2015 HVAC Efficiency Standards: What You Need to Know
InApril last year (2014), the D.O.E (Department of Energy of the US) confirmedthe impending changes for HVAC efficiency for commercial and residentialequipment. But, if the research done by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc isanything to go by, a whopping 74% of contractors are not aware of the upcomingHVAC Efficiency Standards changes as well as how to prepare their staffs tomeet the new regulations. In this post, we tell you the important aspects ofthe coming change and that you need to know.
What’s changing?
The SEER rating (SEER standsfor Seasonal Energy and Efficiency Ratio) indicates the efficiency of heatpumps and central air conditioners. In the past, a single SEER rating minimumof 13 used to be applied to the whole of the United States. But in the newchanges which took effect on January 1st 2015, the SEER rating will be keyedinto geographical zones.
In California for instance,according to new HVAC Efficiency Standards, air conditioners a minimum SEERrating of 14 but in other northern zones, SEER 13 is still being allowed.
Split-system heat pumps, on theother hand, will have a fifty-state minimum of SEER 14. Heating SystemPerformance Factor (HSPF), which refers to heating pumps’ efficiency rating,will also go up to 7.7 to a nationwide minimum of 8.2.
There are also changes in themanner efficiency ratings will be presented to the consumer. The usual yellowEnergy Guide sticker on new energy equipment has been the indicator ofperformance and efficiency information regarding a new furnace or air conditioner.Since split-system air conditioners normally consist of a matched set ofoutdoor and indoor coils, starting January 2015, Energy Guide efficiencyratings have not been displaying one set number but a range of efficiencies.The range is meant to depict all possible efficiencies, based upon whichcertified grouping of coils will then be installed with the system. The reasonfor this is so as to ensure all system parts- indoor and outdoor- comply fullywith the new efficiency standards.
How to prepare for new HVAC Efficiency Standards
It is important to learn aboutthe 2015 HVAC efficiency standards, because enforcement has already begun. HVACcontractors should be able to tell that the equipment they are installing notonly meets the minimum standards of new regulations but also the consumer needs.
Most US manufacturers arealready offering SEER 14 heat pumps, and many of them could tweak the currentSEER 14 designs to be in line with product demands. Although the changes wererolled out in January 2015, the new standards give distributors a grace periodof 18 months in which to dispose of their current inventory.
As a resident of California,you need to know what the new 2015 HVAC efficiency standard mean for you. Thiswill enable you to make an informed decision on which HVAC system to install.Also, we are here to help answer any related questions you may have, so don'thesitate to contact us. To learn more about services our company offers, please visit our homepage.
