“ACCA’s role on the Energy, Clean Air & Natural Resources Committee is important because HVAC equipment is the largest consumer of energy in the United States,” James said. “Although today’s HVAC equipment is highly efficient compared to a decade ago, half of the equipment in operation today does not function according to its energy efficiency rating. Poorly thought out efficiency regulations increase HVAC equipment prices and push many consumers toward unqualified people who don’t understand proper HVAC design and installation requirements. The result of this is an HVAC system that uses 30-40 percent more energy than necessary.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of all HVAC systems in the U.S. are not installed according to manufacturer specifications. The result of faulty installation practices, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is equipment functioning at 60-70 percent of its labeled energy efficiency rating.

“As the representative for more than 600,000 HVAC professionals, ACCA’s goal is for government regulators to promote proper HVAC installation practices, including equipment sizing, duct design, and refrigerant charges, instead of senseless equipment regulations based on laboratory tests,” James continued. “Equipment regulations are meaningless if consumers aren’t educated about the basic requirements for an HVAC system to operate efficiently.”

Publication date: 2/5/2018

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