The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Education have joined with the National Science Teachers Association to launch America’s Home Energy Education Challenge, a new energy education initiative. The goal is to motivate students across the country to learn about energy efficiency and help their families save money.

The “Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act of 2011” (S. 398) bill, recently introduced in the U.S. Senate, would enact into law several consensus agreements that would set new federal efficiency standards for residential furnaces in two regions, for central air conditioners in three regions, and for central heat pumps in one, national region.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

It is the time of year when I get calls for heat pumps not cooling properly. With a little prodding, I usually hear that the past month’s electric bill was also high, even though it wasn’t that hot. These calls always raise one major red flag for me. One of my first questions is if the heat pump is properly elevated up off the pad.

Heat pump sales are on the rise, and the numbers for the first quarter of 2011 are showing a pattern for increased growth as 2011 progresses. Supported by the numbers recently released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), this growth could present HVACR contractors with new opportunities.

It is the time of year when, in many parts of the country, cooling system problems involving coils tend to become more pronounced. Foul odors are especially problematic, but still more insidious are coil failures caused by formicary corrosion. The NEWS interviewed members of the Copper Development Association (CDA) for their takes on how these problems are being addressed.

The NEWS’ annual Cooling Showcase has traditionally introduced the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands. In this issue, we focus on the commercial side of the air conditioning industry.

Every year The NEWS introduces the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands. This feature provides our 2011 Residential Cooling Showcase.

While CO2 is being successfully used in subcritical applications in the United States, it is more of a challenge in transcritical situations because of demanding compressor technology and high pressures. The UK office of Sanyo Air Conditioners recently issued two case histories showing the refrigerant being used for heat pumps in commercial applications.

A bill in the Senate aims to update the efficiency standards of appliances and building systems, including furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners. Titled the “Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act of 2011,” it divides the nation into three regions with different efficiency standards for each. It also recommends more stringent building codes for new construction.