The future of bypass ducts in zoned California heating and cooling systems appears very bleak. The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently proposed a code change that would prohibit the use of bypass ducts in zoned heating and cooling systems, and eliminate existing Title 24 zonal performance compliance credits.
We, as contractors, have to walk a very fine line when it comes to deciding what issues/opportunities we go after. The reason for this is that we have a responsibility to our customers to make them aware of upcoming issues in order that they, the customers, may make informed decisions regarding the issues confronting them.
The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) recently published the “Commissioning of Commercial Refrigeration Systems Guideline,” which was developed in collaboration with the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES).
As Europe goes, so goes North America. That was a proven adage when it came to the phaseout of CFCs and HCFCs. Even these days, the North American HVACR market closely monitors developments in Europe for signs of what eventually may cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The HVACR industry continues to introduce new technologies — and build upon existing technologies — that provide opportunities to improve energy efficiency. While new federal legislation hasn’t helped spur deployment of such technologies, state and local initiatives are moving ahead.
A new bill, known as the Cut Energy Bills at Home Act, has been proposed in the Senate. Senate Bill 1914 would establish a $2,000 base credit for homeowners who reduce energy use by 20 percent through the installation of energy-efficient equipment.
Although the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its final rule establishing regional standards for air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces last October, the fight is not over yet. Both the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) have filed petitions to intervene through the United States Court of Appeals against the DOE.
How much HCFC-22 will be available to contractors in 2012 is an unanswered question as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers a faster phaseout of HCFCs. The EPA began the year by issuing a proposal called Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production, Import, and Export.
For the time being, the 25C residential energy tax credit has officially expired. Since many HVAC residential contractors used the tax credit as a selling tool, there has been a lot of discussion about how the expiration will affect the industry, and if there is any hope for an extension of the credit.
The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently reported a legislative victory for its segment of the industry. On Nov. 18, President Obama signed into law an appropriations bill which included $1 million for on-bill financing of geothermal systems for small businesses.
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