[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35660-35668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14338]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 35660]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2020-BT-TP-0041]
RIN 1904-AE15


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer 
Products; Early Assessment Review: Consumer Furnace Fans

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking an 
early assessment review to determine whether amendments are warranted 
for the test procedure for consumer furnace fans. DOE has identified 
certain issues associated with the currently applicable test procedure 
on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues outlined in 
this document mainly concern: Test settings (selection of airflow 
control settings and external static pressure (``ESP'') requirement for 
airflow settings other than the maximum setting); incorporation by 
reference of the most recent industry test method; clarifications for 
testing of certain products, including furnace fans with modulating 
controls, furnace fans and modular blowers tested with electric heat 
kits, certain two-stage furnaces that operate at reduced input only for 
a preset period of time, dual-fuel furnaces, and certain oil-fired 
furnaces; and issues related to test procedure repeatability and 
reproducibility. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any 
subject within the scope of this document, including topics not raised 
in this request for information (``RFI'').

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before August 6, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2020-BT-
TP-0041, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e784b4c50785f504d0c0e0c0e6a6e0e0e0a0f7e5b5b105a515b10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e487b7c60486f607d3c3e3c3e5a5e3e3e3a3f4e6b6b206a616b20696178">[email protected]</span></a>. Include docket number 
2020-BT-TP-0041 and/or RIN 1904-AE15 in the subject line of the 
message.
    No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions 
through a variety of mechanisms, including email, postal mail, or hand 
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make 
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of 
the ongoing pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of public 
comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a commenter 
finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please contact 
Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss the need 
for alternative arrangements. Once the COVID-19 pandemic health 
emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming its regular options for 
public comment submission, including postal mail and hand delivery/
courier.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents 
in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. 
However, some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket web page can be found at: https://beta.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-TP-0041. The docket web page contains instructions 
on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the 
docket. See section III of this document for information on how to 
submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Catherine Rivest, 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) 586-7335. Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcfdccccd0d5ddd2dfd9efc8ddd2d8ddced8cfedc9d9cfc8d5d3d2cffcd9d992d8d3d992dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbfacbcbd7d2dad5d8dee8cfdad5dfdac9dfc8eacedec8cfd2d4d5c8fbdede95dfd4de95dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Mr. Pete Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ddde8f9e8ffa3cee2eee5ffece3cde5fca3e9e2e8a3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7020150415025e331f131802111e3018015e141f155e171f06">[email protected]</span></a>.
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#125362627e7b737c71774166737c767360766143677761667b7d7c615277773c767d773c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="44053434282d252a27211730252a202536203715312137302d2b2a370421216a202b216a232b32">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope and Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Default Airflow-Control Settings
    2. Modulating Controls and Thermostat Pairings
    3. ESP Requirements for Airflow-Control Settings Other Than the 
Maximum
    4. ESP Limits for Electric Resistance Heat Kits
    5. Updates to Industry Standards and Consensus-Based Test 
Procedures
    6. Tolerance on Temperature Measuring Instruments
    7. Dual-Fuel Heating Products
    8. Two-Stage Furnaces With Limited-Duration Reduced Stages
    9. Furnaces Shipped Without Burners
    10. Test Procedure Repeatability
    C. Test Procedure Waivers
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    DOE established an early assessment review process to conduct a 
more focused analysis that would allow DOE to determine, based on 
statutory criteria, whether an amended test procedure is warranted. 10 
CFR part 430, subpart C, appendix A, section 8(a). This RFI requests 
information and data regarding whether an amended test procedure would 
more accurately and fully comply with the requirement that the test 
procedure produce results that measure energy use during a 
representative average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly 
burdensome

[[Page 35661]]

to conduct. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this 
process, DOE has identified several issues associated with the 
currently applicable test procedures on which DOE is interested in 
receiving comment. Based on the information received in response to the 
RFI and DOE's own analysis, DOE will determine whether to proceed with 
a rulemaking for an amended test procedure.
    If DOE makes an initial determination that an amended test 
procedure would more accurately or fully comply with statutory 
requirements, or DOE's analysis is inconclusive, DOE will undertake a 
rulemaking to issue an amended test procedure. If DOE makes an initial 
determination based upon available evidence that an amended test 
procedure would not meet the applicable statutory criteria, DOE will 
engage in notice and comment rulemaking before issuing a final 
determination that an amended test procedure is not warranted.

A. Authority

    EPCA, among other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy 
efficiency of a number of consumer products and certain industrial 
equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \1\ of EPCA 
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other 
Than Automobiles. These products include consumer furnace fans, the 
subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D))
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. Relevant provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 
6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 
6294), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and the 
authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 
U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption in 
limited instances for particular State laws or regulations, in 
accordance with the procedures and other provisions set forth under 42 
U.S.C. 6297(d).
    The Federal 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 (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)) EPCA also 
requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate test 
procedures for each type of covered product, including consumer furnace 
fans, to determine whether amended test procedures would more 
accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test 
procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably 
designed to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency, energy 
use, and estimated operating costs during a representative average use 
cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) DOE is publishing this RFI to collect 
data and information to inform its decision to satisfy the 7-year-
lookback review requirement.

