HVAC
AHRI presses court to fast-track EPA refrigerant rule challenge
Refrigerant prices across the industry could rise under an updated rule published in May, the association argues
Legal
HVACPlumbing
California passes first-of-its-kind heat pump permitting bill
“The Heat Pump Access Act” cleared the state Senate on Tuesday and now awaits approval from Gov. Gavin Newsom
Plumbing
Industry groups say changes to Bay Area’s gas water heater ban don’t go far enough
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD) is considering amendments to its first-of-its-kind rule. Some groups say it still isn’t enough to address affordability and practicality concerns.
HVAC
AHRI’s bid to delay GFCI rule for outdoor HVAC equipment heads to public comment
“If this date is not extended, many homeowners and tenants will be impacted by nuisance tripping incidents,” Tom Deary, AHRI’s senior director of codes, tells Homepros
HVACPlumbing
New bill would cement DOE appliance standard overhaul
Utah Senator Mike Lee has introduced a bill that would overhaul how the Department of Energy sets energy efficiency standards for home appliances, including ACs and water heaters
HVAC
Former HVAC school named in report of $300 million trade school fraud
Retail Ready Career Center in Garland, Texas, charged around $20,000 for a six-week “boot camp” that trained veterans to become HVAC technicians
HVACPlumbing
Senators urge DOE to withdraw proposed appliance standards rule
The proposal would update the agency’s “Process Rule” used to establish energy conservation standards for household appliances and equipment, including air conditioners and water heaters
HVAC
U.S. states sue EPA over refrigerant rule change
As the AIM Act phases down total HFC supply, some argue a late-May EPA rule will “artificially” inflate demand, putting upward pressure on refrigerant prices, including in residential HVAC
Plumbing
Bay Area proposes delaying first-of-its-kind gas water heater ban
“We heard from homeowners that the cost and logistics of switching to cleaner appliances can be real barriers, and we have responded by proposing common sense solutions,” said Philip Fine, executive officer of the Bay Area Air District
HVAC
Natural gas heating could become a constitutional right in Colorado
The initiative reflects an ongoing push-pull over the banning of natural gas appliances, including HVAC equipment, in newly constructed homes across the U.S.