in the absence of such recommendation, to the nominal regulator 
settings used when the product is shipped by the manufacturer. Use a 
gas having a specific gravity as shown in Table 1 and with a higher 
heating value within 5% of the higher heating value 
shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Determine the actual higher 
heating value in Btu per standard cubic foot for the gas to be used 
in the test with an error no greater than 1%.
    7.2 Installation of Piping. Install piping equipment in 
accordance with the I&O manual. In the absence of such 
specification, install piping in accordance with section 8.3.1.1 of 
ASHRAE 103-2007.
    7.3 Gas Burner. Adjust the burners of gas-fired furnaces and 
boilers to their maximum Btu input ratings at the normal test 
pressure specified by section 8.2.1.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Correct 
the burner input rate to reflect gas characteristics at a 
temperature of 60 [deg]F and atmospheric pressure of 30 in. of Hg 
and adjust to within 2 percent of the hourly Btu 
nameplate input rating as measured during the steady-state 
performance test described below. Adjust the combustion airflow to 
achieve an excess air ratio, flue O2 percentage, or flue 
CO2 percentage to within the middle 30th percentile of 
the acceptable range specified in the I&O manual. In the absence of 
such specification, adjust the combustion airflow to provide between 
6.9 percent and 7.1 percent dry flue gas O2, or the 
lowest dry flue gas O2 percentage that produces a stable 
flame, no carbon deposits, and an air-free flue gas CO ratio below 
400 parts per million during the steady-state test described in 
section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007, whichever is higher. After the 
steady-state performance test has been started, do not make 
additional adjustments to the burners during the required series of 
performance tests specified in section 9 of ASHRAE 103-2007. If a 
vent-limiting means is provided on a gas pressure regulator, keep it 
in place during all tests.
    7.4 Modulating Gas Burner Adjustment at Reduced Input Rate. For 
gas-fired furnaces and boilers equipped with modulating-type 
controls, adjust the controls to operate the unit at the nameplate 
minimum input rate. If the modulating control is of a non-automatic 
type, adjust the control to the setting recommended in the I&O 
manual. In the absence of such recommendation, the midpoint setting 
of the non-automatic control shall be used as the setting for 
determining the reduced fuel input rate. Start the furnace or boiler 
by turning the safety control valve to the ``ON'' position. For 
boilers, use a supply water temperature that will allow for 
continuous operation without shutoff by the control. If necessary to 
achieve such continuous operation, supply water may be increased 
above 120 [deg]F; in such cases, gradually increase the supply water 
temperature to determine what minimum supply water temperature, with 
a 20 [deg]F temperature rise across the boiler, will be needed to 
adjust for the minimum input rate at the reduced input rate control 
setting. Monitor regulated gas pressure out of the modulating 
control valve (or entering the burner) to determine when no further 
reduction of gas pressure results. The flow rate of water through 
the boiler shall be adjusted to achieve a 20 [deg]F temperature 
rise.
    7.5 Oil Burner. Adjust the burners of oil-fired furnaces or 
boilers to give a CO2 reading within the middle 30th 
percentile of the acceptable range specified in the I&O manual. In 
the absence of such specification, adjust the airflow through the 
burner to achieve a dry flue gas CO2 percentage between 
10.0 percent and 10.4 percent, or a dry flue gas CO2 
percentage that results in flue gas smoke that does not exceed No. 1 
smoke during the steady-state performance test as measured by the 
procedure in ASTM-D2156 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
430.3), whichever is lower. Adjust the fuel input rate to within 
2 percent of the highest nameplate input rate. Maintain 
the average draft over the fire and in the flue during the steady-
state performance test within the middle 30th percentile of the 
ranges specified in the I&O manual. In the absence of such 
specification, maintain the lowest draft that produces either flue 
CO2 levels or smoke values within the ranges stipulated 
in this paragraph. Do not allow draft fluctuations exceeding 0.005 
in. water. Do not make additional adjustments to the burner during 
the required series of performance tests. The instruments and 
measuring apparatus for this test are described in section 6 of this 
appendix and shown in Figure 8 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    7.6 Air throughputs shall be adjusted to a temperature rise that 
is the higher of a and b, unless c applies.
    a. 15 [deg]F less than the nameplate maximum temperature rise or
    b. 15 [deg]F higher than the minimum temperature rise specified 
in the I&O manual.
    c. A furnace with a non-adjustable air temperature rise range 
and an automatically controlled airflow that does not permit a 
temperature rise range of 30 [deg]F or more shall be tested at the 
midpoint of the rise range.
    A tolerance of 2 [deg]F is permitted.
    7.7 The specified temperature rise shall be established by 
adjusting the circulating airflow. This adjustment shall be 
accomplished by symmetrically restricting

