The HVAC industry is constantly changing. With new technology comes new products for your heating and air conditioning system. Here is some of the latest news regarding HVAC industry changes and how these new technologies may affect the products you use in your home:
Regulation Changes
HVAC professionals and the community as a whole are seeing changes in the regulations pertaining to the industry. Due to a new U.S. Department of Energy regulation, the minimum efficiency standard for air-source heat pumps and central ACs has increased. A regulation that went into effect January 1, 2023, states all of the units installed in homes must have an efficiency baseline minimum of 14 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) in northern states and 15 SEER in southern states.
Another HVAC industry change is that states are passing regulations to phase out fossil fuels and oil-burning systems. Climate action councils are working to eliminate fossil fuel-burning heating units in homes and require them to be replaced by zero-emission systems in some instances. These regulations are implemented to help the environment and reduce emissions caused by fossil fuels and oil.
Electric-powered home heating endeavors are also popping up in new energy regulations. States are working to eliminate fossil fuel hookups in homes and replace them with all-electric heat pumps and water heaters. This type of plan also works to help the environment and create environmentally-friendly home heating and cooling options.
You may also notice changes regarding refrigerant regulations. A new refrigerant, R-454b, will now be used in new heat pumps and air conditioners. This refrigerant will replace the prior option, R-410a, as it’s more environmentally friendly and has a lower global warming potential (GWP).
New Technologies
To go along with these new regulations, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is putting out new products for compatibility purposes. New heat pumps with higher SEER ratings and power options other than fossil fuels will be at the forefront of HVAC equipment sales. In addition, products that use variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology will use the new refrigerant, R-454b, and the old refrigerant will be phased out.
Industry Projections
There have been many changes regarding regulations and products in the HVAC industry, and this doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. As more endeavors to pursue environmentally friendly heating and cooling methods arise, new regulations, products, and technologies will appear in the future.
Ensure you keep up with the latest HVAC news, and let Air Design help you adhere to these new regulations.
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