"Replacing an aging furnace could cost homeowners thousands of dollars more
after May 1, when new federal energy efficiency standards take effect for
northern states, including New Jersey. The new energy-efficient natural gas
furnaces aren’t that much more expensive themselves, but they must be vented
directly to an outside wall rather than through the chimney, which can
increase installation costs dramatically ..."

Similar rules will latch in for A/C in the southern climates.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/berg....html?page=all

But, but, but ... it's for the CHILDREN !