Energy Dept. issues boiler, furnace guides

The standards are part of the department's five-year appliance standards schedule, the department said in a news release.

The amended standards, which become effective in 2015, are expected to save the equivalent of the energy consumed by 2.5 million U.S. households in one year, the department said.

"As a nation, we must find better and more ways to both conserve energy and use it more efficiently and productively," said Andy Karsner, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. "These amended standards will not only cut down on greenhouse gas emissions but they also allow consumers to make smarter energy choices that will save energy and money."

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