6 Things You Need to Know About Commercial HVAC Regulations

Commercial HVAC regulations are changing. Do you know how these changes will impact your business? Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors in Philadelphia are becoming increasingly aware many business owners remain woefully in the dark.

Why the Push?

Commercial businesses consume a whopping 41% of power produced in the U.S. for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances/electronics, with consumption expected to rise 13% over the next 20-years. This plays a crucial role in the worldwide drive to prevent climate change, safeguard natural resources, and protect the environment. Here HVAC, a leading energy consumer, offers a prime opportunity.

What Do You need to Know About Commercial HVAC Regulatory Changes?

• You Have a 50/50 Chance of Being Effected
  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes over half the commercial building owned in the U.S. utilizing commercial heating & cooling will be effected by current/upcoming changes. New energy code adoption is determined on a state-by-state basis. Though changes vary by state, a number of states have adopted the latest revision for commercial HVAC standards, ASHRAE 90.1-2013.  

• Nationwide DOE Minimum Standards are Already In Effect
  New efficiency requirements for rooftop units , as well as split systems, have already gone into effect as of January 1st of this year (2018), including integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) minimums (previously known as IPLV).

• Efficiency Improvement Requirements will Continue to Rise
  These will be rolled out in 2 phases, requiring a boost in efficiency on new commercial systems of approximately 13% in 2018, and increasing an additional 16%, on average, over the next 5-years.

• New Requirements are Expected to Lower Utility Costs & Pollution
  Though initial investment could be potentially be higher, these newer, more efficient HVAC product purchases are expected to save $167-billion in utility expenditures and reduce carbon pollution by 885-million metric tons over the lifespan of systems purchased nationwide. Rooftop units (RTUs) in particular could save business owners $3,700 per RTU when replacing aged equipment with newer, high-efficiency units (or retrofitting older systems with advanced controls). Multiply this by the typical 20-RTUs an area big box store relies upon, and that’s some serious savings.

• New System Designs are Entering the Marketplace
  To meet – and exceed - 2018 minimums, system manufacturers are releasing new product lines for sale via your local HVAC commercial service, including mid- and premium tiers above minimum required efficiency levels. These newer models may include features such as…
• Modulated scroll compressors, including two-step capacity scrolls and multiples.
• Variable speed scroll compressors.
• Staged blower motor fan speeds with variable frequency drives.
• Larger size due to heat exchanger surface area.

• Not Ready for a New System? Modulation Could Ensure Compliance
  Installing compressors in tandem or trio could serve as a cost-effective means of ensuring regulatory compliance with new efficiency standards. Talk to a knowledgeable H&H professional to uncover if this may be a viable solution for your business.

Does your commercial HVAC service company have the expertise to ensure your business’ regulatory compliance? Avoid unnecessary fines and expenditures, reducing your carbon footprint with the help of H&H Commercial HVAC Services today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/6-things-about-commercial-hvac-regulations/