[[Page 12907]]

the outlet air duct and varying blower speed selection to obtain the 
desired temperature rise and minimum external static pressure, as 
specified in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007. If the required temperature 
rise cannot be obtained at the minimum specified external static 
pressure by adjusting blower speed selection and duct outlet 
restriction, then the following applies.
    a. If the resultant temperature rise is less than the required 
temperature rise, vary the blower speed by gradually adjusting the 
blower voltage so as to maintain the minimum external static 
pressure listed in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007. The airflow 
restrictions shall then remain unchanged. If static pressure must be 
varied to prevent unstable blower operation, it shall be varied on 
the plus side but shall not exceed the maximum external static 
pressure as specified by the manufacturer in the I&O manual.
    b. If the resultant temperature rise is greater than the 
required temperature rise, then the unit can be tested at a higher 
temperature rise value, but one not greater than nameplate maximum 
temperature rise. In order not to exceed the maximum temperature 
rise, the speed of a direct-driven blower may be increased by 
increasing the circulating air blower motor voltage.
    7.8 Measurement of Jacket Surface Temperature. The jacket of the 
furnace or boiler shall be subdivided into 6-inch squares when 
practical, and otherwise into 36-square-inch regions comprising 4 
in. x 9 in. or 3 in. x 12 in. sections, and the surface temperature 
at the center of each square or section shall be determined with a 
surface thermocouple. The 36-square-inch areas shall be recorded in 
groups where the temperature differential of the 36-square-inch area 
is less than 10 [deg]F for temperature up to 100 [deg]F above room 
temperature, and less than 20 [deg]F for temperature more than 100 
[deg]F above room temperature. For forced air central furnaces, the 
circulating air blower compartment is considered as part of the duct 
system, and no surface temperature measurement of the blower 
compartment needs to be recorded for the purpose of this test. For 
downflow furnaces, measure all cabinet surface temperatures of the 
heat exchanger and combustion section, including the bottom around 
the outlet duct and the burner door, using the 36-square-inch 
thermocouple grid. The cabinet surface temperatures around the 
blower section do not need to be measured (See figure 3-E of ASHRAE 
103-2007.)
    7.9 Installation of Vent System. Keep the vent or air intake 
system supplied by the manufacturer in place during all tests. Test 
units intended for installation with a variety of vent pipe lengths 
shall be tested with the minimum vent length as specified in the I&O 
manual, or a 5-ft flue pipe if there are no recommendations. Do not 
connect a furnace or boiler employing a direct vent system to a 
chimney or induced-draft source. Vent combustion products solely by 
using the venting incorporated in the furnace or boiler and the vent 
or air intake system supplied by the manufacturer. For units that 
are not designed to significantly preheat the incoming air, see 7.5 
and Figure 4a or 4b of ASHRAE 103-2007. For units that do 
significantly preheat the incoming air, see Figure 4c or 4d of 
ASHRAE 103-2007.
    7.10 Additional Optional Method of Testing for Determining D P 
and D F for Furnaces and Boilers. On units whose design is such that 
there is no measurable airflow through the combustion chamber and 
heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off (as determined by the 
optional test procedure in section 7.10.1 of this appendix), 
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.
    7.10.1 Optional Test Method for Indicating the Absence of Flow 
through the Heat Exchanger. Manufacturers may use the following test 
protocol to determine whether air flows through the combustion 
chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off using a 
smoke stick device. The minimum default draft factor (as allowed per 
sections 8.8.3 & 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007) may be used only for units 
determined pursuant to this protocol to have no airflow through the 
combustion chamber and heat exchanger.
    7.10.1.1 Test Conditions. Wait for two minutes following the 
termination of the furnace or boiler on-cycle before beginning the 
optional test method for indicating the absence of flow through the 
heat exchanger.
    7.10.1.2 Location of the Test Apparatus. After all air currents 
in the test location have been minimized, position the operable 
smoke stick/pencil accordingly based on the following equipment 
configuration: (a) For horizontal combustion air intakes, 
