AHRI Update
May 2, 2024
Top Stories
AHRI Publishes Standards Updates Addressing Unitary Appliance Test Procedures
Following a lengthy collaboration among many stakeholders, AHRI has published an updated edition of AHRI Standard 210/240-2024 (I-P), Performance Rating of Unitary Air Conditioning and Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment, as well as an entirely new standard, AHRI Standard 1600-2024 (I-P), Performance Rating of Unitary Air Conditioning and Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment. The former is expected to be applicable in either 2024 or 2025; the latter will be effective at some point in the future.
These efforts began in January 2023, when the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Information to address potential changes to the federal test procedure for rating residential central air conditioners and heat pumps consistent with the test procedure codified in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix M1. Many stakeholders, including but not limited to AHRI members, independent laboratories, energy advocates, and DOE consultants, evaluated and determined the necessary improvements to the procedure’s language.
For a detailed analysis of the updates, click here.
AHRI thanks the members of the Unitary Small Equipment Standards Technical Committee for their contributions and, in particular, Rusty Tharp of Daikin for his leadership during this work effort. Contact: Austin Kim
Policy Symposium Registration Deadline Approaching!
The 2024 AHRI Policy Symposium, to be held May 20-22 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown, is only a few weeks away. Register today before online registration ends on May 15.
The AHRI Policy Symposium serves as an excellent opportunity for members of all backgrounds and company sizes, with participation from our partners in the distributor and contractor communities, to communicate our industry’s legislative and regulatory priorities to Congress and the federal agencies.
Prepare for the Year Ahead!
AHRI is anticipating a packed regulatory calendar for the second half of 2024, and our staff is already preparing for consequential rulemakings from the Department of Energy, EPA, and other agencies. This year's event will bring in expert speakers to help you plan and execute a proactive approach in addressing your regulatory agenda. Our session lineup focuses on understanding the steps of the policymaking process, as well as guidance on how to advocate for industry and business interests along the way.
Connect and Network on Capitol Hill
AHRI's Government Affairs team has carefully curated meetings for Policy Symposium attendees with members of Congress and their legislative staff. Participants will be divided into groups based on policy priorities, helping to highlight the strength and diversity of our industry.
Following a full day of meetings with members of Congress, you will have the opportunity to participate in another networking opportunity without having to leave Capitol grounds. Back by popular demand, AHRI, HARDI, and PHCC will host a Joint Advocacy Reception in the Cannon Caucus room.
Do not miss the opportunity to participate in the following general sessions and events:
- The Role of Media in Policymaking
- Fireside Chat: The Art of Policymaking
- The Policy Process 101
- Inside Federal Agencies - The Regulatory Process from the Regulator's Perspective
- Policymaker Perspectives on Energy & Climate Policy
- Breakfast and Congressional Briefing
- AHRI-coordinated Legislative Visits on Capitol Hill
- Joint Industry Reception with HARDI and PHCC
AHRI's group rate at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown has expired. If you have not reserved your room, please book directly through the Westin's website. Contact: Lauren Little.
AHRI/Industry News
AHRI Members and Staff Visit Sacramento for 2024 State Summit
A capacity crowd of AHRI members, staff, and invited guests descended upon the California State Capitol in Sacramento last week for the annual AHRI State Summit. In addition to numerous visits with legislators, attendees heard from a wide-ranging selection of bipartisan keynote speakers and panelists from California state agencies, the California legislature, and NGOs, who discussed such pressing industry issues as PFAS, plastics/packaging, decarbonization, and California’s 6 million heat pump goal. This year’s meeting marked the first time since 2018 that AHRI had been able to visit legislators in their offices.
Register Today! AHRI to Host Three-Part Webinar Series on A2L Refrigerants
AHRI is hosting a three-part webinar series on A2L refrigerants designed to assist authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and members of the fire service by providing background, context, and the current landscape of the A2L refrigerant transition. Building on information from the first webinar, “Introduction to A2L Refrigerants,” the following sessions will discuss specific, technical aspects of A2L refrigerant use.
Part 2: Updates to Standards and Model Codes
Friday, May 31, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Register here.
Part 3: State and Local Codes & Available Resources
Wednesday, June 12, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
Register here.
Taking place later this month, part two of the webinar series will focus on the standards and model codes that have been updated to address the use of A2L refrigerants. Tom Deary, AHRI Director of Codes, will host the conversation, joined by:
- Harshad Inamdar, Research Engineer, Advanced Research, Rheem Manufacturing Company
- Andrew Klein, Consultant, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
- Kevin Scott, Consultant, Johnson Controls
- Ron Shughart, Compliance Engineer Project Manager, Heat Transfer Products Group, Rheem Manufacturing Company
They will discuss the following standards and model code updates:
- Standards Updates
- UL 60335-2-40
- UL 60335-2-89
- ASHRAE 15
- ASHRAE 15.2
- UL 60335-2-40
- Model Code Updates
- International Mechanical Code®
- International Residential Code®
- Uniform Mechanical Code®
- International Fire Code®
- NFPA 1, The Fire Code®
- International Mechanical Code®
Legislative and Regulatory
AHRI to Host EPR Compliance Webinar with the Circular Action Alliance
Ahead of several key deadlines regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws across the country, AHRI is partnering with the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) to discuss how to comply with this new type of packaging regulation. Register here, and plan to join AHRI and John Hite from the CAA on May 30 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT.
