Good news: The customers of HVAC contractors who install qualifying sustainable energy systems (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, wind energy systems, and fuel cells), will continue to receive tax credits through Dec. 31, 2016. These can total 30 percent of the installed costs (product and installation) of the systems.
It is one thing to install efficiently running refrigeration equipment. But it also has to be energy efficient - according to a wide range of standards. That’s why Emerson recently issued a white paper called Status of Energy Regulations for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment.
The theme of the 22nd annual North American Energy Efficiency Forum was “Energy Efficiency: The Smart Path to Energy Security and Economic Growth” and speakers addressed the importance of pursuing energy efficiency and alternative energy sources not only to reduce energy costs but also enhance national security.
A sign at one of the booths at the National Restaurant Association Show stated: “Being on the Food Page is Good. Being on the Front Page is Bad.” That concern was certainly the focus of the refrigeration-related exhibitors where drink and food safety were reflected in the quality of ice and the effectiveness of freezers and coolers.
Servidyne Inc. announced that it is has been awarded contracts to provide energy efficiency and demand response services for commercial and institutional buildings in the city of San Antonio. The contracts call for the company to provide retro-commissioning and energy audit services. Servidyne also will perform demand response audits.
More than 350 commercial controls contractors and distributors gathered to attend Honeywell’s Momentum Conference. The annual event serves as an energy, environmental, and economic idea exchange for those who provide the building industry with HVAC, security, video, and intrusion products and solutions.
It is one thing to install efficiently running refrigeration equipment. But it also has to be energy efficient – according to a wide range of standards. That’s why Emerson recently issued a white paper called Status of Energy Regulations for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment.
United States Air Force personnel sought a solution to renovate the makeup air and exhaust ventilation systems to reduce energy usage in a 35,000-square-foot aircraft corrosion control hangar in Oklahoma City. By utilizing Munters energy recovery systems, engineers at the base achieved their mission.
The HVAC landscape is changing now, as the tax credits have been reduced, the economy is still recovering, and prices on equipment keep increasing. Add in declining home values and higher-than-normal levels of unemployment, and many contractors are facing larger challenges when it comes to selling high-efficiency units.
As HVAC products get more and more efficient, the logical question is what level will they top off at? The laws of physics can limit the efficiency levels of air-source heating and cooling equipment. The laws of economics also come into play, as the cost for each incremental escalation in efficiency can substantially increase the cost of the equipment.