approximately 4 inches from the vertical plane at the termination of 
the intake vent and 4 inches below the bottom edge of the combustion 
air intake, or (b) for vertical combustion air intakes, 
approximately 4 inches horizontal from vent perimeter at the 
termination of the intake vent and 4 inches down (parallel to the 
vertical axis of the vent). In the instance where the boiler 
combustion air intake is closer than 4 inches to the floor, place 
the smoke device directly on the floor without impeding the flow of 
smoke.
    Monitor the presence and the direction of the smoke flow.
    7.10.1.3 Duration of Test. Continue monitoring the release of 
smoke for 30 seconds.
    7.10.1.4 Test Results. During visual assessment, determine 
whether there is any draw of smoke into the combustion air intake 
vent.
    If absolutely no smoke is drawn into the combustion air intake, 
the furnace or boiler meets the requirements to allow use of the 
minimum default draft factor pursuant to section 8.8.3 and/or 
section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    If there is any smoke drawn into the intake, proceed with the 
methods of testing as prescribed in section 8.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    8.0 Test procedure. Testing and measurements shall be as 
specified in section 9 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3) except for sections 9.1.2.1, 9.1.2.2.1, 
9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.6, 
9.7.4, and 9.10; and as specified in sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 
8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 8.10, and 8.11 of this appendix, 
respectively.
    8.1 Conditions. Begin the steady-state performance test by 
operating the burner and the circulating air blower or water pump 
until steady-state conditions are attained, as indicated by visual 
confirmation of condensate production and a temperature variation in 
three successive readings, taken 15 minutes apart, of not more than 
any of the following:
    a. 3 [deg]F in the stack gas temperature for furnaces and 
boilers equipped with draft diverters;
    b. 5 [deg]F in the flue gas temperature for furnaces and boilers 
equipped with either draft hoods, direct exhaust, or direct vent 
systems;
    c. 4 [deg]F in the outlet water temperature for hot water 
boilers;
    d. 1 [deg]F in the flue gas temperature for condensing furnaces 
and boilers; and
    e. 1 [deg]F in the supply (outlet) water temperatures for 
condensing hot water boilers.
    8.2 Gas. Measure and record the steady-state gas input rate, 
including pilot gas, corrected to standard conditions of 60 [deg]F 
and 30 in. Hg. Use measured values of gas temperature and pressure 
at the meter and barometric pressure to correct the metered gas flow 
rate to the above standard conditions. Measure the steady-state 
electric power to the burner (PE) on units so equipped. For 
furnaces, measure the steady-state electrical power to the 
conditioned air blowers (BE). For hot water boilers, use a steady-
state water pump power of BE = pump nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if no 
pump is supplied. Measure the steady-state electric power to the 
secondary pump (BES) on units so equipped. Measure the 
steady-state electric power to the controls and gas valve 
(EO) on units so equipped.
    8.3 Oil. Measure and record the steady-state fuel input rate and 
the steady-state electrical power to the burner, PE, on units so 
equipped. For furnaces, measure the steady-state electrical power to 
the conditioned air blower, BE. For hot water boilers, use a steady-
state water pump power of BE = pump nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if no 
pump is supplied. Measure the steady-state electric power to the 
secondary pump (BES) on units so equipped. Measure the 
steady-state electric power to the controls and gas valve 
(EO) on units so equipped.
    8.4 Condensing Furnaces and Boilers, Measurement of Condensate 
Under Steady-State Conditions. For units with step-modulating or 
two-stage controls, the test shall be conducted at both the maximum 
and reduced inputs. Begin a steady-state condensation collection 
after steady-state conditions are attained. Perform steady-state 
condensate collection for at least 30 minutes. Condensate mass shall 
be measured immediately at the end of the collection period to 
prevent evaporation loss from the sample. Fuel input shall be 
recorded for the 30-minute condensate collection steady-state test 
period. Fuel higher heating value (HHV), temperature, and pressures 
necessary for determining fuel energy input (QC,SS) will 
be observed and recorded. The fuel quantity and HHV shall be 
measured with errors no greater than 1%. The humidity of the room 
air shall at no time exceed 80%. Determine the mass

