Survey: HVAC contractors unprepared for 2015 efficiency standards

St. Louis -- A majority (74%) of U.S. contractors are unaware of upcoming 2015 regional standards for unitary air conditioning and heat pump systems, according to a survey by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. Nearly 80% of contractors were unaware of 2015 part-load efficiency requirements for light commercial split, package and rooftop systems, and 84% are unaware of the 2015 chiller standards. Unlike the 2005 regulation changes, the 2015 changes will affect both residential and commercial efficiency standards.



On the commercial side, Emerson’s survey found only 8% of contractors have trained their service teams on the new rooftop or chiller standards. Very few, only 3%, had talked to an OEM about the changes. Four percent have started to develop a marketing plan to address these regulatory changes with their customers.



The survey of 472 contractors, conducted via email by Emerson Climate Technologies in late 2013, found the majority of contractors were either unaware of the standards or had little idea how the standards would affect their businesses. Only 12% had started training their technicians or thinking about an inventory plan.