These remarks concern the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) regional standards rule.

As of now, the sole mode of enforcement for the pending regional energy efficiency standards will come in the form of a new-look Energy Guide sticker. While DOE may ultimately move forward with another enforcement proposal, the only one being put into motion at this time is an alteration to the FTC’s Energy Guide labels.

Fun in the sun with the correct mix of business and pleasure was on the agenda when the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) traveled to Palm Springs, Calif., and hosted its highest attended annual meeting to date, as more than 600 people attended the three-day conference.

There are two main aspects of complaining about the government — it is easy to do and it feels good. Sometimes I feel there is a degree of piling on that is not fair. Then there are other times when you think all that complaining is not nearly enough. The regional standards issue is one of those cases.

A proposed settlement in the regional energy-efficiency standards lawsuit would exempt nonweatherized gas furnaces from the law, thus eliminating a May 1, 2013 requirement that would mandate 90-percent AFUE furnaces in the North, and 80-percent AFUE furnaces in the Southeast and Southwest.

The Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced that it has filed a motion responding to the proposed regional standards lawsuit settlement. HARDI has filed to continue the lawsuit because the proposal does not address concerns related to air conditioners and heat pumps. 

It might be late in the game, but Heating, Air-conditioning, Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is going for the win, not the tie. On Jan. 25, HARDI filed a motion responding to the proposed regional standards settlement filed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Public Gas Association (APGA). HARDI has no problem with the furnace aspect of the settlement, but still wants to fight the air conditioner standard.

Not all can afford high-efficiency furnaces. Make furnaces more affordable.

February Online Poll: HARDI has filed a motion opposing the regional standards settlement, which would redo the rulemaking for furnaces, stating that the case should continue and address both a/c and furnaces. Do you agree?

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) officially filed a motion for a stay with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals requesting a delay of the May 1 compliance date for regional efficiency standards.