Which of the following is a highly efficient appliance option encouraged by the Vermont Energy Code?

The chosen answer, gas furnaces, aligns with the Vermont Energy Code's emphasis on utilizing highly efficient appliances that minimize energy consumption and promote sustainability. Gas furnaces are known for their ability to provide effective heating with relatively lower operating costs compared to some other options. They often include advanced technology that enhances efficiency, such as modulating burners and variable-speed blowers, which adjust the heat output based on the home's demand more effectively than traditional systems.

Additionally, gas furnaces are generally more environmentally friendly than options like coal boilers, which contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While electric water heaters and propane stoves have their own efficiencies and benefits, the Vermont Energy Code particularly supports gas furnaces for their balance of energy efficiency, operational cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact in residential heating applications.