Are 80% Furnaces Being Phased Out in 2028?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace | Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,350 |
What changed, when and who changed it
- September 29, 2023: DOE announced final standards with a 95 percent minimum annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for non-weatherized gas furnaces and gas furnaces in mobile homes.
- Current compliance date: December 18, 2028, according to DOE's own notice.
- February 19, 2026: DOE received a petition from the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association and National Propane Gas Association to extend it until January 1, 2030 at a minimum. DOE's notice, signed April 23, 2026, asks for comment on whether to grant it.
What it means if you have a working furnace
DOE's announcement describes a standard for furnaces, and it doesn't say a furnace you already own has to be replaced. Nothing we read told owners to remove working equipment. If yours works, this rule isn't a reason to rush.
What it means if you need a furnace soon
If a salesperson says you must buy now because of 2028, ask them to show the date and which models it applies to. It's fair to ask for quotes at more than one efficiency level, and to ask what venting changes each would need in your house. We recommend a licensed HVAC contractor for installing a gas furnace, because it is gas work. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
What isn't settled
We found no DOE decision on the petition, and the petition cites pending Supreme Court review of these rules. Whether the date holds isn't known as of this check. Recheck DOE's rulemaking page if you're planning a replacement near 2028.
Common questions
What does 95 percent AFUE mean?
Will I have to replace my furnace in 2028?
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Last verified 2026-11-04
- U.S. Department of Energy: DOE finalizes efficiency standards for residential furnaces (Sept. 29, 2023) — 95 percent minimum AFUE; compliance late 2028; non-weatherized and mobile home gas furnaces.
- U.S. Department of Energy: Notification of petition for rulemaking (AGA, APGA, NPGA) — Current consumer furnace compliance date of December 18, 2028; petition received February 19, 2026, to extend until January 1, 2030 at a minimum; notice signed April 23, 2026, seeking comment.
- Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: Natural gas consumer safety — If you smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas utility's emergency number or 911 from a safe distance outdoors.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.