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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.

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 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.

Reliability, energy efficiency, and an integrated, all-in-one solution topped the list of HVAC requirements for major renovation and new construction at Delta Dental of Michigan’s 59-acre headquarters in Okemos, Michigan. 

As technology advances and major players like Apple and Google step into this market, more consumers are going to start demanding products that can integrate and function in a smart home system. And as consumers start to expect more from their HVAC equipment, they’ll also expect more from their contractor.

These everyday objects include everything from light bulbs to HVAC equipment and systems. When these devices are connected to each other and to the Internet, the resulting communication and data will help enable buildings to operate at peak efficiency.

The SmartChip is an aftermarket product that intelligently controls both the fan and compressor runtimes to maximize HVAC system efficiency and, ultimately, save on utility costs.

Contractors from all around the country recently traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the third annual Building Performance Forum, presented by ACCA and The NEWS.

While not all contractors consistently offer ECMs, those who do often report increased profits as well as improved customer comfort and satisfaction.

Over the past year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued more than a dozen final rules that directly or indirectly impact the HVACR industry. Two, in particular, directly regulate minimum efficiency requirements for HVAC motors.