When the 112th Congress convened a year ago, hopes were high that 2011 would see passage of comprehensive energy legislation. However, as the year drew to a close, those same hopes dimmed. Interest in tax credit extensions waned and threats to repeal lighting efficiency standards spoiled the appetite for passage of other efficiency measures, including Senate bill S.398, the Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act (INCAAA). Central to INCAAA is a revised set of equipment standards negotiated by industry and advocates and the establishment of regional heating and cooling provisions. Even with bipartisan support, passage of the Shaheen-Portman Energy Savings and Competitiveness Act of 2011, S.1000, also remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the HVACR industry continues to introduce new technologies — and build upon existing technologies — that provide opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Some examples include variable-speed compressors, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and thermostatic radiator valves.