[[Page 12908]]

of condensate for the steady-state test (MC,SS) in pounds 
by subtracting the tare container weight from the total container 
and condensate weight measured at the end of the 30-minute 
condensate collection test period.
    8.5 Input to interrupted ignition device. For burners equipped 
with an interrupted ignition device, record the nameplate electric 
power used by the ignition device, PEIG, or record that 
PEIG = 0.4 kW if no nameplate power input is provided. 
Record the nameplate ignition device on-time interval, 
tIG, or, if the nameplate does not provide the ignition 
device on-time interval, measure the on-time interval with a stop 
watch at the beginning of the test, starting when the burner is 
turned on. Set tIG = 0 and PEIG = 0 if the 
device on-time interval is less than or equal to 5 seconds after the 
burner is on.
    8.6 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled gravity and forced 
air central furnaces without stack dampers and without adjustable 
fan control. Turn off the main burner after completing steady-state 
testing, and measure the flue gas temperature by means of the 
thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at 1.5 
minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and 9 minutes 
(TF,OFF(t4)) after the burner shuts off. When 
taking these temperature readings, the integral draft diverter shall 
remain blocked and insulated, and the stack restriction shall remain 
in place. On atmospheric systems with an integral draft diverter or 
draft hood and equipped with either an electromechanical inlet 
damper or an electromechanical flue damper that closes within 10 
seconds after the burner shuts off to restrict the flow through the 
heat exchanger in the off-cycle, bypass or adjust the control for 
the electromechanical damper so that the damper remains open during 
the cool-down test. For furnaces that employ post-purge, measure the 
length of the post-purge period with a stopwatch. The time from 
burner ``OFF'' to combustion blower ``OFF'' (electrically de-
energized) shall be recorded as tP. If tP is 
designated by the I&O manual to be greater than 180 seconds, stop 
the combustion blower at 180 seconds and use that value for 
tP. Measure the flue gas temperature by means of the 
thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at the 
end of post-purge period, tP(TF,OFF 
(tP)), and at the time (1.5 + tP) minutes 
(TF,OFF(t3)) and (9.0 + tP) minutes 
(TF,OFF(t4)) after the main burner shuts off. 
If the measured tP is less than or equal to 30 seconds, 
set tP at 0 and conduct the cool-down test as if there is 
no post-purge.
    8.7 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled gravity and forced 
air central furnaces without stack dampers and with adjustable fan 
control. For a furnace with adjustable fan control, the time delay, 
tP, will be until the supply air temperature drops to a 
value of 40 [deg]F above the inlet air temperature or 3 minutes for 
non-condensing furnaces and 1.5 minutes for condensing furnaces, 
whichever is longer. For a furnace with adjustable fan control with 
a range of adjustment that does not allow for the time delay 
specified above, the fan control shall be bypassed and the fan 
manually controlled to allow for the appropriate delay time, as 
specified in section 8.6 of this appendix (case equivalent to a 
central furnace without adjustable fan control). For a furnace that 
employs a single motor to drive both the power burner and the indoor 
air circulating blower, the power burner and indoor air circulating 
blower shall be turned off at the same time.
    8.8 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled boilers without stack 
dampers. After steady-state testing has been completed, turn the 
main burner(s) ``OFF'' and measure the flue gas temperature at 3.75 
minutes (temperature designated as TF,OFF(t3)) 
and 22.5 minutes (temperature designated as 
TF,OFF(t4)) after the burner shut-off using 
the thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    a. During this off-period, for units that do not have pump delay 
after shut-off, no water shall be allowed to circulate through the 
hot water boilers.
    b. For units that have pump delay on shut-off, except those 
having pump controls sensing water temperature, the pump shall be 
stopped by the unit control and the time between burner shut-off and 
pump shut-off (t\+\) shall be measured and recorded to the nearest 
second.
    c. For units having pump delay controls that sense water 
temperature, the pump shall be operated for 15 minutes and t\+\ 
shall be recorded as 15 minutes. While the pump is operating, the 
inlet water temperature and flow rate shall be maintained at the 
same values as during the steady-state test, as specified in 
sections 9.1 and 8.4.2.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
    d. For boilers that employ post-purge, measure the length of the 
post-purge period with a stopwatch. The time from burner ``OFF'' to 
combustion blower ``OFF'' (electrically de-energized) shall be 
recorded as tP. If tP is designated by the I & 
O manual to be greater than 180 seconds, stop the combustion blower 
at 180 seconds and use that value for tP. Measure the 
flue gas temperature by means of the thermocouple grid described in 
section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at the end of the post-purge period 
tP (TF,OFF(tP)) and at (3.75 + 
tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and (22.5 
+ tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t4)) after 
the main burner shuts off. If the measured tP is less 
than or equal to 30 seconds, record tP as 0 and conduct 
the cool-down test as if there is no post-purge.
    8.9 Direct measurement of off-cycle losses testing method. 
[Reserved.]
    8.10 Calculation options. The rate of the flue gas mass flow 
through the furnace and the factors DP, DF, 
and DS are calculated by the equations in sections 
11.6.4, 11.7.1, and 11.7.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007. On units whose design 
is such that there is no measurable airflow through the combustion 
chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off (as 
determined by the optional test procedure in section 7.10.1 of this 
appendix), DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.
    8.11 Optional test procedures for condensing furnaces and 
boilers that have no off-period flue losses. For units that have 
applied the test method in section 7.10 of this appendix to 
determine that no measurable airflow exists through the combustion 
chamber and heat exchanger during the burner off-period and having 
post-purge periods of less than 5 seconds, DF and 
DP may be set equal to 0.05. At the discretion of the one 
testing, the cool-down and heat-up tests specified in sections 9.5 
and 9.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 may be omitted on such units. In lieu of 
conducting the cool-down and heat-up tests, the tester may use the 
losses determined during the steady-state test described in section 
9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007 when calculating heating seasonal efficiency, 
EffyHS.
    8.12 Measurement of electrical standby and off mode power.
    8.12.1 Standby power measurement. With all electrical 
auxiliaries of the furnace or boiler not activated, measure the 
standby power (PW,SB) in accordance with the procedures 
in IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), except 
that section 8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of ASHRAE 103-2007 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) and the voltage 
provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical Supply, of ASHRAE 103-2007 
shall apply in lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC 62301 at 
section 4.2, Test room, and the voltage specification of section 
4.3, Power supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure the wattage so 
that all possible standby mode wattage for the entire appliance is 
recorded, not just the standby mode wattage of a single auxiliary. 
Round the recorded standby power (PW,SB) to the second 
decimal place, except for loads greater than or equal to 10W, which 
must be recorded to at least three significant figures.
    8.12.2 Off mode power measurement. If the unit is equipped with 
an off switch or there is an expected difference between off mode 
power and standby mode power, measure off mode power 
(PW,OFF) in accordance with the standby power 
procedures in IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3), except that section 8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of ASHRAE 
103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) and the 
voltage provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical Supply, of ASHRAE 
103-2007 shall apply in lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC 
62301 at section 4.2, Test room, and the voltage specification of 
section 4.3, Power supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure the 
wattage so that all possible off mode wattage for the entire 
appliance is recorded, not just the off mode wattage of a single 
auxiliary. If there is no expected difference in off mode power and 
standby mode power, let PW,OFF = PW,SB, in 
which case no separate measurement of off mode power is necessary. 
Round the recorded off mode power (PW,OFF) to the second 
decimal place, except for loads greater than or equal to 10W, which 
must be recorded to at least three significant figures.
    9.0 Nomenclature. Nomenclature shall include the nomenclature 
specified in section 10 of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3) and the following additional variables:

Effmotor= Efficiency of power burner motor
PEIG = Electrical power to the interrupted ignition 
device, kW
RT,a = RT,F if flue gas is measured
    = RT,S if stack gas is measured
RT,F = Ratio of combustion air mass flow rate to 
stoichiometric air mass flow rate

[[Page 12909]]

