Regulatory
Initiatives
2023 Energy Efficiency Standards
From January 1, 2023, energy efficiency metrics for residential air conditioners and heat pumps will be expressed in terms of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2).
The AIM Act & The HFC Phasedown
America’s HVACR manufacturers are committed to phasing down the use of high-global warming potential refrigerants. AHRI supports the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, legislation that promotes US technology, jobs and economic expansion.
The Safe Refrigerant Transition
Learn more about AHRI’s efforts to ensure the safe adoption and use of low-global warming potential refrigerants.
Resources
White Papers
The HVACR and water heating industry annually manufactures and installs more than seven million pieces of equipment with an enviable record of safety, reliability, and performance, accomplishing that feat through a detailed, intertwined system of checks and balances related to design, fabrication, testing, and repair. As part of these efforts, the industry works closely with standards development organizations (SDOs) to continuously improve and update the relevant codes and standards for the benefit of all parties, including the public. Unfortunately, the HVACR and WH industry is currently facing unusual headwinds relative to pressure containing equipment that has the potential to negatively impact both product availability and affordability.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is considering a scope change to its Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII, Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels, Division I that would eliminate long-standing exemptions for certain equipment manufactured by AHRI’s member companies. The change, if successfully implemented, removes key exemptions that the HVACR and water heating industry has successfully covered with its own codes and standards for decades, and would alter the way relevant standards and codes interact with, and are interpreted by, jurisdictions.
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), and many other stakeholder organizations, firmly believe existing codes and standards have served both the industry and the public well for many years, with an excellent, long-term safety record. Removing ASME’s BPVC scope exemptions would place the BPVC in conflict with myriad codes and standards that currently occupy this space, such as those from nationally recognized testing laboratories (e.g., UL), SDOs (e.g., ASHRAE), and even other ASME codes. Read the full white paper, HVACR Equipment Represents Performance and Safety.
Relevant Codes, Standards, and Rulemakings
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The National Fire Code ®: Model code developed by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) to provide comprehensive fire code regulation and hazard management.
Current edition: Here.
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The International Fire Code (IFC) ®: Model code developed by the International Code Council (ICC) that contains regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards.
Current edition: Here.
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The International Mechanical Code (IMC) ®: Model code developed by the International Code Council (ICC) as part of the InternationalBuilding Code (IBC). The IMC establishes minimum regulations for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
Current edition: Here.
- The Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) ®: Model code developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to govern the installation, inspection, and maintenance of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Current edition: Here.
- The National Electric Code ®: Model code developed by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) to govern the safe installation of electrical equipment.
Current edition: Here.
ASHRAE 90.1
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings. It offers, in detail, the minimum energy-efficient requirements for design and construction of new buildings and their systems, new portions of buildings and their systems, and new systems and equipment in existing buildings, as well as criteria for determining compliance with these requirements. AHRI participates on the ASHRAE 90.1 standards committee and the mechanical subcommittee.
Current edition: Here.
California Building Energy Efficiency Standards
California’s energy code is designed to reduce energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings. The standard applies to new construction of, and additions and alterations to, residential and nonresidential building. The California Energy Commission CEC) updates the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Parts 6 and 11) every three years by working with stakeholders in a public and transparent process.
Current edition: Here.