B. Rulemaking History

    DOE published a final rule on January 3, 2014, establishing the 
test procedure for consumer furnace fans at title 10 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') part 430, subpart B, Appendix AA, Uniform 
Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Furnace Fans 
(``Appendix AA''). 79 FR 499 (``January 2014 Final Rule''). The test 
procedure is applicable to air circulation fans used by weatherized and 
non-weatherized gas furnaces, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, and 
modular blowers.\2\ Section 1, Appendix AA. For each of these 
categories, the test procedure covers both mobile home and non-mobile 
home models. The test procedure is not applicable to non-ducted 
products, such as whole-house ventilation systems without ductwork, 
central air-conditioning condensing unit fans, room fans, and furnace 
draft inducer fans.
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    \2\ DOE defines the term ``modular blower'' in section 2.9 of 
Appendix AA as a product which only uses single-phase electric 
current, and which: (a) Is designed to be the principal air 
circulation source for the living space of a residence; (b) Is not 
contained within the same cabinet as a furnace or central air 
conditioner; and (c) Is designed to be paired with HVAC products 
that have a heat input rate of less than 225,000 Btu per hour and 
cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu per hour.
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    As established in the January 2014 Final Rule, Appendix AA 
incorporates by reference the definitions, test setup and equipment, 
and procedures for measuring steady-state combustion efficiency from 
the 2007 version of American National Standards Institute (``ANSI'')/
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning 
Engineers (``ASHRAE'') Standard 103, Method of Testing for Annual Fuel 
Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers 
(``ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007''). In addition to these provisions, Appendix 
AA includes provisions for apparatuses and procedures for measuring 
temperature rise, external static pressure, and furnace fan electrical 
input power. Appendix AA also incorporates by reference provisions for 
measuring temperature and external static pressure from ANSI/ASHRAE 37-
2009, Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven Unitary Air-
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment (``ASHRAE 37-2009'').
    In the January 2014 Final Rule, DOE determined that there is no 
need to address standby and off mode energy use in the test procedure 
for furnace fans, as the standby mode and off mode energy use 
associated with furnace fans is measured by test procedures for the 
products in which furnace fans are used (i.e., residential furnaces and 
residential central air conditioners and heat pumps). 79 FR 499, 504-
505.
    On October 12, 2018, DOE received a petition (``AHRI Petition'') 
from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute 
(``AHRI'') requesting that DOE consider adopting a new test procedure 
and associated performance metric, ``AFUE2,'' that would combine and 
replace the DOE test methods and associated performance metrics 
currently required for furnace fans (i.e., Fan Energy Rating (``FER'')) 
and consumer furnaces (i.e., annual fuel utilization efficiency 
(``AFUE''), standby mode energy consumption (P<INF>W,SB</INF>), and off 
mode energy consumption (P<INF>W,OFF</INF>)). On November 14, 2018, DOE 
published a notice of petition for rulemaking and requested comments to 
assist DOE in its determination of whether to proceed with the 
petition. 83 FR 56746. DOE received numerous comments on the petition, 
which are available for review in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2018-BT-PET-0017-0004. Accordingly, 
and consistent with the separate docket maintained for this matter, DOE 
will publish its final decision in the Federal Register on whether to 
grant or deny this petition in a separate notice. As DOE has already 
requested comments on the AFUE2 performance metric through the petition 
for rulemaking process, DOE is not requesting

[[Page 35662]]

additional comment on this topic in this RFI.

II. Request for Information

    DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information during 
the early assessment review to inform its decision, consistent with its 
obligations under EPCA, as to whether the Department should proceed 
with an amended test procedure rulemaking, and if so, to assist in the 
development of proposed amendments. Accordingly, in the following 
sections, DOE has identified specific issues on which it seeks input to 
aid in its analysis of whether an amended test procedure for consumer 
furnace fans would more accurately or fully comply with the requirement 
that the test procedure produces results that measure energy use during 
a representative average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly 
burdensome to conduct. DOE also welcomes comments on other issues 
relevant to its early assessment that may not specifically be 
identified in this document.

A. Scope and Definitions

    A ``furnace fan'' is ``an electrically-powered device used in a 
consumer product for the purpose of circulating air through ductwork.'' 
10 CFR 430.2. As stated, DOE's furnace fan test procedure is applicable 
to circulation fans used in weatherized and non-weatherized gas 
furnaces, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, and modular blowers. Section 
1, Appendix AA. The test procedure is not applicable to non-ducted 
products, such as whole-house ventilation systems without ductwork, 
central air-conditioning condensing unit fans, room fans, and furnace 
draft inducer fans.
    Section 2 of Appendix AA provides additional definitions relevant 
to furnace fans through incorporating by reference the definitions of 
section 3 of ASHRAE 103-2007 and defining additional terms both in 
addition to and in place of those from section 3 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Of 
particular relevance for this RFI (see further discussion in section 
II.B.1 of this document), section 2.2 of Appendix AA defines ``Airflow-
control settings'' as ``programmed or wired control system 
configurations that control a fan to achieve discrete, differing ranges 
of airflow--often designated for performing a specific function (e.g., 
cooling, heating, or constant circulation)--without manual adjustment 
other than interaction with a user-operable control such as a 
thermostat that meets the manufacturer specifications for installed-
use. For the purposes of [the furnace fan test procedure], manufacturer 
specifications for installed-use shall be found in the product 
literature shipped with the unit.'' Section 2.6 of Appendix AA defines 
``Default airflow-control settings'' as ``the airflow-control settings 
specified for installed-use by the manufacturer. For the purposes of 
[the furnace fan test procedure], manufacturer specifications for 
installed-use are those specifications provided for typical consumer 
installations in the product literature shipped with the product in 
which the furnace fan is installed. In instances where a manufacturer 
specifies multiple airflow-control settings for a given function to 
account for varying installation scenarios, the highest airflow-control 
setting specified for the given function shall be used for the 
procedures specified in this appendix.''
    Issue 1: DOE seeks comment on whether any changes are warranted to 
the scope of applicable products currently covered by the test 
procedure in Appendix AA, and if so, how the scope should be revised.
    Issue 2: DOE seeks comment on whether any definitions in the test 
procedure at Appendix AA require any revision, and if so, how the 
definitions should be revised.

