Temporary Enforcement Discretion for TTW Gas Furnaces Fan Energy Rating
We are delighted to share some positive news with our valued members. In a recent letter from Jamie Hulan, the Director of Homes & Communities Division at the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada, it was announced that the fan energy rating (FER) requirements for through-the-wall (TTW) gas furnaces will be temporarily exempt from enforcement.
This collaboration between Natural Resources Canada and HRAI has resulted in an understanding of the technical challenges associated with meeting the upcoming FER requirements for TTW gas furnaces manufactured on or after January 1, 2024. Recognizing the good faith efforts made by the industry and the goal of reducing regulatory burden while supporting energy efficiency, Natural Resources Canada has decided to exercise temporary enforcement discretion.
This means that while TTW gas furnaces must still meet the minimum performance requirements for heating and cooling, the FER requirements that were set to be enforced from January 1, 2024, will not be applied until an amendment to the Energy Efficiency Regulations is made, ensuring the requirements are achievable and practical. NRCan informed HRAI that in the upcoming fall or winter, amendment 18 will be introduced, incorporating a prescriptive requirement for TTW equipment.
The temporary measure is designed to prevent disruptions in manufacturing and maintain the supply of efficient products to the Canadian market. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit between industry organizations like HRAI and government agencies like Natural Resources Canada.
This announcement brings relief to manufacturers and ensures a smooth transition, allowing them to continue supplying high-quality products to consumers. HRAI's continued contributions to the regulatory development process have been acknowledged, highlighting the institute's commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the HVACR industry.
We express our gratitude to Jamie Hulan, Director of the Homes & Communities Division, and the entire team at Natural Resources Canada for their recognition of the technical challenges and their efforts to strike a balance between energy efficiency goals and industry feasibility.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to Abhishek Sadhya from Napoleon Heating & Cooling, Ken Ford, Jr. from National Comfort Products, and Dave Winningham from Lennox International/Allied Air and their team members for their valuable input and participation in this collaborative process.
As HRAI continues to work alongside industry stakeholders and government entities, we remain dedicated to fostering innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the development of practical regulations that benefit both the industry and the environment.
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