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 an 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.
Groups challenge city rules in court
October 1, 2008
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