B. Test Procedure

    Furnace fans are currently tested according to Appendix AA, which 
is used to calculate the Fan Energy Rating (``FER''). FER is expressed 
as watts per 1,000 cubic feet per minute of airflow (``W/1000 cfm'') 
and is calculated as the estimated annual electrical energy consumption 
of the furnace fan (in watt-hours) normalized by: (a) The estimated 
total number of annual fan operating hours (1,870); and (b) the airflow 
in the maximum airflow-control setting. For the purposes of the DOE 
furnace fan test procedure, the estimated annual electrical energy 
consumption is the sum of the furnace fan electrical input power (in 
watts), measured separately for multiple airflow-control settings at 
different ESPs representing a typical installation, multiplied by 
national average operating hours associated with each setting. Section 
10, Appendix AA.
1. Default Airflow-Control Settings
    For furnace fans used in furnaces or modular blowers with single-
stage heating, the three airflow-control settings required to be tested 
are: The maximum setting, the default constant-circulation setting, and 
the default setting when operated using the maximum heat input rate.\3\ 
For furnace fans used in furnaces or modular blowers with multi-stage 
heating or modulating heating, the airflow-control settings to be 
tested are: The maximum setting; the default constant-circulation 
setting; and the default setting when operated using the reduced heat 
input rate. See sections 8.6.1, 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 of Appendix AA. For 
both single-stage and two-stage or modulating units, if a default 
constant-circulation setting is not specified, the lowest airflow-
control setting is used to represent constant circulation. See section 
8.6.2, Appendix AA. In addition, if the manufacturer specifies multiple 
heating airflow-control settings, the highest airflow-control setting 
specified for the given function (i.e., at the maximum or reduced 
input, as applicable) is used. See section 8.6.3, Appendix AA.
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    \3\ For furnaces where the maximum airflow control setting is a 
heating setting, the maximum airflow control setting test and the 
default heating airflow control setting test would be identical, so 
only two tests are required: (1) Maximum airflow (which is the same 
as the default heating setting) and (2) constant circulation.
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    Inquiries sent to DOE since the publication of the January 2014 
Final Rule indicate that there are differing interpretations regarding 
the appropriate airflow-control settings for testing, with some 
manufacturers possibly interpreting the DOE test procedure as requiring 
testing only the ``as-shipped'' airflow-control settings. However, as 
stated in section II.A, the definition for ``Default airflow-control 
setting'' specifically states that ``[i]n instances where a 
manufacturer specifies multiple airflow-control settings for a given 
function to account for varying installation scenarios, the highest 
airflow-control setting specified for the given function shall be used 
for the procedures specified in this appendix.'' Section 2.6 Appendix 
AA. Further, the definition defines the default airflow-control 
settings as airflow-control settings specified for installed-use by the 
manufacturer, which are those specifications provided for typical 
consumer installations in the product literature shipped with the 
product in which the furnace fan is installed. Id. These provisions 
account for manufacturer installation instructions that specify 
installation of a furnace fans with a setting other than the ``as 
shipped'' airflow-control settings and that specify multiple potential 
settings based on varying installation scenarios. For example, a 
furnace may be shipped with the low speed airflow-control setting 
configured for the heating function, but the installation manual 
shipped with the

[[Page 35663]]

