Tuesday, January 27, 2015
3 Things You Need to Know about New SEER Regulations in 2015
Labels: Comfort Supply, HVAC industry, HVAC regulations, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, SEER 0 comments
On Jan. 1, new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards went into effect
for split-system and single package units sold and installed in the United
States. We’ve compiled a list of three things every contractor should know about
the new regulations heading into 2015!
An enforcement plan is coming
Although the regional standards went into
effect on Jan. 1, an official enforcement plan for the changes won’t be
released until a later date. The Department of Energy (DOE) approved an
enforcement proposal submitted by industry representatives on Dec. 1. The
proposed plan will now face DOE changes and an opportunity for public comment. You can review the proposed plan here.
Now is the time to comply
Though an enforcement plan hasn’t been
officially issued, now is the time to make necessary changes to comply with the
new regional standards. For contractors in the Southeast, that means installing
systems that have a SEER rating of 14 or
higher. You may continue selling and installing 13 SEER products
manufactured before Jan. 1, 2015 for
another 18 months, a period that will expire on June 30, 2016. Any 13 SEER
products manufactured after the Jan. 1, 2015 deadline is considered
noncompliant and cannot be installed.
Detailed records are essential
To help with compliance, keep detailed
records of every product and its manufacture and installation dates. The
guidelines of what can be installed are very specific, so these records will
help alleviate any potential confusion in the coming months while some older,
lower SEER products can still be sold. This information can be kept in any form
and will only be requested by the DOE in
the event of an alleged violation.
Staying up-to-date on the new regulations and
what it means for your business is key! Contact your local Comfort Supply sales
representative with questions.
