Several HVAC industry groups are suing to stop Albuquerque, N.M., from imposing its own
equipment efficiency standards.
A
group of HVAC equipment makers, contractors and distributors is challenging an
attempt by Albuquerque, N.M., to impose its own equipment efficiency
standards.
The
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; the Heating,
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International; the Air
Conditioning Contractors of America; and 11 local HVAC distributors and
contractors filed suit July 3 in the 10th U.S. District Court. The suit alleges
that Albuquerque lacks the right to set its own standards for
residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning equipment under federal
law.
Albuquerque
passed a ordinance last year that requires air conditioners installed in new or
existing structures to have at least a 14 seasonal energy-efficiency rating -
one point higher than the federal minimum - and residential furnaces to have a
90 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. Current federal law
requires a 78 percent efficiency rating.
Federal regulations
generally ban state and local regulation of the energy efficiency of these
products, unless a waiver has been granted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The suit says the city of Albuquerque has not asked for a waiver.
