As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “residential boiler” 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 he living space of residence; and (2) has a heat input rate of less than 300,000 Bu per hour. 10 CFR 430.2 Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for residential boilers since 1987.
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DOE has published a notice withdrawing a proposed rule that was published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2023. The proposed rule would have amended energy conservation standards for consumer boilers.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
Withdrawal of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 90FR5746 (January 17, 2025)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Meeting Notice
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Notice of Availability of Preliminary TSD - Federal Register, 87FR26304 (May 4, 2022)
- Technical Support Document
Early Assessment Review; Comment Extension
Early Assessment Review; Request for information
DOE undertook a rulemaking that concluded with a final rule in February 2016 to established new and amended energy conservation standards for residential boilers. The residential boiler energy conservation standards rulemaking docket EERE-2012-BT-STD-0047 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcript, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Test Procedure
Final Rule - Federal Register, 88FR15510 (March 13, 2023)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 87FR14622 (March 15, 2022)
Request for Information - Federal Register, 85FR29352 (May 15, 2020)
- Frequently Asked Questions
The residential boiler test procedure rulemaking docket EERE-2019-BT-TP-0037 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcript, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Residential boilers manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 432(e)(2).
To determine that residential boilers that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at Appendix N to Subpart B of 10 CFR 430.
Compliance
DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for residential boilers.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.
Small Business Exemptions
Any manufacturer of a covered product with annual gross revenues that do not exceed $8,000,000 from all its operations and meets certain other conditions may apply for an exemption to the energy conservation standard. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart E.
ENERGY STAR®
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov