World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Industry negotiates new energy standards

doe-logoUSA: The AHRI has applauded stakeholder involvement in soon to be published new standards for commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps.

On April 1, the DOE set up a working group to negotiate conservation standards for packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps, as well as standards for commercial warm air furnaces.

After six meetings, the working group, comprised of industry, energy efficiency and environmental advocates, contractors and agency representatives, including the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), reached consensus and provided recommendations for energy conservation standards, test procedures, and metrics.

The working group was tasked with addressing rules for the energy efficiency of commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps (specifically, air-cooled with rated cooling capacities greater than or equal to 65,000Btu/hr and less than 760,000Btu/hr split and package AC and HP) and commercial warm air furnaces, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as amended. The scope excluded package terminal air conditioners and heat pumps (PTAC/PTHP), single package vertical units (SPVU), computer room air conditioners (CRAC), and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.

“Negotiated rulemaking are our preferred method for establishing energy conservation standards for covered products and equipment,” said AHRI president and ceo Stephen Yurek. “Bringing stakeholders together to develop a rule that is both effective and achievable is the best way to ensure that our members’ products and equipment provide consumers and businesses with comfort, safety, and productivity while helping the nation achieve its energy reduction targets,” he said.

“This negotiated outcome will provide huge energy and economic benefits for the nation,” said ASAP Executive Director Andrew deLaski.  “DOE, industry, and all the participants deserve credit for coming up with an approach that delivers those important national benefits and works for industry.”

“By every measure, this is the biggest efficiency standards rulemaking in DOE’s history,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “Over 30 years of sales, businesses from big box stores to commercial building owners will net savings of nearly $50bn, while the nation will see energy reductions equal to all the coal burned in US power plants in one year.”

Latest News

28th March 2024

Copeland releases 50hp scroll in Asia

CHINA: US compressor manufacturer Copeland is to launch a 50hp scroll for heat pump OEMs in Asia.
27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.
27th March 2024

Distilling the zero carbon benefits of heat pumps

IRELAND: An Irish distiller is now producing carbon neutral whiskeys following the installation of high temperature heat pumps from Finnish manufacturer Oilon.
27th March 2024

Daikin acquires Danish distributor

DENMARK: Daikin has acquired its Danish HVAC distributor BKF-Klima A/S from Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler Beijer Ref.
26th March 2024

Low carbon specialist moves to new premises

UK: Strong growth has prompted Hull-based BREng, the building services company specialising in low-carbon air conditioning and heat pump projects, to move to new offices in the city centre.