ST. LOUIS — While a number of HVAC contractors remain uninformed about changes in energy efficiency regulations coming in 2015, some are thinking ahead to how these changes will affect their businesses. A survey by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. finds that 40 percent of commercial contractors and 42 percent of residential contractors in the North see upsell opportunities, while only approximately 30 percent of residential contractors in the South and Southwest look forward to higher revenue or higher margins. Some contractors surveyed were concerned that the new regulations would limit their ability to compete.

The survey of 618 contractors, conducted via email by Emerson, finds that many are still uninformed about the changing efficiency regulations. The new regulations affect regional standards for residential unitary air conditioning and heat pump systems; part-load efficiency requirements for light commercial split, package, and rooftop systems; and chiller standards.