furnace fan specifies the medium speed airflow-control setting for the 
heating function for certain installations, which is the highest 
airflow-control setting specified for the heating function. In this 
scenario, the DOE definition for ``Default airflow-control setting'' 
instructs to test the medium airflow-control setting for heating, 
rather than the ``as shipped'' setting (i.e., the low setting), since 
there are multiple airflow-control settings for the heating function 
and the medium setting is the highest setting specified. See id.
    The inquiries DOE has received from manufacturers also indicate 
that some manufacturers may be interpreting the test procedure to 
require testing according to installation instructions printed on the 
control board. DOE notes that the same control board can be used across 
multiple products to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost, so 
instructions provided on a control board may not be applicable to every 
unit in which a control board is used, which could lead to 
contradictory specifications regarding the installed use of consumer 
furnace fans. For this reason, DOE specifies in the definition of 
default airflow-control setting that the manufacturer specifications 
for installed-use are those specifications provided for typical 
consumer installations in the product literature shipped with the 
product in which the furnace fan is installed.
    Issue 3: DOE requests comment on whether further instruction is 
needed for determining the appropriate airflow control settings for 
testing.
    Issue 4: In the event of conflicting airflow-control setting 
information across multiple sources, DOE seeks comment on what the 
hierarchy should be for following manufacturers' instructions.
    In inquiries received after the January 2014 Final Rule, 
manufacturers have stated that requiring testing of the highest 
airflow-control setting for a given function when presented with 
multiple airflow-control setting options may result in a control 
configuration that is not representative of field installation.
    Issue 5: DOE requests information about configuration of control 
settings for field installations of furnace fans. Specifically, for 
instances in which a manufacturer specifies multiple airflow-control 
settings for a given function, DOE requests information and data that 
could help inform which airflow-control setting would be most 
representative of consumer use, such as data indicating the frequency 
with which a furnace fan is installed using each of the specified 
airflow-control settings.
    In addition to specifying the airflow-control settings for testing, 
the DOE test procedure also specifies operating conditions (e.g., 
temperature rise ranges and ESP ranges). See section 8 of Appendix AA. 
In some instances, manufacturers specify that an airflow-control 
setting is to be used only under certain specified conditions, which 
are typically expressed as a maximum recommended ESP or temperature 
rise range associated with each airflow-control setting. In such 
instances, the manufacturer-specified operating conditions may not be 
consistent with the operating conditions required by the DOE test 
procedure. As a result, the furnace fan would be tested at conditions 
outside of those specified by the manufacturer for the applicable 
setting, if the airflow-control setting is one that is required to be 
tested. Section 8 of Appendix AA requires measurements of the heating 
setting operating within the ESP range and the temperature rise range 
defined by the test procedure, regardless of the range specified by the 
manufacturer. The operating conditions required by DOE are intended to 
produce results that measure energy efficiency during a representative 
average use cycle for furnace fans. See 79 FR 500, 504 (Jan. 3, 2014).
    Moreover, testing outside the conditions specified by the 
manufacturer may not be possible. Because furnaces are designed with 
safety controls that will automatically shut off the furnace when the 
outlet temperature reaches a certain temperature threshold, if the unit 
is operated at conditions other than those it is designed for, it may 
shut down before testing can be completed. For example, a thermal 
cutout switch might ``trip'' during testing causing the unit to shut 
down if the outlet temperature exceeds the temperature threshold of the 
safety control.
    Issue 6: DOE requests data on the operating conditions typically 
encountered in the field for furnace fans across the various design 
options and input capacities currently available on the market.
    Issue 7: DOE requests information on whether and to what extent 
safety shut-downs have occurred during testing.
    In other cases, furnace fans have airflow-control settings that are 
designated by the manufacturer as being suitable for multiple functions 
(i.e., heating, cooling, circulation); however, in the field each 
setting would be used only for a single function. The function that the 
setting would be used for when installed varies depending on 
installation needs (e.g., assignment of a given airflow-control speed 
that can be used either for heating or cooling may be based on design 
considerations such as the size of the cooling coil paired with the 
furnace). In some field installations, the furnace fan must be 
physically reconfigured or re-wired to assign a particular function to 
the desired airflow-control setting. As discussed in section II.A, 
Appendix AA defines airflow-control settings as being configured so 
that they perform a certain function without manual adjustment other 
than interaction with a user-operable control such as a thermostat that 
meets the manufacturer specifications for installed use.
    However, in cases where multiple functions are assigned to the same 
airflow-control setting, the current test procedure could be understood 
to require that the unit be tested in multiple functions, meaning that 
the unit would need to be manually reconfigured or rewired during 
testing. For example, for a single-stage furnace fan, if the same 
airflow-control setting was designated as both the highest default heat 
function and the highest default constant-circulation function, then 
laboratory personnel would be required to first wire the fan motor to 
conduct the heating test at that airflow control setting, and later 
rewire the fan motor to conduct the constant circulation test at the 
same airflow control setting. Similarly, rewiring could be required for 
multi-stage or modulating furnace fans for which the same airflow 
control setting was the highest airflow control setting for constant 
circulation function and the highest airflow control setting for 
reduced heat function, and the setting was not able to be configured 
for both functions without reconfiguring or re-wiring the setting. (DOE 
notes that there is no requirement to test at a specific manufacturer 
specified airflow-control setting for cooling function for the DOE 
test.) See sections 8.6.1.1, 8.6.1.2, and 8.6, Appendix AA. Re-
configuring or re-wiring an airflow-control setting in such a manner 
would not be representative of how that unit is installed and operated 
in the field and conflicts with the requirement that an airflow-control 
setting perform a certain function without manual adjustment.
    Issue 8: DOE seeks comment on whether there are furnace fans on the 
market for which the combination of control settings required by the 
DOE test procedure would require reconfiguration or re-wiring of the 
unit during testing under the current DOE test procedure. DOE also 
requests information on whether manufacturers have plans to introduce 
such furnace

[[Page 35664]]

