HARDI Acts to Forestall 15 SEER Mandate in Albuquerque
Local jurisdiction is raising the temperatures of HVAC contractors in Albuquerque, NM.
Beginning April 1, contractors will be mandated to install 15 SEER air conditioning and 90% AFUE or higher systems for all new commercial and residential new construction, remodels, and replacements.
The Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) recently hosted a meeting of more than 80 Albuquerque distributor and contractor HVAC professionals to discuss the codes.
The requirements exceed the federal minimum set by the Department of Energy (DOE), and therefore the City of Albuquerque must obtain a waiver of federal preemption from the DOE before attempting to enforce the energy codes. At the same time, the energy codes create a nearly unenforceable regulation that tips the playing field against complying contractors and distributors, HARDI says.
In separate letters, the national organizations representing HVAC distributors, contractors, and manufactures notified the city last month about the code’s legal contradictions and their severe impacts on the HVACR industry.
HARDI and ACCA will organize a local task force to work with city officials and efficiency advocates to provide market and technical expertise towards development of new, effective, and federally-compliant energy conservation codes.
Visit www.hardinet.org for additional information.