Standards and Legislation

RSS

The 2015 AHR Expo blew into the Windy City and proceeded to trump all previous Chicago expo records as manufacturers, contractors, and distributors from all around the country traveled to the Midwest to discover what’s new and trending in the HVACR industry.

For SMACNA and the commercial-industrial construction industry, TRIA’s passage and extension was a major victory after an uncertain legislative process. 

Proactive HVAC contractors have been working to educate their employees and clients on the inevitable phaseout. And, with the price of R-22 already starting to rise in many areas, educated contractors are finding it easier to convince customers to replace aging R-22 units with newer, more efficient models.

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.

With the enactment of MEPRA, plans meeting certain qualifications can be proactive and adjust retiree benefits in order to prevent a plan from reaching insolvency.

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.