While such equipment is not manufactured in Canada, regulations are moving forward to ban the sale of equipment made after Jan. 23, 2006 that is lower than 13 SEER, according to Caroline Czajko, manager of the manufacturing division of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

Supported by HRAI, the legislation has already moved through National Resources Canada and the Office of Energy Efficiency. The process also involves publication in the Canada Gazette and a 75-day review period, before going to the Cabinet for final approval. Resolution of the remaining steps could come close to the Jan. 23 target date.

Czajko said the legislation not only bans the sale of equipment lower than 13 SEER after Jan. 23, but would prevent such equipment from coming into the country. It does not, however, prevent the sale or importation of equipment lower than 13 SEER made before Jan. 23, she said.

Publication date: 10/31/2005