Regulations Bring Opportunities and Concerns to Contractors

Emerson survey shows contractors are focused on navigating industry regulation

SIDNEY, Ohio – A survey of HVAC contractors by Emerson shows that many are entering 2018 focused on growing their businesses as they navigate residential and commercial regulations.

While 75 percent of residential contractors surveyed are aware of the DOE developed regional standard enforcement procedures involving contractors, only 14 percent understand the requirements associated with compliance and the risk of non-compliance. The Emerson survey found many contractors are also concerned about the additional work that enforcement creates.

“Regulatory change is constant within our industry and has implications as to how equipment is designed, applied and maintained in the field,” said David Hules, director of marketing, commercial air conditioning for Emerson’s Commercial and Residential Solutions platform. “Emerson continually works to survey the landscape to understand the impact of these changes and help to educate the industry on the implications. Contracting groups should strive to educate their teams thru continuous education and technical discussions. Emerson can help in these efforts thru industry events and via resources like our instructor-led and online courses and AC & Heating Connect.”

More than half of commercial contractors surveyed are using the impact of new efficiency regulations as an opportunity to offer systems with higher revenues/margins. Contractors say they are able to provide options to their customers with messages on higher efficiency, payback and increased comfort.

The Emerson survey found that more than a quarter of commercial contractors say they are not aware of DOE minimum efficiency requirements for light commercial packaged equipment. But contractors who are keeping up with regulations cited a number of ways they stay informed, including trade publications, wholesaler staff, training classes, industry associations and leveraging tools provided by their OEMs.

Publication date: 4/23/2018

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