RT,S = Ratio of the sum of combustion air and relief air 
mass flow rate to stoichiometric air mass flow rate
tIG = Electrical interrupted ignition device on-time, 
min.
Ta,SS,X = TF,SS,X if flue gas temperature is 
measured, [deg]F
    = TS,SS,X if stack gas temperature is measured, 
[deg]F
yIG = Ratio of electrical interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time
yP = Ratio of power burner combustion blower on-time to 
average burner on-time
BES = Secondary boiler pump electrical energy input rate 
at full-load steady-state operation, if present
EO = Gas valve and controls combined electrical energy 
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = Average annual electric standby mode and off mode 
energy consumption, in kilowatt-hours
PW,OFF = Furnace or boiler off mode power, in watts
PW,SB = Furnace or boiler standby mode power, in watts
    10.0 Calculation of derived results from test measurements. 
Calculations shall be as specified in section 11 of ASHRAE 103-2007 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), except for sections 
11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2, and appendices B and C; and as specified in 
sections 10.1 through 10.12 and Figure 1 of this appendix.
    10.1 Heating Seasonal Efficiency and AFUE for Electric Furnaces 
and Boilers. The heating seasonal efficiency for various types of 
electric furnaces and boilers, EffyHS-E, is determined as 
follows:

EffyHS-E = 100 (for indoor units)
EffyHS-E = 100-3.3LJ (for electric forced-air 
central furnaces intended for outdoor installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-1.7LJ (for electric forced-air 
central furnaces intended for installation in a location identical 
to isolated combustion system installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-4.7LJ (for electric boilers 
intended for outdoor installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-2.4LJ (for electric boilers 
intended for installation in a location identical to isolated 
combustion system installation)

Where

LJ = jacket loss as determined in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 
103-2007, %
AFUE = EffyHS-E

    10.2 Annual fuel utilization efficiency. The annual fuel 
utilization efficiency (AFUE) is as defined in sections 11.2.12 
(non-condensing systems), 11.3.12 (condensing systems), 11.4.12 
(non-condensing modulating systems) and 11.5.12 (condensing 
modulating systems) of ASHRAE 103-2007, except for the definition 
for the term EffyHS in the defining equation for AFUE. 
EffyHS is defined as:

EffyHS = heating seasonal efficiency as defined in 
sections 11.2.11 (non-condensing systems), 11.3.11 (condensing 
systems), 11.4.11 (non-condensing modulating systems) and 11.5.11 
(condensing modulating systems) of ASHRAE 103-2007, except that for 
condensing modulating systems sections 11.5.11.1 and 11.5.11.2 are 
replaced by sections 10.3 and 10.4 of this appendix. 
EffyHS is based on the assumptions that all weatherized 
warm air furnaces or boilers are located outdoors, that non-
weatherized warm air furnaces are installed as isolated combustion 
systems, and that non-weatherized boilers are installed indoors.
    10.3 Part-Load Efficiency at Reduced Fuel Input Rate. If the 
option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not employed, calculate 
the part-load efficiency at the reduced fuel input rate, 
EffyU,R, for condensing furnaces and boilers equipped 
with either step-modulating or two-stage controls, expressed as a 
percent and defined as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.008

    If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is employed, 
calculate EffyU,R as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.009

Where:

LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of ASHRAE 103-
2007,
LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007, at reduced input rate,
LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate,
LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of ASHRAE 
103-2007,
QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in accordance with 
section 9.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 in Btu/h,
QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007,
tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
CJ = jacket loss factor and equal to:
    = 0.0 for furnaces or boilers intended to be installed indoors
    = 1.7 for furnaces intended to be installed as isolated 
combustion systems
    = 2.4 for boilers (other than finned-tube boilers) intended to 
be installed as isolated combustion systems
    = 3.3 for furnaces intended to be installed outdoors
    = 4.7 for boilers (other than finned-tube boilers) intended to 
be installed outdoors
    = 1.0 for finned-tube boilers intended to be installed outdoors
    = 0.5 for finned-tube boilers intended to be installed in 
isolated combustion system applications

[[Page 12910]]

LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate,
CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate.
    10.4 Part-Load Efficiency at Maximum Fuel Input Rate. If the 
option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not employed, calculate 
the part-load efficiency at maximum fuel input rate, 
EffyU,H, for condensing furnaces and boilers equipped 
with two-stage controls, expressed as a percent and defined as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.010

    If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is employed, 
calculate EffyU,H as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.011

Where:

LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of ASHRAE 103-
2007,
LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of ASHRAE 
103-2007,
QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in accordance with 
section 9.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 in Btu/h,
QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007,
tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
CJ = value as defined in section 10.3 of this appendix,
LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate.

    10.5 National average burner operating hours, average annual 
fuel energy consumption, and average annual auxiliary electrical 
energy consumption for gas or oil furnaces and boilers.
    10.5.1 National average number of burner operating hours. For 
furnaces and boilers equipped with single-stage controls, the 
national average number of burner operating hours is defined as:

BOHSS = 2,080 (0.77) (A) (QOUT/(1 + [alpha])) 
-2,080 (B)

Where:

2,080 = national average heating load hours
0.77 = adjustment factor to adjust the calculated design heating 
requirement and heating load hours to the actual heating load 
experienced by the heating system
A = 100,000/[341,300(yP PE + yIG 
PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP)EffyHS], for forced draft unit, indoors
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP PE Effmotor + 
yIG PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP) EffyHS], for forced draft unit, ICS,
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP PE(1-Effmotor) + 
yIG PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP) EffyHS], for induced draft unit, indoors, 
and
    = 100,000/[341,300(yIG PEIG + y BE) + 
(QIN -QP) EffyHS], for induced 
draft unit, ICS
B = 2 QP (EffyHS)(A)/100,000

Where:

