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New Energy Requirements

conarb

Registered User
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
3,505
Location
California East Bay Area
\ said:
That's because increasing energy efficiency standards that go into effect in 2015 likely will result in a higher price tag for new air conditioning equipment and hot water heaters.

As of the first of this year, the minimum standard Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating for heating and cooling systems has increased in many areas of the country. The rating, which measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system over the course of an entire cooling season, has increased from 13 to 14 in many areas throughout the U.S. (visit tinyurl.com/SEER2015 for a map and info). Consequently, new installed A/C systems and related cooling equipment, including package air conditioners and split-system or package heat pumps, will need to be SEER 14 or higher going forward; for split system air conditioners, SEER 13 units can continue to be installed in northern states, but southeast and southwest states will require SEER 14 models.

“If there is no room for the newer unit, the consumer will be forced to either relocate equipment and install new venting and piping or downgrade to a smaller unit that fits within the designated area,” says Andy Rodenhiser, owner of Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Holliston, Massachusetts.

Depending on the existing heater size and space constraints, a new water heater could cost up to four times as much to install, says Turner.

“For example, if you currently have a standard vent 75-gallon natural gas water heater, which is being discontinued, it would normally install for around $1,500. The replacement could require a power vent water heater that needs a different flue, costing you upwards of $3,500 installed,” Turner adds.

The good news for homeowners in southwest and southeast states is that they have a grace period—expiring July 1, 2016—in which they can still have SEER 13 A/C systems installed, “so if budget is your main concern, replace your system now with a SEER 13 one, while they’re still available,” says Turner.¹
So why are the southern states being given a grace period when the rest of us aren't? After all, their prices are significantly lower.

¹ http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/lower-energy-costs-at-a-price-new-efficiency-standards-may/article_0f6f5c0f-1e16-56a3-8309-5ac00f92e3c3.html
 
For southwest & southeast states; higher A/C loads and use = shorter life cycle = more units per capita replaced. Also lets the manufacturers clear remaining inventory of older models. The A/C retrofit unit size issue has always been a factor, and caused quite some difficulties/expense for homeowners. Retrofit size will be a bigger issue as the unit sizes have been smaller on average for LxWxH over the last 15years. The 75gal water heater example is not very good for CA as the energy code has driven most houses to 50gal max unless special calcs/justification are submitted. Will be interesting to follow this story to see how it plays out.
 
Francis Vineyard said:
We'er going backwards heating water on the stove and window units.
Probably still heating with wood down there, you guys didn't learn anything from the "War of Northern Aggression".

\ said:
A roaring wood fire in your living room could soon be a thing of the past if a growing movement is successful.More and more communities across North America are moving to ban wood and coal-burning fireplaces in an effort to control air pollution – and in some locations it already is prohibited. Both activists and local governments are targeting fireplaces as threat to public health.

“Wood smoke is an extremely toxic, public health hazard,” Brian Moench, the president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment; told The Deseret News. Moench’s group has petitioned Utah’s Air Quality Board to ban wood burning in Salt Lake City and other urban areas of Utah.

“Routine wood burning should not be allowed for the same philosophical, aesthetic and public health reasons as the prohibition of cigarette smoking in public venues,” Moench said. Moench based his claims on an Environmental Protection Agency study that showed wood smoke is 12 times as toxic as second-hand cigarette smoke.¹
http://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/movement-to-ban-fireplaces-sweeping-across-north-america/
 
I take that as a compliment. I'm not kidd'n about heating water for bath. We also supposed to wait until after 4 to burn the broken tree limbs and trash. But if some one complains they can join in on the target shooting behind my house.
 
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