fans into the market. If so, DOE requests comment on whether a 
hierarchy should be established to give precedence to a given function.
2. Modulating Controls and Thermostat Pairings
    DOE is aware that an increasing proportion of furnace fans employ 
modulating controls for heating, and constant circulation modes that 
allow fan speed to continuously vary as opposed to operating at a 
discrete speed for each function. These fans are characterized by 
having electrically commutated brushless permanent magnet (``BPM'') 
motors, which can be paired with thermostats that have the capability 
to provide modulating control in order to make use of the BPM's ability 
to vary its speed to maintain a constant airflow at various ESPs. 
Because input from the thermostat is essential to the functioning of 
these types of systems, furnace fan performance may be dependent on the 
specific type of thermostat with which the system is paired as it could 
vary depending on the types of control signals provided by the 
thermostat. In field operation, modulating controls enable the furnace 
fan to reduce its speed to match heating demand during periods of low 
heating demand.
    Section 8.3 of Appendix AA requires that the system operate 
continuously for at least 30 minutes at each discrete airflow setting, 
which would preclude dynamic response to thermostat signals that vary 
more frequently than 30 minutes. In addition, there are no specific 
provisions for testing the performance of the furnace fan under 
modulating control conditions. Further, the furnace fan test procedure 
relies on an assumed number of hours each year that the furnace fan is 
in heating mode operating at a constant fan speed. See Table IV.2, 
Appendix AA. A modulating furnace fan could potentially spend a portion 
of these hours operating at a fan speed other than the speed required 
by the test method, impacting the energy use during periods of lower 
heating demand and, consequently, reduced fan speed.
    Issue 9: DOE requests information about available control features 
that impact fan performance. Specifically, DOE requests information and 
data regarding modulating control approaches currently in use or 
planned for future use, whether the performance differences of such 
modulating furnace fans are currently adequately captured by the 
furnace fan test procedure, and, if necessary, what new provisions 
could be necessary to reflect the impact of these control features in 
FER ratings. If new provisions are suggested, DOE also seeks comment on 
any burdens associated with those provisions.
    Issue 10: DOE requests comment on the most common type of 
thermostats used by consumers, particularly with regards to furnace 
fans with modulating control strategies.
    DOE has also observed that some furnace fans have a ``ramping 
profile'' setting that is selectable through dual in-line package 
(``DIP'') switch adjustments during installation. Ramping profiles 
allow a modulating furnace fan to gradually ramp up or down over time 
to meet the target fan speed instead of immediately controlling to the 
target fan speed. Ramping profiles are often marketed as providing 
additional benefits to users by increasing dehumidification in cooling 
mode, providing faster outlet temperature change in heating mode, and 
reducing fan noise. As noted, section 8.3 of Appendix AA requires that 
the system operate continuously for at least 30 minutes at each test 
point before steady state conditions are achieved and test parameters 
start to be recorded, and testing is conducted at steady-state and 
would not account for any ramping period.
    Issue 11: DOE requests information on the prevalence of field 
installations for modulating furnace fans where dip switches are 
selected to allow for ramping behavior.
    Issue 12: DOE requests information on whether ramping profiles may 
result in any difference in tested performance vs field performance, 
and whether this difference should be captured by the furnace fans test 
procedure.
3. ESP Requirements for Airflow-Control Settings Other Than the Maximum
    Sections 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 of Appendix AA provide the test 
requirements for taking measurements in airflow-control settings other 
than the maximum airflow-control setting. Both sections state that 
their respective required operating settings be maintained ``until 
steady-state conditions are attained as specified in section 8.3, 8.4, 
and 8.5'' of Appendix AA. Regarding ESP, sections 8.3, 8.4, and 8.5 
state that stabilization is ``indicated by an external static pressure 
within the range shown in Table 1.'' The ESP values in Table 1, as 
indicated by the table's title, apply only to the maximum airflow-
control setting (section 8.6.1), and therefore are not applicable to 
sections 8.6.2 and 8.6.3. In an accompanying statement immediately 
below Table 1, Appendix AA directs that ``once the specified ESP has 
been achieved, the same outlet duct restrictions shall be used for the 
remainder of the furnace fan test.'' As such, the test procedure 
specifies the ESP conditions in terms of the ductwork geometry when 
testing at airflow-control settings other than the maximum airflow-
control setting.
    Given that the ESP will vary as the airflow-control setting is 
changed if the outlet duct restriction remains unchanged, the ESP 
targets in Table 1 are not required to be met at the airflow-control 
settings other than the maximum setting. DOE is considering whether it 
would be helpful to instruct more directly that the Table 1 ESP 
requirements are only applicable to the maximum airflow control 
setting; for all other airflow-control settings, the required ESP is 
that which results from using the same test duct restrictions as used 
for the maximum airflow-control setting. Further, DOE is seeking 
feedback on whether additional criteria is necessary to limit 
variability in ESP readings for steady-state operation during the tests 
for airflow-control settings other than the maximum airflow setting.
    Issue 13: DOE requests comment on how manufacturers are currently 
implementing sections 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 with respect to ESP.
    Issue 14: DOE requests comments on whether it is necessary to 
further clarify that the specific ESP values in Table 1 are not 
required to be maintained for testing to sections 8.6.2 and 8.6.3.
    Issue 15: DOE requests comments on whether additional direction is 
needed as to the ESP requirement provided in the statement accompanying 
Table 1, including whether additional criteria is necessary to limit 
variability in ESP readings for steady-state operation during the tests 
for airflow-control settings other than the maximum airflow setting, 
and if so, what that direction should be.
4. ESP Limits for Electric Resistance Heat Kits
    Modular blowers are not contained in the same cabinet as a furnace 
or central air conditioner and are sold as stand-alone products that 
can come with a variety of sizes of heating elements. During testing, 
they must be paired with the electric resistance ``heat kit'' that is 
likely to have the largest volume of retail sales with that basic model 
of modular blower. Section 6.3, Appendix AA. An electric resistance 
heat kit is a group of usually three to seven electric resistance 
coils, called elements, each of which typically is rated at five 
kilowatts. These heating elements can activate in stages to provide the

