Consensus on the implementation of HVAC efficiency standards has been reached between the U.S. Department of Energy and HVAC industry groups. HVAC contractors can now use the settlement agreement as a reference when installing or upgrading HVAC systems as of next year.
The Regional Efficiency Standards divide the country into four main areas, and Ohio forms part of the Northern region. When looking at the settlement agreement as a guideline, it’s important for homeowners in Ohio to focus on the HVAC efficiency standards that are applicable on the Northern region.
New HVAC efficiency standards for the Northern region begin Jan. 1, 2015:
- The minimum efficiency requirement will remain at Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 for split-system air conditioners in the Northern region.
- The minimum efficiency requirement for single-package air conditioners will be a SEER of 14.
- The national efficiency standards for heat pumps will be split-system heat pumps at minimums of 14 SEER and 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), single-package heat pumps at 14 SEER and 8 HSPF, high-velocity with small duct systems at 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF, and units that have space constraints at 12 SEER and 7.4 HSPF.
- The national efficiency standard for residential non-weatherized gas furnaces (the most common variety of home heating system) will remain at 78 percent AFUE until Nov. 19, 2015, when it will be raised to 80 percent AFUE. New residential non-weatherized furnace standards will likely be introduced in 2021-2022.
It’s important for manufacturers, distributors and HVAC contractors to ensure that any HVAC equipment purchased starting next year complies with the new efficiency standards. Distributors of HVAC equipment are allowed to sell any non-compliant stock manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 2015, until July 1, 2016.
For more information and expert advice on the new HVAC efficiency standards or other issues related to HVAC systems, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We have proudly served the Dayton and Springfield areas for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