The webinar will cover topics including:
- The scope of EPR law
- How the HVACR and water heating industry will be impacted
- Ways to ease compliance and reporting
- Any remaining questions about how the laws will be implemented
Several states, including California, Oregon, Colorado, and Maine, have recently passed EPR laws, creating a new system of waste and recycling management by placing the costs of the programs on producers of packaging and plastics entering the states. These EPR laws require that brand holders whose packaging enters the state register with a “producer responsibility organization (PRO),” which will then charge fees to producers based on factors such as weight and recyclability of packaging.
The Circular Action Alliance, a non-profit formed by industry stakeholders and including companies like Amazon, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo, serves as the PRO for California, Oregon, and Colorado. To comply with EPR laws, CAA has asked producers to register with the organization by July 1, 2024, with reporting beginning by March 1, 2025 in Oregon. Contact: Chris Bresee.
Standards
AHRI Standards Open for Public Review and Comment
Technical Review
AHRI invites public comments on the technical content of the following draft AHRI standard. Based upon comments received, the Commercial Unitary Standards Technical Committee (STC) will decide whether to make changes. A copy of the draft and list of revisions are available at the link below.
Document Designation/Title: AHRI Standard 1340-202x I-P, Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment
STC: Commercial Unitary
Public Review Deadline: May 12
Contact: Antonio Romeo
Please see more information regarding these documents here. Contact: Jerry Yeh
Weekly Update from ASHRAE, ANSI, and SCC
This week’s summary of standards activities at ASHRAE, ANSI, and SCC that is relevant to AHRI’s work is available here. Current and previous standards activities for ASHRAE can be found here. Current and previous standards activities for ANSI can be found here.
International
United Nations Negotiations Continue for a Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution
Last week, representatives from 191 countries gathered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada for the fourth meeting (of five total meetings) to negotiate a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The goal is to create, by the end of 2024, a legally binding agreement on the creation, distribution, and disposal of plastics in the world.
Countries remain divided on the scope of the treaty, with some wanting to use it as a guide in the tracking of plastic waste, while others want to go much farther to limit plastic production and to ban certain chemicals. The United States has not officially joined any of the negotiating blocs. The U.S. position calls for countries to set their own voluntary targets.
The final meeting is scheduled to take place between November 25 and December 1 in the Republic of Korea, with the hope that a final agreement on language can be reached. Contact: Michael LaGiglia.
AHRI Hosts Meeting with SASO Engineers and ASTM
Last week, AHRI hosted a meeting with engineers from the Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and ASTM International at its headquarters in Arlington, VA. AHRI staff met with Eng. Rakan Alharthi and Eng. Mshari Al-Salah, from SASO, and Craig Updyke, from ASTM, to discuss recent developments on HVACR standards, certification programs, and testing. The group also covered updates on refrigerants, research, and energy efficiency before reviewing ongoing projects between SASO and AHRI and discussing future project opportunities in standards development. During the meeting, participants stressed the importance of international partnerships in advancing industry sustainability in Saudi Arabia and the entire MENA region. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI MENA to Host Webinar on Indoor Air Quality
AHRI’s MENA office will be hosting a webinar titled, “Air Quality & Filtration Technologies for Sustainable Buildings: an HVAC Perspective,” on May 22 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. GST. It will focus on crucial factors that affect indoor air quality and how it can be improved. From understanding pollutants, to exploring solutions for healthier environments and offering new options to improve the energy efficiency of HVAC equipment, this webinar will provide important information for HVAC professionals and homeowners. Attendees will hear from two regional experts, Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, Visiting Fellow at the school of aerospace, transport, and manufacturing at Cranfield University; and Eng. Iyad Al Jurdy, Founder and Managing Director at Petrichor IAQ. Click here to register. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI LATAM to Participate in REFRICON Congress in Costa Rica
AHRI LATAM Regional Manager Mario Maldonado will give a technical presentation May 11 during this year’s REFRICON Congress in San Jose, Costa Rica.
This will be the eighth edition of the REFRICON congress, and is being organized by Refrimundo. The meeting will focus on regulations, recent trends, new technologies, and efficiency within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, bringing together experts to discuss topics of interest in the local and regional markets. Contact: Mario Maldonado