[[Page 35665]]

appropriate amount of heat to the conditioned space.
    Section 6.3 of Appendix AA requires modular blowers to be tested 
with the electric resistance heat kit with the largest volume of retail 
sales with that basic model of modular blower. Section 6.6 of Appendix 
AA also includes provisions for electric furnaces that use electric 
resistance heat elements. With an electric resistance heat kit, some 
modular blowers and electric furnaces shut off the electric resistance 
heat elements beyond certain ESP limits. These ESP limits may be lower 
than the ESP levels required by Appendix AA. As a result, the 
resistance heat elements would not be energized during testing, making 
it impossible to complete a test that reflects the electrical energy 
consumption of the electric heating elements as required in section 
8.6.3 of Appendix AA. Since these elements would be energized during 
typical field use, the test procedure may not produce results that 
measure energy efficiency during a representative average use cycle.
    Issue 16: DOE requests comment on the prevalence of electric 
resistance heating kits installed in modular blowers and electric 
furnaces that have cutoff limits based on ESP.
    Issue 17: DOE requests comment on the typical range of ESP values 
at which electric resistance heat kits will automatically shut off.
    Issue 18: DOE requests data on the ESP ranges that this equipment 
experiences in the field and the frequency with which electric 
resistance heat kits are turned off during actual operation of modular 
blowers and electric furnaces.
5. Updates to Industry Standards and Consensus-Based Test Procedures
    In general, DOE will adopt industry test standards as DOE test 
procedures for covered equipment, unless such methodology would be 
unduly burdensome to conduct or would not produce test results that 
reflect the energy efficiency, energy use, water use (as specified in 
EPCA) or estimated operating costs of that equipment during a 
representative average use cycle. Section 8(c) of appendix A to subpart 
C of 10 CFR part 430.
    The current DOE test procedure for furnace fans incorporates by 
reference ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007. ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007 is a test 
procedure for residential furnaces and boilers, rather than a specific 
test procedure for furnace fans, and calculates AFUE, rather than FER. 
Therefore, DOE's test procedure for furnace fans in Appendix AA 
includes references to only certain sections of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007, 
including requirements for instrumentation and test apparatus setup as 
well as test methodology. Appendix AA also includes additional 
instructions for conducting the FER test, including instructions for 
calculating FER.
    In July 2017, ASHRAE published an update to ASHRAE 103, i.e., ANSI/
ASHRAE 103-2017. The 2017 version made several editorial changes to the 
2007 version, including use of mandatory language and use of the 
International System of units. In addition to these editorial changes, 
the 2017 revision made updates to the test duct and plenum figure 
(Figure 2 of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2017) and the system number table (Table 6 
of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2017), and removed figures for surface heat transfer 
and coefficient of radiation (Figures 12 and 13 of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-
2007). It also adopted an amendment made by DOE in a July 10, 2013 
final rule that modified the residential furnace and boiler test 
procedure to provide a means to accurately calculate AFUE for two-stage 
and modulating condensing furnace and boiler models meeting the 
criteria in section 9.10 of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-1993 (the version 
incorporated by reference at the time of the 2013 final rule). 78 FR 
41265, 41268.
    Figure 2 of ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2017 was changed to reflect an 
extension of the minimum length of the inlet duct from 12 inches to 18 
inches. The current DOE test procedure requires that ESP taps be placed 
a minimum of 12 inches from the product inlet, indicating that models 
installed with a return (inlet) air duct must have a duct length 
greater than 12 inches. Section 6.4.1, Appendix AA. In practice, DOE 
does not expect this change to interfere with nor impact the 
performance rating of consumer furnace fans, because the external 
static pressure and airflow will not change with this alteration. 
Additional notes were also added to Figure 2 to clarify inlet duct 
construction and pressure measurement.
    Issue 19: DOE seeks comment on any additional changes (not 
discussed above) made in the 2017 version of ANSI/ASHRAE 103 as 
compared to 2007 version currently incorporated by reference in the DOE 
test procedure for furnace fans.
    Issue 20: DOE requests comment on whether to update the referenced 
version of ANSI/ASHRAE 103 to the 2017 version and if so, what impacts 
would that have on the test procedure and test procedure results.
    Issue 21: DOE seeks comment on whether its assumption that 
increasing the minimum inlet duct length from 12 inches to 18 inches 
will not impact the performance rating is correct and, if not, how this 
duct length change would change the rating.
    Issue 22: DOE seeks comment on the availability of consensus-based 
test procedures for measuring the energy use of furnace fans that could 
be adopted without modification and more accurately or fully comply 
with the requirement that the test procedure produces results that 
measure energy use during a representative average use cycle for the 
product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
6. Tolerance on Temperature Measuring Instruments
    Section 5.1 of Appendix AA, which references Section 5.1 of ASHRAE 
37-2009, requires that temperature measuring instruments must be 
accurate to within 0.75 [deg]F. Section 6 of Appendix AA references 
section 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 for the test apparatus setup. Section 7.6 
of ASHRAE 103-2007 includes instructions to take temperature 
measurements with thermocouple grids constructed of either 5, 9, or 17 
thermocouples, depending on the stack diameter. The measurement 
accuracy of a thermocouple grid depends on the type and number of 
thermocouples used, as well as the magnitude of the air temperature 
being measured. Using the types of thermocouples commonly used in test 
facilities (including ``T-type'' and ``K-type''), the measurement 
accuracy required in Appendix AA is achievable with a minimum of 5 
thermocouples at temperatures up to approximately 450 [deg]F.\4\ Stack 
temperatures in gas-fired furnaces are unlikely to exceed this 
temperature. However, DOE has observed some oil-fired furnaces with 
stack temperatures exceeding 500 [deg]F. DOE is considering whether 
additional specifications are required to accommodate the measurement 
of stack temperatures of oil-fired furnaces to ensure the repeatability 
and reproducibility of FER calculations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Achievement of the measurement accuracy requirement was 
calculated using the thermocouple characteristics found in Table 1 
of ANSI/ASTM E230/E230M-17 and assuming that the overall measurement 
accuracy is equal to the measurement tolerance of individual 
thermocouples of that type divided by the square root of `n', where 
n is the number of thermocouples.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 23: DOE seeks comment on the number and types of 
thermocouples, or other temperature measurement devices, that 
laboratories use to measure the stack temperatures of oil-fired 
furnaces.
    Issue 24: DOE requests comment on whether stack temperatures of 
gas-fired