Effmotor = Power burner motor efficiency provided by 
manufacturer,
    = 0.50, an assumed default power burner efficiency if not 
provided by manufacturer.
100,000 = factor that accounts for percent and kBtu
PE = burner electrical power input at full-load steady-state 
operation, including electrical ignition device if energized, as 
defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
yP = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to 
average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for units without post-purge;
    1 + (tP/tON) for single-stage furnaces or 
boilers with post-purge;
PEIG = electrical input rate to the interrupted ignition 
device on burner (if employed), as defined in section 8.5 of this 
appendix
yIG = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-time 
to average burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for burners not equipped with interrupted ignition device;
    (tIG/tON) for single-stage furnaces or 
boilers.
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device, 
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
tP = post-purge time as defined in section 8.6 or 8.7 
(furnace) or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
    = 0 if tP is equal to or less than 30 second.
y = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner on-time, as 
follows:
    1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump 
delay;
    1+(t\+\ - t-)/tON for furnaces with fan 
delay or boilers with pump delay;
BE = circulating air fan or water pump electrical energy input rate 
at full-load steady-state operation, as defined in section 9.1.2.2 
of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
EffyHS = as defined in section 11.2.11 (non-condensing 
systems) or section 11.3.11.3 (condensing systems) of ASHRAE 
Standard 103-2007, percent, and calculated on the basis of:
    isolated combustion system installation, for non-weatherized 
warm air furnaces;
    indoor installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or

[[Page 12911]]

    outdoor installation, for furnaces and boilers that are 
weatherized.
2 = ratio of the average length of the heating season in hours to 
the average heating load hours
t\+\ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or section 
8.8 of this appendix
t- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
tON = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in 
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
    10.5.1.1 For furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage or 
step-modulating controls, the national average number of burner 
operating hours at the reduced operating mode is defined as:

BOHR = XR (2,080) (0.77) (AR) 
(QOUT/(1+[alpha])) -2,080 (BR)

Where:

AR = 100,000/[341,300(yP,R 
PER+yIG,R PEIG,R 
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - 
QP)EffyU,R], for forced draft unit, indoors
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER 
Effmotor + yIG,R PEIG,R 
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP) 
EffyU,R], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system,
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER (1-
Effmotor)+ yIG,R PEIG,R 
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP) 
EffyU,R], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
    = 100,000/[341,300(yIG,R PEIG,R 
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP) 
EffyU,R], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,R)(AR)/
100,000
XR = as defined in section 11.4.8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
EffyU,R = average part load efficiency at the reduced 
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,R = electrical input rate to the interrupted 
ignition device on burner (if employed), as defined in section 8.5 
of this appendix and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yIG,R = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for burners not equipped with an interrupted ignition device; 
(tIG/tON,R) otherwise;
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device, 
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
PER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yP,R = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to 
average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for units without post-purge;
    1+(tP/tON,R) for furnaces or boilers with 
post-purge;
tP,R = post-purge time measured at the reduced fuel input 
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) 
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix.
    = 0 if tP,R is equal to or less than 30 second.
BER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yR = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner 
on-time, determined as follows:
    1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump 
delay;
    1+(tR\+\ -tR-)/tON,R 
for furnaces with fan delay or oilers with pump delay.
tR\+\ = delay time between burner shutoff and the blower 
or pump shutoff measured at the reduced fuel input rate as defined 
for t\+\ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (furnace) or section 
8.8 of this appendix (boiler).
tR- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
tON,R = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in 
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input 
rate.
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
    10.5.1.2 For furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage 
controls, the national average number of burner operating hours at 
the maximum operating mode is defined as:

BOHH = XH (2,080) (0.77) (AH) 
(QOUT/(1+[alpha])) - 2,080 (BH)

Where:

AH = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H 
PEH+yIG,H PEIG,H 
+yHBEH)+(QIN - 
QP)EffyU,H], for forced draft unit, indoors
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH 
Effmotor + yIG,H PEIG,H 
+yHBEH)+(QIN- QP) 
EffyU,H], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system,
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1-
Effmotor)+ yIG,H PEIG,H 
+yHBEH)+(QIN - QP) 
EffyU,H], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
    = 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H 
+yHBEH)+(QIN-QP) 
EffyU,H], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,H)(AH)/
100,000
XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
EffyU,H = average part load efficiency at the maximum 
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix 
and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for burners not equipped with interrupted ignition device; 
(tIG/tON,H) otherwise
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device, 
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to 
average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for units without post-purge;
    1+(tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers with 
post-purge;
tP,H = post-purge time measured at the maximum fuel input 
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) 
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
    = 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second
BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner 
on-time, as follows:
    1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump 
delay;
    1+ (tH\+\-tH-)/tON,H 
for furnaces with fan delay or boilers with pump delay
tH\+\ = delay time between burner shutoff and the blower 
or pump shutoff measured at the maximum fuel input rate as defined 
for t\+\ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (furnace) or section 
8.8 of this appendix (boiler)
tH- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in 
Table 7 of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel 
input rate
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007

    10.5.1.3 For furnaces and boilers equipped with step-modulating 
controls, the national average number of burner operating hours at 
the modulating operating mode is defined as:

BOHM = XM (2,080) (0.77) (AM) 
(QOUT/(1 + [alpha])) -2,080 (BM)

Where:

