EPA Proposes Grace Period for Heaters and Furnaces Under New Performance Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to allow a two-year grace period for new hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces to be sold after new performance standards take effect. Under the proposed rule, hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces imported or manufactured before May 15, 2020, the compliance date for the second stage of implementation for the performance standard, could still be sold at retail through May 15, 2022, as long as they comply with standards adopted in the first stage of implementation. Compliance with that first stage was required in 2015 (see 1503130018). EPA also seeks comments on whether it should apply a similar grace period for residential wood heaters. Comments are due Jan. 14, 2019.