[[Page 35666]]

furnaces are likely to exceed 450 [deg]F. If so, DOE also seeks comment 
on the number and types of thermocouples or other temperature 
measurement devices, that laboratories use to measure the stack 
temperatures of such gas-fired furnaces.
    Issue 25: DOE requests comment on the accuracy of measurement 
devices currently used to test oil-fired furnaces or gas-fired furnaces 
with stack temperatures exceeding 450 [deg]F.
    Issue 26: DOE requests comment on any burdens that would be 
associated with adding specifications to address the measurement of 
outlet air temperatures greater than 450 [deg]F.
7. Dual-Fuel Heating Products
    Some residential heating products include an electric heat pump and 
gas burner, often referred to as dual-fuel or hybrid heating units. 
These products are designed to provide heating with the heat pump and/
or gas burner, depending on the operating conditions (e.g., outdoor air 
temperature and heating demand). The annual operating characteristics 
of a dual-fuel product may differ significantly from a typical furnace. 
This is because the inclusion of a heat pump may change the amount of 
operating time necessary to meet the heating load demand when compared 
with a gas burner alone, resulting in changes to the operating hours of 
the fan. Therefore, the estimated national annual operating values 
provided in Table IV.2 of Appendix AA may not be representative of an 
average use cycle for furnaces installed in dual-fuel applications. In 
addition, under the current DOE test procedure, there are no provisions 
to set up or operate furnace fans as dual-fuel heating units.
    Issue 27: DOE requests comment on the typical operating 
characteristics of dual-fuel systems. Specifically, DOE requests 
comment on what conditions dictate when the heat pump or gas burner are 
providing heat, and during what conditions the heat pump and gas burner 
operate simultaneously.
    Issue 28: DOE requests comment on whether and how the user has 
control over which heating source is used in a dual-fuel system.
8. Two-Stage Furnaces With Limited-Duration Reduced Stages
    The DOE test procedure requires testing two-stage furnaces in 
``reduced'' heating mode, which corresponds to burner operation at the 
nameplate minimum input rating. Section 8.6.3, Appendix AA. Typically, 
two-stage furnaces determine whether to operate at the reduced or 
maximum input based on heating demand and are capable of operating in 
reduced heating mode for extended periods of time if demand remains 
low. However, DOE has identified two-stage furnace models that use the 
reduced heating stage only temporarily and that ramp-up to the high 
heating stage after a pre-set period of time if the call for heat from 
the thermostat is not satisfied. DOE has observed that the ramp-up 
period for these models may be configurable by the user, but is 
temporary and shorter in duration than the time required to achieve the 
steady-state conditions during a test.\5\ A ramp period that is shorter 
than the DOE-required period to achieve steady-state precludes these 
furnaces from completing a valid test as a two-stage furnace because 
the steady-state conditions cannot be met at the reduced input rate 
before the unit automatically ramps up to the maximum input rate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ For gas and oil furnaces, Section 8.3 of Appendix AA 
specifies that steady-state operation is indicated by specific 
defined ranges of ESP and temperature for 3 measurements taken 15 
minutes apart, for a total steady-state operation period of 30 
minutes. For electric furnaces and modular blowers, Section 8.4 of 
Appendix AA specifies that steady-state operation is indicated by 
specific defined ranges of ESP and temperature for 4 measurements 
taken 15 minutes apart, for a total steady-state operation period of 
45 minutes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 29: DOE requests comment on how the industry currently tests 
and certifies two-stage furnaces that automatically ramp up from the 
reduced input to the maximum input after a set period.
    Issue 30: DOE requests comment on the prevalence of two-stage 
furnaces that are controlled such that they are unable to achieve 
steady-state operation under the DOE test procedure in reduced heating 
mode.
9. Furnaces Shipped Without Burners
    DOE is aware that some furnaces are shipped without a burner and 
the furnace manufacturer specifies one or multiple options for 
compatible burners in product literature (e.g., brochures and 
installation manuals). This is particularly common for oil-fired 
furnaces. In cases where multiple burner options from multiple 
manufacturers are specified, the different burners may have performance 
differences that impact FER even though the various options may each 
provide the same heating capacity. These burners may be constructed 
differently between manufacturers, potentially resulting in different 
steady-state heating efficiency and/or different airflow resistance 
characteristics, both of which would impact FER. DOE's furnace fan test 
procedure and certification requirements do not specify whether to test 
and certify a furnace that is compatible with multiple burners with 
each specified burner, or a single manufacturer-specified burner. If 
different burner options are used in tests for a given oil furnace and 
burner selection impacts FER, this could result in test repeatability 
issues.
    Issue 31: DOE requests comments on whether and by how much burner 
selection can impact furnace fan performance, particularly as measured 
by FER. If burner selection does impact furnace fan performance, DOE 
requests comment on potential approaches for specifying burner(s) for 
testing.
10. Test Procedure Repeatability
    DOE understands that variations in ESP \6\ or ambient conditions 
(such as dry bulb temperature or relative humidity) can affect test 
results. In particular, the relative humidity and dry bulb temperature 
of the test room must be measured at the beginning of the test, but 
there is no specified value or tolerance that must be met. DOE seeks 
comment and information on whether these factors could pose a challenge 
to obtaining repeatable test results and reproducible results across 
laboratories.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Table 1 in Section 8.6.1.2 specifies the required minimum 
external static pressure in the maximum airflow-control setting by 
installation type. For each installation type, the furnace fan must 
be tested within a 0.05 in. w.c. range of the required ESP test 
condition. ESP adjustment is accomplished by symmetrically 
restricting the outlet of the test duct until the target ESP 
condition is attained within tolerance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 32: DOE requests comment on whether stakeholders have 
encountered difficulty obtaining repeatable and reproducible FER 
results using Appendix AA. Specifically, DOE seeks information and data 
on how significantly fluctuations in ESP and ambient conditions (within 
the boundaries allowed by Appendix AA) can impact FER ratings.

