In recognition of the increasing importance of Quality Installation and the continuing evolution of efficient HVAC equipment, CEE is revising its Central Air Conditioning and Air Source Heat Pump Initiative. Last updated in 1995, the enhanced initiative will provide a program template that reflects important program elements and can be voluntarily adopted by efficiency program administrators. Attendees representing efficiency program administrators, OEMs, distributors, contractors, and HVAC trade associations discussed the future of CEE’s initiative at the CEE Industry Partners Meeting in St. Louis.

Information Gathering Continues
In recent months, CEE has been soliciting member and industry input on the strategic direction of future CAC and heat pump work under the Initiative. “We want to identify program elements that should be consistent across the United States and Canada in order to bring about the desired market change” explained CEE’s John Taylor. “What are the minimum requirements for administering a credible, cost-effective program?” At CEE’s Industry Partners Meeting in St. Louis this September, there was a strong consensus regarding the importance of focusing on quality installations as set forth in the ANSI-approved HVAC Quality Installation Specification developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and adopted by the CEE Board of Directors earlier this year. This is in recognition of the fact that both standard and high efficiency equipment will only meet their published performance metrics if properly installed. The implication is that installation would become the primary component within the Initiative, and high-efficiency equipment rebate programs should be coupled with an installation component. The importance of maintenance was also discussed and the need to reach a shared understanding of what constitutes good maintenance practices.

Through the end of 2007, this input will be incorporated into a draft document, which addresses several other strategic issues related to the HVAC market and will also present market and model availability data. The draft will be refined by CEE’s Residential and Small Commercial HVAC Committee and then shared with industry for further comment. The final draft will be presented to the CEE Board of Directors for approval at its January meeting.

We welcome all participants in the Central Air Conditioning and Air Source Heat Pump Initiative to provide input during the revision process. Anyone with an interest in participating should contact Margie Lynch.

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