With model building codes mandating tighter and tighter ductwork, and with homeowners and building owners desiring increasingly higher efficiencies from their ducted systems, many new products have hit the market to help builders and installers efficiently and effectively meet those requirements.
In 2014, the HVACR industry saw an unprecedented amount of regulatory action from government entities, and, according to industry leaders, the regulatory action will continue through 2015.
While the new efficiency standards do not require manufacturers to use any specific technologies to achieve the new EF (energy factor) ratings, they’ve already necessitated a significant redesign effort from manufacturers. Additionally, the increasing unit sizes pose transportation and installation challenges that have yet to be fully understood.
While some are concerned the DOE may overstep its bounds again, others are hopeful the agency will continue to accept industry input and guidance as it develops its final rule.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the launch of its Energy Star Home Advisor, an online tool designed to help Americans save energy and money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes through recommended, customized and prioritized home-improvement projects.
After years of sputtering growth, the home energy management (HEM) market has begun to gather momentum, notes Navigant Research. Product vendors, utilities, service providers, retailers, and other stakeholders report increasing activity, and there are signs of growing awareness among consumers.
Renovate America, a leading provider of residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, in partnership with 400 Capital Management LLC, announced the completion of their second securitization of residential PACE Bonds, which resulted in the issuance of $129,145,000 in Class A Notes.