The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed strong new energy efficiency standards that would address a major energy hog that may be lurking in your basement. The new standards would reduce the energy consumption of furnace fans, which are the fans that circulate heated and cooled air supplied by furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps through ductwork in homes. Improved furnace fan efficiency would not only save consumers money on their electricity bills, but would also help improve comfort.