Standards and Legislation

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While it faces challenges in the Supreme Court and threats of repeal from newly elected Republican congressional leaders, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is likely here to stay. In 2015, it’s probably best for contractors to proceed assuming health care reform will be a part of business for the foreseeable future.

The standards, which were set by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) in 2007 and implemented Sept. 1, 2012, required residential gas hot water boilers to meet a minimum AFUE of 82 percent; gas steam boilers, 80 percent; oil hot water boilers, 84 percent; and oil steam boilers, 82 percent.

DOE intends to issue 18 rulemakings affecting industry products and equipment. Of those, only five are scheduled for implementation after the current political administration leaves office. This means 13 rulemakings are likely to go into effect over the next two years.

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 supermarket refrigeration sector is sensing the demise of high-GWP HFCs for use in HVAC systems, including some of the most commonly used refrigerants, R-404A and -507. Even if the line between high- and low-GWP HFCs has yet to be drawn, the industry is considering low-GWP options more frequently.

This diverse class of NEWSmakers represents government regulation, distribution, contracting, and more. Each honoree instituted a noticeable shift in the industry’s future.

The code change is part of the state’s Title 24 regulations implemented July 1, 2014, and while the rule is not a complete ban on the use of bypass ducts, it greatly limits their usage in newly constructed residential buildings.

In 2014, the EPA made it’s biggest splash on Oct. 16, when Gina McCarthy, administrator, EPA, signed the final rule pertaining to allowances for virgin production and importation of HCFCs, primarily R-22, for 2015 through 2019.

While Gee and HARDI’s leaders remain committed to keeping the government on the straight and narrow, his passion remains HARDI’s growing role within the industry.

The two new programs join AHRI’s 41 other programs, all of which verify the performance ratings for more than 40 product categories via random selection and annual testing at third-party laboratories.