CEE’s Board of Directors first approved initiatives for Commercial and Residential HVAC equipment in 1993 and 1995 respectively. These initiatives have been updated since then to add performance requirements that address peak demand reduction. Also, both initiatives now have voluntary installation specifications. As installation and maintenance grow in relative importance, CEE will evaluate the appropriateness of a more prominent roll in the CEE Initiative.

In an effort to use CEE staff resources more efficiently, CEE is also planning to merge the residential and small commercial (less than 65,000 Btu/h) HVAC work under the direction of John Taylor. According to industry, the equipment is essentially the same, except for the “phase” of power, which does not affect the integration of high-efficiency technologies. In recognition of this fact, HVAC manufacturers have previously requested that CEE align its equipment performance requirements and specification revision process for residential and small commercial HVAC equipment. Similarly, the definition of a quality installation is relevant for both residential and small commercial equipment.

In recognition that the end-user of small commercial HVAC equipment can be very different from a residential customer, CEE will maintain residential and small commercial subcommittees to address issues specific to respective markets.

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