An HVAC market manufacturers group is happy that the U.S. Energy Department has adopted an ASHRAE guideline as part of its HVAC construction regulations.

The department recently announced that it will use the efficiency levels contained in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ 90.1 HVAC construction standard for three-phase unitary products under 65,000 British thermal units per hour, water-source heat pumps, commercial oil-fired storage water heaters and packaged terminal air conditioners.

AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek said the Energy Department’s decision was a good one for HVAC construction. The group, which represents most major manufacturers of HVAC sales equipment, has long urged the government to follow the society’s guidelines in crafting regulations.

"Adopting ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency levels for these products is the most logical and efficient method for DOE to manage their collective energy use," Yurek said. "We are pleased that DOE has agreed to continue relying on ASHRAE's expertise in this area."