C. Test Procedure Waivers

    A person may seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements for 
a particular basic model of a type of covered product when the basic 
model for which the petition for waiver is submitted contains one or 
more design characteristics that: (1) Prevent testing according to the 
prescribed test procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed test procedures 
to evaluate the basic model in a manner so unrepresentative of its true 
energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate 
comparative data. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(1). On February 20, 2019, DOE 
received a petition for waiver and an application for interim waiver 
from ECR International, Inc. (``ECR'') for several

[[Page 35667]]

models of belt-driven, single-speed furnace fans designed for heating-
only applications in oil-fired warm air furnaces.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0004-0001.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current DOE test procedure for furnace fans does not contain 
any provisions specific to ``heating-only'' units. In a notice of 
proposed rulemaking published on May 15, 2012, DOE initially determined 
that for heating-only furnaces, a reference system ESP of 0.50 in. w.c. 
would provide test results representative of an average use cycle. 77 
FR 28674, 28686. However, DOE withdrew the proposal for separate 
conditions for heating-only furnace fans in a subsequent supplemental 
notice of proposed rulemaking, because DOE was unable to identify 
heating-only models on the market at that time that were within the 
scope of the rulemaking. 78 FR 19606, 19619 (April 2, 2013). Therefore, 
in the January 2014 Final Rule, DOE did not adopt separate ESP 
requirements for heating-only furnace fans. See 79 FR 500, 505-506.
    In its petition for waiver, ECR asserted that the furnace fan basic 
models specified in its petition have design characteristics that 
prevent testing of the basic model according to the test procedure 
prescribed in Appendix AA. Specifically, ECR claimed that testing such 
furnace fans at the ESP requirements in Appendix AA reduces airflow and 
increases temperature rise to the point where the units shut off during 
testing due to high temperature limits, making it impossible to reach 
steady state for testing at the required conditions. On March 9, 2021, 
DOE published a Decision and Order granting ECR a waiver from the 
applicable test procedure at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix AA 
for specified basic models of furnace fans, which specifies an 
alternate test procedure (specifically it specifies alternate ESP test 
conditions). 86 FR 13530. The Decision and Order provides that ECR must 
test and rate such products using the alternate test procedure set 
forth in the Decision and Order.\8\ Id. at 86 FR 13534-13535.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See: https://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0004-0015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The test procedure waiver for these furnace fans basic models 
provides alternate test provisions to measure energy that are 
representative of real-world use conditions for the basic models 
specified in the Order.
    Issue 33: DOE requests feedback on whether the test procedure 
waiver approach is generally appropriate for testing all basic models 
of furnace fans designed for heating-only applications.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date 
specified in the DATES heading, comments and information on matters 
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's early 
assessment of whether an amended test procedure for furnace fans is 
warranted and if so, what such amendments should be.
    Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://www.regulations.gov web page requires 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 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. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to https://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 
https://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received 
through the website 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 https://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 https://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via 
email also will be posted to https://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. 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 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 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. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    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).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and

[[Page 35668]]

energy conservation standards. DOE actively encourages the 
participation and interaction of the public during the comment period 
in each stage of this process. Interactions with and between members of 
the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE 
in the process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list 
to receive future notices and information about this process should 
contact Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-
1445 or via email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2f3c2c2dedbd3dcd1d7e1c6d3dcd6d3c0d6c1e3c7d7c1c6dbdddcc1f2d7d79cd6ddd79cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c382b3b3afaaa2ada0a690b7a2ada7a2b1a7b092b6a6b0b7aaacadb083a6a6eda7aca6eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on June 29, 
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. 
That document with the original signature and date is maintained by 
DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with 
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE 
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit 
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official 
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no 
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-14338 Filed 7-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P


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