For the time being, the 25C residential energy tax credit has officially expired. Since many HVAC residential contractors used the tax credit as a selling tool, there has been a lot of discussion about how the expiration will affect the industry, and if there is any hope for an extension of the credit.
The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently reported a legislative victory for its segment of the industry. On Nov. 18, President Obama signed into law an appropriations bill which included $1 million for on-bill financing of geothermal systems for small businesses.
The 25C tax credits have been a popular sales tool for residential HVAC contractors since their introduction in 2006. Late last year, Congress extended the credits through 2011, and now many in the industry are wondering if Congress will extend the credits again for 2012.
In the category of “as California goes, so goes the rest of the nation,” the HVACR industry has been closely watching the impact of what is being called “the nation’s first comprehensive regulation to reduce potent greenhouse gases from commercial and industrial refrigeration.”
After much debate, new regional standards for HVAC equipment have become a reality. On Oct. 25, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that it adopted new residential appliance standards for central air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps.
Regional standards for HVAC equipment have been a hot topic of discussion in the industry, and the proposed rule for the standards could be finalized next week. Currently, the Department of Energy (DOE) is making the rule available for public comment until today, Oct. 17.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Department of Labor (DOL) recently proposed to change the rules for union elections. The proposed rules, which have stirred up political controversy across the country, are being debated by the HVAC community.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is in the midst of creating guidelines that could become the standard to which contractors must be certified to do work involving federal funds. However, a coalition of industry organizations says the guidelines are flawed.
On Aug. 3, members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) visited more than 20 Congressional offices as part of AHRI’s inaugural lobby day and Congressional reception.