AM = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH + 
yIG,H PEIG,H + yHBEH) + 
(QIN,M-QP)EffyU,M], for forced 
draft unit, indoors
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH 
Effmotor + yIG,H PEIG,H + 
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP) 
EffyU,M], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system,
    = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1-
Effmotor) + yIG,H PEIG,H + 
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP) 
EffyU,M], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H + 
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP) 
EffyU,M], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion 
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,M)(AM)/
100,000
XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN,M = (100)(QOUT,M/EffySS,M)
QOUT,M = as defined in section 11.4.8.10 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
EffyU,M = average part-load efficiency at the modulating 
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.8.7 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix 
and measured at the modulating fuel input rate
yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for burners not equipped with an interrupted ignition device;
(tIG/tON,H) otherwise
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device, 
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix

[[Page 12912]]

PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to 
average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for units without post-purge;
    1 + (tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers 
with post-purge;
tP,H = post-purge time measured at the maximum fuel input 
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) 
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
    = 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second
BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner 
on-time, as follows:
    1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump 
delay;
    1 + (tH\+\-tH-)/
tON,H for furnaces with fan delay or boilers with pump 
delay
tH\+\ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 
or section 8.8 of this appendix and measured at the maximum fuel 
input rate
tH- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 
103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in 
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input 
rate
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007

    10.5.2 Average annual fuel energy consumption for gas or oil 
fueled furnaces or boilers. For furnaces or boilers equipped with 
single-stage controls, the average annual fuel energy consumption 
(EF) is expressed in Btu per year and defined as:

EF = BOHSS (QIN -QP) + 
8,760 QP

Where:

BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
8,760 = total number of hours per year

    10.5.2.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped with two-stage 
controls, EF is defined as:

EF = BOHH (QIN) + BOHR 
(QIN,R) + (8,760-BOHH-BOHR) 
QP

Where:

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007

    10.5.2.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped with step-modulating 
controls, EF is defined as:

EF = BOHM (QIN,M) + BOHR 
(QIN,R) + (8,760- BOHH - BOHR) 
QP

Where:

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
QIN,M = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP =as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
    10.5.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption 
for gas or oil-fueled furnaces or boilers. For furnaces and boilers 
equipped with single-stage controls, the average annual auxiliary 
electrical consumption (EAE) is expressed in kilowatt-
hours and defined as:

EAE = BOHSS (yP PE + yIG 
PEIG + yBE + ySBES + 
yOEO) + ESO

Where:

BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
PE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
PEIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
y = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
BE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yS = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average 
burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for furnaces;
    1 for boilers;
BES = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input rate 
at full-load steady-state operation, if present
yO = ratio of gas valve and controls combined on-time to 
average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for furnaces or boilers;
EO = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy 
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix

    10.5.3.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped with two-stage 
controls, EAE is defined as:

EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER + 
yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER + 
yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R) 
+ BOHH (yP,H PEH + yIG,H 
PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H 
BES,H + yO,H BEO,H) + 
ESO

Where:

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yS,R = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average 
burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for furnaces;
1 for boilers;
BES,R = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input 
rate at reduced load steady-state operation, if present
yO,R = ratio of gas valve and controls combined on-time 
to average burner on-time, as follows:
    1 for furnaces or boilers;
EO,R = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy 
input rate at reduced load steady-state operation, if present
BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yS,H = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average 
burner on-time, as follows:
    0 for furnaces;
    1 for boilers;
BES,H = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input 
rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
EO,H = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy 
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix

    10.5.3.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped with step-modulating 
controls, EAE is defined as:

EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER + 
yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER + 
yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R) 
+ BOHM (yP,H PEH + yIG,H 
PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H 
BES,H + yO,H EO,H) + ESO

Where:

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yS,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BES,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
yO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
EO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix

[[Page 12913]]

yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yS,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BES,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
yO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
EO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix

    10.6 Average annual electric energy consumption for electric 
furnaces or boilers.

EE = 100(2,080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + [alpha]))/
(3.412 AFUE) + ESO
Where:

100 = to express a percent as a decimal
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms of watt-hours instead 
of Btu
AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007, in percent, 
and calculated on the basis of: isolated combustion system 
installation, for non-weatherized warm air furnaces; indoor 
installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or outdoor installation, 
for furnaces and boilers that are weatherized
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix

    10.7 Energy factor.
    10.7.1 Energy factor for gas or oil furnaces and boilers. 
Calculate the energy factor, EF, for gas or oil furnaces and boilers 
defined as, in percent:

EF = (EF-4,600 (QP))(EffyHS)/
(EF-3,412 (EAE))

Where:

EF = average annual fuel consumption as defined in 
section 10.5.2 of this appendix
EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this appendix
EffyHS = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency as defined in 
sections 11.2.11, 11.3.11, 11.4.11 or 11.5.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007, in 
percent, and calculated on the basis of: isolated combustion system 
installation, for non-weatherized warm air furnaces;
    indoor installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or outdoor 
installation, for furnaces and boilers that are weatherized.
3,412 = conversion factor from kilowatt to Btu/h

    10.7.2 Energy factor for electric furnaces and boilers. The 
energy factor, EF, for electric furnaces and boilers is defined as:

EF = AFUE

Where:

AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency as defined in section 10.6 
of this appendix, in percent

