The two main issues under consideration are how will the agencies enforce the new regional standards rules and what changes are necessary to the labeling of HVAC equipment to avoid distributor, contractor, and consumer confusion about the new rules. 

Regional standards will set new liabilities and responsibilities on HVAC contractors to install equipment that meets minimum efficiency levels for a given state. There are likely to be new paperwork and filing requirements for contractors, along with the potential for fines for violations of the rules. 

The DOE released a “framework document” for stakeholders outlining several elements under consideration for an enforcement scheme, including the possibility of allowing for a waiver from installing a condensing furnace in the northern region.  

DOE is proposing three enforcement approaches with increasing levels of compliance through record keeping and/or the reporting of equipment installation location information.  

Under Approach 1, contractors would be required to install HVAC equipment in the appropriate region. 

Under Approach 2, contractors would be required to install HVAC equipment in the appropriate region, and maintain records and paperwork about each installation. 

Under Approach 3, contractors would be required to install HVAC equipment in the appropriate region, maintain records and paperwork about each installation, and be required to provide their distributors with model number, rated efficiency, serial number, and installation address for each installation. Distributors would report the model number, efficiency, serial number, and installation zip code (not address) to DOE. 

The FTC rulemaking on new energy labeling requirements for residential furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps is designed to help consumers and businesses install equipment appropriate for their location under the new regional efficiency standards. The FTC's Appliance Labeling Rule currently requires yellow EnergyGuide labels for heating and cooling equipment to disclose the product's efficiency rating and a comparison of the highest and lowest ratings for all similar models.  

25c Tax Credits Expired At End of 2011

                                                 
Despite the efforts of ACCA and its  industry partners, Congress failed to extend the Residential Energy Tax Credits (25c) before they expired on December 31, 2011. This is the first time since 2008 that there is no federal income tax incentive for homeowners to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes.

All hope is not lost on these tax credits though. We are continuing to work with Congress on getting them extended, but it is uncertain when that may happen and if it does happen, if they will be retroactive to January 1, 2012.                                           

Charlie McCrudden explains what may happen to these tax credits and what other tax incentives were not extended in his latest Hot Air! blog. 

Wondering if there are any state or local tax incentives to offer your customers? Try using ACCA's HVAC specific DSIRE web tool. It allows you to search for incentives by state, zip code, technology, and industry sector.

IE3Online.com Launches

                               
Yesterday we launched the new www.ie3online.com website. This website is an extension of the new IE3 Magazine that will be arriving in your mailboxes soon. But as you will see, there is nothing typical about IE3!                                

The new website was designed to be able to be used by you, the way you want to use it...whether that means on a PC, a smartphone, or an iPad. And it's not just a reprint of the articles in the magazine. There are extended articles, videos, and special downloads that you can share with your entire staff. You can also get into the conversation by sharing your thoughts and ideas. Who knows, we may ask you to your story in the future.