ST. LOUIS — With new energy-efficiency regulations now in effect, contractors in regions where SEER minimums are increasing will need to help their customers and suppliers to understand the new efficiency requirements. However, a survey from Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., a business of Emerson, has found that 48 percent of contractors are still unaware of the regulations or unsure of how they will affect their businesses.

“The lack of awareness, while concerning, is actually an improvement from late in 2013, when nearly 75 percent of contractors were in the dark about these regulations,” said Frank Landwehr, vice president, air conditioning marketing, Emerson Climate Technologies. “Contractors still have time to review what these regional standards mean for their businesses and how they can help their customers enhance the comfort of their homes. Emerson is well-prepared to support our industry partners with tools like our online resource, AC and Heating Connect.”

The survey of 698 contractors, conducted via email by Emerson Climate Technologies in late 2014, found contractors were more optimistic about the regional standards than they were earlier in the year. Only 17 percent were concerned about their ability to compete or remain in business after these changes went into effect.

For contractors, one of the key results of these regulations will be the opportunity to sell higher-efficiency systems. In fact, 60 percent of contractors surveyed said they expect to see their sales of systems rated 16 SEER or higher increase as a result of the new regulations. For more information, visit www.acheatingconnect.com.

Publication date: 3/16/2015

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