The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that its Standard Work Specifications (SWS) for Single Family Energy Upgrades are moving forward, to the dismay of some in the HVAC industry who did not approve of the process. The guidelines are designed to serve as a resource for those involved in residential energy-efficiency retrofits.

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.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), requesting an 18-month extension for residential non-weatherized gas furnaces from the proposed May 1, 2013 implementation date set for the amended federal minimum efficiency standards.

Based on Department of Energy (DOE) standards, the majority of deli-style refrigerated counters being manufactured could be in violation of the law. 

In a monumental decision, Hercules Industries Inc., a Denver-based HVAC company, gained a preliminary injunction against the recently approved Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care law) on the basis that it violates their first amendment constitutional right to freedom of religion.

Upgrading “the most famous office building in the world” is no small task, and Anthony Malkin, president of Malkin Holdings, owner of the Empire State Building, has tackled it head on. It’s important to know “what will matter and what will not,” he stated, as he detailed progress to date at the 23rd annual North American Energy Efficiency Forum, sponsored by Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association.

More than 80 members of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) recently visited Washington, D.C., to share issues and concerns pertinent to HVACR distribution with House and Senate representatives.

National efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and other equipment will save consumers and businesses more than $1.1 trillion and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas pollution and other emissions by 2035, according to a recent study titled “The Efficiency Boom: Cashing In on Savings from Appliance Standards.”

Maryland recently became the first state to recognize geothermal heating and cooling as a renewable energy source. This has many leaders in the geothermal industry hoping this helps serve as a motivator to the other 49 states.

Starting Sept. 1, 2012, all residential boilers must be manufactured to meet new minimum federal efficiency standards. Residential gas hot water boilers must meet 82 percent AFUE; gas steam boilers, 80 percent; oil hot water boilers, 84 percent; and oil steam boilers, 82 percent.