Industry and Enviros Alike Applaud New Furnace and AC Efficiency Standards

Yesterday afternoon, the Department of Energy issued a direct final rule with new energy efficiency standards for residential heating and cooling equipment that have been many, many years in the making. The rule is one of several we’re expecting imminently due to court and statutory deadlines. Of all these standards, yesterday's rule is the big one. Not only are there huge energy (and therefore, dollar) savings at stake, but the standards are supported by the HVAC industry, efficiency and environmental groups, and consumer advocates – groups that do not always sit on the same side of the table. They are also the first ever regional appliance standards set by DOE. When they take effect, the standards will save consumers a net of $18.7 billion cumulatively through 2045 and enough electricity to meet the needs of all the homes in Indiana for 3 years. The standards will also reduce harmful air pollution, including reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 143 million metric tons over 30 years, and also reducing emissions of mercury and nitrogen oxides.

The new standards cover the large residential heating and cooling equipment – central air conditioners, heat pumps, and oil and gas furnaces. Given that space heating and cooling account for roughly half of the energy used in the average American home , improving the efficiency of this equipment has the potential to save consumers big bucks. Since these systems are often put in by builders, developers, and landlords who will not be paying the energy bills over time, the chosen equipment is often at the minimum standard, making today’s rule particularly important.

DOE set the standard levels at those recommended by a group of HVAC manufacturers, environmental and energy efficiency groups, and consumer advocates in a carefully negotiated agreement that was finalized in 2009. These negotiations were catalyzed by the upcoming June 30th court-ordered deadline for a final rule for ACs and furnaces, which was the result of a series of lawsuits against DOE over missed deadlines and unjustly weak standards which my colleague Kit Kennedy has blogged about in detail . The context of negotiations allowed the stakeholders to get to creative solutions, some of which were outside of the scope of the conventional rulemaking process.

One of these creative solutions was setting the first ever regional standards, which makes a whole lot of sense for heating and cooling equipment. For most appliances, one federal standard is appropriate and provides consistency for manufacturers. For heating and cooling equipment, regional standards are the most beneficial to consumers – not surprisingly you don’t need the same furnace in North Dakota as you do in Florida. Today’s rule will effectively require condensing furnaces (90 AFUE) in northern states where they will be cost effective for consumers, but will only require furnaces in southern states to meet an AFUE of 80. Similarly, high efficiency air conditioners are more cost-effective in southern states where a SEER of 14 (up from 13) will be required. Additionally, in the very hot and dry states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California, ACs will be required to meet a second efficiency metric that ensures they operate efficiently at very hot temperatures. These new standards will benefit consumers by requiring equipment that is most effective and efficient in their climate zone. It will also benefit manufacturers who have invested in developing this climate optimized equipment by creating a market for it.

Product Reviews for HVAC Condensate Pumps

Condensate pumps are used to remove the water created by your air conditioning system, high efficiency condensing boiler, or humidifier when there is no access to a drain. Condensate pumps vary in quality, capacity, and how high they can pump the water (lift or head). This guide will help you select a condensate pump that meets your installation requirements and fits within your budget.

Little Giant VCMA-20 Condensate Pump

The company that has always been the forerunner in condensate removal pump design, introduces the new generation VCMA Series. Adding features for every installation. Fully Automatic, new generation float arm for enhanced reliability. Suitable for high-efficiency, gas-furnace condensate. 3 drain holes with 20ft. shut off head and 8.7 PSI. Capable of drawing 70 GPH @ 5ft.. Intermittent Liquid Temp. up to 120deg F. Little Giant Pump Company once again defines state-of-the-art in pump design. UL and CSA listed. 1-year limited warranty. Flow (GPH): 70, Volts: 115, HP: 1/30, Max. Total Head (ft.): 20, Max. Suction Lift (ft.): 5, Max. PSI: 8.7, Volute: Glass-filled Flame Retardant Polypropylene, Impeller Shaft: Glass-filled Flame Retardant Polypropylene, Power Cord (ft.): 6, Thermal Overload Protection: Yes

• UL listed

• Safety switch included

• 1/30 HP motor

• 1/2 gallon ABS tank with stainless steel shaft

• 3/8-Inch OD barbed discharge and 6 foot power cord with thermal overload protection

$39.00

Hartell KT-15X Condensate Pump

The KT-15 series condensate pumps lead the industry in quality and economy! The KT-15 is perfect for the majority of residential condensate pump applications. Properly installed, the KT-15 will provide years of trouble free service. This model includes 20′ of high quality, clear vinyl discharge tubing and an auxiliary safety switch. Hartell strongly recommends that all installations include a properly wired auxiliary safety switch. The auxiliary safety switch will shut down the appliance in the event of a pump overflow condition that could lead to property damage. Pump overflow can be caused by a blocked discharge line, power loss to the pump, or pump malfunction. The switch can be wired in-line with the thermostat to shut down the appliance; or wired directly to an alarm. Hartell condensate pumps are perfect for use as wastewater drain pumps for icemakers, beverage dispensers, drinking fountains, water coolers and dehumidifiers. One year manufacturer’s warranty.

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