    10.8 Average annual energy consumption for furnaces and boilers 
located in a different geographic region of the United States and in 
buildings with different design heating requirements.
    10.8.1 Average annual fuel energy consumption for gas or oil-
fueled furnaces and boilers located in a different geographic region 
of the United States and in buildings with different design heating 
requirements. For gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers, the 
average annual fuel energy consumption for a specific geographic 
region and a specific typical design heating requirement 
(EFR) is expressed in Btu per year and defined as:

EFR = (EF-8,760 QP)(HLH/2,080) + 
8,760 QP

Where:

EF = as defined in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLH = heating load hours for a specific geographic region determined 
from the heating load hour map in Figure 1 of this appendix
2,080 = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix

    10.8.2 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption 
for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers located in a different 
geographic region of the United States and in buildings with 
different design heating requirements. For gas or oil-fueled 
furnaces and boilers, the average annual auxiliary electrical energy 
consumption for a specific geographic region and a specific typical 
design heating requirement (EAER) is expressed in 
kilowatt-hours and defined as:

EAER = (EAE -ESO) (HLH/2080) + 
ESOR

Where:

EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this appendix
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this appendix
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
ESOR = as specified in section 10.8.3 of this appendix
    10.8.3 Average annual electric energy consumption for electric 
furnaces and boilers located in a different geographic region of the 
United States and in buildings with different design heating 
requirements. For electric furnaces and boilers, the average annual 
electric energy consumption for a specific geographic region and a 
specific typical design heating requirement (EER) is 
expressed in kilowatt-hours and defined as:

EER = 100(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + [alpha]))HLH/(3.412 
AFUE) + ESOR

Where:

100 = as specified in section 10.6 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this appendix
3.412 = as specified in section 10.6 of this appendix
AFUE = as defined in section 10.6 of this appendix
ESOR = ESO as defined in section 10.12 of this 
appendix, except that in the equation for ESO, the term 
BOH is multiplied by the expression (HLH/2080) to get the 
appropriate regional accounting of standby mode and off mode loss

    10.9 Annual energy consumption for mobile home furnaces.
    10.9.1 National average number of burner operating hours for 
mobile home furnaces (BOHSS). BOHSS is the same as in 
section 10.5.1 of this appendix, except that the value of 
EffyHS in the calculation of the burner operating hours, 
BOHSS, is calculated on the basis of a direct vent unit 
with system number 9 or 10.
    10.9.2 Average annual fuel energy for mobile home furnaces (EF). 
EF is same as in section 10.5.2 of this appendix except 
that the burner operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated as 
specified in section 10.9.1 of this appendix.
    10.9.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption 
for mobile home furnaces (EAE). EAE is the 
same as in section 10.5.3 of this appendix, except that the burner 
operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated as specified in 
section 10.9.1 of this appendix.
    10.10 Calculation of sales weighted average annual energy 
consumption for mobile home furnaces. In order to reflect the 
distribution of mobile homes to geographical regions with average 
HLHMHF values different from 2,080, adjust the annual 
fossil fuel and auxiliary electrical energy consumption values for 
mobile home furnaces using the following adjustment calculations.
    10.10.1 For mobile home furnaces, the sales weighted average 
annual fossil fuel energy consumption is expressed in Btu per year 
and defined as:

EF,MHF = (EF-8,760 QP)HLHMHF/
2,080+8,760 QP

Where:

EF = as defined in section 10.9.2 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLHMHF = 1880, sales weighted average heating load hours 
for mobile home furnaces
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix

    10.10.2 For mobile home furnaces, the sales-weighted-average 
annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption is expressed in 
kilowatt-hours and defined as:

EAE,MHF = EAE HLHMHF/2,080

Where:

EAE = as defined in section 10.9.3 of this appendix

[[Page 12914]]

HLHMHF = as defined in section 10.10.1 of this appendix
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix

    10.11 Direct determination of off-cycle losses for furnaces and 
boilers equipped with thermal stack dampers. [Reserved.]
    10.12 Average annual electrical standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption. Calculate the annual electrical standby mode and off 
mode energy consumption (ESO) in kilowatt-hours, defined 
as:

ESO = ((PW,SB * (4160-BOH)) + 
(PW,OFF * 4600)) * K

Where:

PW,SB = furnace or boiler standby mode power, in watts, 
as measured in section 8.12.1 of this appendix
4,160 = average heating season hours per year
PW,OFF = furnace or boiler off mode power, in watts, as 
measured in section 8.12.2 of this appendix
4,600 = average non-heating season hours per year
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh, conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours
BOH = total burner operating hours as calculated in section 10.5 of 
this appendix for gas or oil-fueled furnaces or boilers. Where for 
gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers equipped with single-stage 
controls, BOH = BOHSS; for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and 
boilers equipped with two-stage controls, BOH = (BOHR + 
BOHH); and for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers 
equipped with step-modulating controls, BOH = (BOHR + 
BOHM). For electric furnaces and boilers, BOH = 
100(2080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1+[alpha]))/(Ein 
3.412(AFUE))

Where:

100 = to express a percent as a decimal
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms of kBtu instead of 
kilowatt-hours
AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of ASHRAE 103--2007 in percent
Ein = Steady-state electric rated power, in kilowatts, 
from section 9.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.012

[FR Doc. 2015-03619 Filed 3-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P