Appendix M1: A New System of Measurement For equipment manufactured after December 21, 2022, is not only a the minimum standards change, but a new test procedure will be required. For decades, we’ve used the classic metrics of SEER, EER and HSPF. Going forward, you’ll hear these metrics referred to as SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2.

Traditionally, modifications to the Regulations would come into force six months after final publication in the Canada Gazette, which is expected by December 2022. However, NRCan is looking to shorten the 6-month delay between regulation publication and enforcement date, using ministerial authority, in an attempt to close the gap between US Department of Energy (DOE) and NRCan compliance dates. They are also considering postponing the 5◦F (-15C) requirement for residential heat pumps to a later date.

As provided by NRCAN on Amendment 17 Published April 2022
Description: The amendment would update energy efficiency and testing standards for central air conditioners and central heat pumps primarily used in the residential sector to prevent upcoming unnecessary regulatory differences between Canada and the United States. In addition, the Amendment would make other minor changes to currently regulated products to address known issues with Canadian requirements to ensure that the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 align with the U.S. requirements more clearly where already intended.

As provided by NRCAN on Amendment 17 Published April 2022
Executive Summary: as provided by the Canada Gazette. Issues: Canada’s building sector (including homes and commercial and institutional buildings) is a significant contributor to Canada’s total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, especially for space and water heating. Regulating the energy use of products is one of many tools available to the Government to reduce energy consumption and support the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Nevertheless, unnecessary regulatory differences across jurisdictions can hinder cross-border trade and investment and ultimately impose a cost on citizens, businesses, and economies. In this context, regulatory actions are necessary at this time to keep pace with changes that have been done in the United States, and to put in place tools that will facilitate maintaining alignment in the future.

Description: This proposed amendment (the Amendment) would update energy efficiency and testing standards for central air conditioners and central heat pumps primarily used in the residential sector to prevent upcoming unnecessary regulatory differences between Canada and the United States. In addition, the Amendment would make other minor changes to currently regulated products to address known issues with Canadian requirements to ensure that the Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 (the Regulations) align with the U.S. requirements more clearly where already intended.

Finally, the Amendment would specify energy-using products in order for the Minister of Natural Resources (the Minister) to be able to exercise the ministerial regulations authority, at his discretion, to maintain harmonization between requirements set out in another jurisdiction. Rationale: The Amendment would benefit Canadians by reducing energy consumption and resulting greenhouse gas emissions of products used in homes. Homeowners will benefit from reduced energy costs associated with the use of more efficient technologies. The Amendment would also avoid misalignment with the United States Department of Energy and facilitate future efforts to maintain alignment for products where a requirement (energy efficiency standards, testing standards, or information) is aligned with that of another jurisdiction. Throughout the development of the Amendment, stakeholders were provided several opportunities to comment on the changes being considered. Overall, stakeholders are supportive of the Amendment and recognize its potential benefit for consumers, utility programs, and climate change.

The present value of the net benefits of the Amendment is estimated to be about $1.68 billion by 2050, with total benefits exceeding total costs by a ratio of more than 5:1. By 2050, the present value of benefits and costs from the Amendment is estimated to be about $2.06 billion and $374.27 million, respectively. On an annualized average basis, this equates to benefits and costs of about $110 million and $20 million, respectively. The Amendment is estimated to result in a total annual reduction of energy consumption in Canada of about 2.1 petajoules in 2050, resulting in total greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 3.9 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. The quantified benefits have been calculated as the sum of the energy savings, the benefits of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the service life of products shipped by 2050, and the cost savings associated with preventing unnecessary regulatory differences. The quantified costs include incremental technology costs to meet the more stringent standards, and administrative and compliance costs for businesses.

If Canada does not amend the Regulations, its requirements would become misaligned with key testing standards from the United States Department of Energy, which could impact cross-border trade, would require companies to test differently for Canada, and ultimately increase costs for citizens, businesses and economies. In addition, in the absence of a regulatory approach, a market for low-efficiency products would continue. For more information about Amendment 17, you can read the pre-publication from the Gazette here.

On the Horizon for 2025 – Refrigerant Change

In 2020, a bipartisan senate bill known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted into law. It authorizes a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) across a variety of applications, including HVAC. The bill gives the U.S. EPA the authority to prescribe the HFC phase down, with rulemaking underway.

ENERGYGUIDE LABELING
101 & 2023 CHANGES

ENERGYGUIDE 101

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) first issued an Energy Labeling Rule in 1979. The Rule requires manufacturers of major home appliances to attach yellow EnergyGuide Labels to products and post label information to supporting brochures and websites.

2023 EnergyGuide Label Examples

EnergyGuide Labels are required to list:

WHAT IS CHANGING? Effective January 1, 2023, new DOE efficiency descriptors (SEER2, HSPF2) and updated standard energy efficiency ranges (shown in chart) are required on packaged and split air conditioner and heat pump EnergyGuide labels. The new EnergyGuide label, which began appearing on 2023-compliant products during 2022, shows the SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency rating specific to your air conditioner and heat pump. The rating, which for a given model can vary depending on the coil installed with the unit, represents the least efficient combination up to the highest efficiency when matched with a furnace or air handler.

What Are the Benefits? NATE-certified contractors and technicians receive a high ROI. They’re considered valuable to employers and preferred among customers. So NATE-certified contractors and technicians are sought out. As such, their salaries are higher than their non-certified counterparts. Homeowners using NATE-certified contractors and technicians receive:

• • Higher satisfaction – Thanks to fast service and fewer callbacks and warranty returns
• • Increased confidence
• • Lower utility bills – Because their systems are operating more efficiently
• • Peace of mind – From knowing that their systems are in good hands

What Is the NATE Program & Who Is It For? Developed by a committee of industry experts, the NATE program is a series of exams that result in either certificates or full certifications and is designed for contractors and technicians of all experience levels. The entry-level tests, Ready-to-Work and HVAC Support are intended for those with less than 12 months of experience. Those who pass the tests earn a certificate, that identifies them as someone knowledgeable and trained in the field. More rigorous exams are required to receive a full NATE certification. Who is Eligible for Full NATE Certification & What Does It Entail? NATE certification is recommended for contractors and technicians with two or more years of experience. There are two certification testing pathways available: the Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) pathway, a series of five exams, or the Core and Specialty exam pathway, a series of two exams. For more information on either of these pathways, visit the NATE website. Are There Training Courses Available to Help with Exam Preparation? NATE has partnered with lnterPlay Learning to launch NATE Training Academy, which allows contractors and technicians to train for NATE certification exams online when convenient for them. The online training includes 3D and VR simulations that mimic in-field experience. Contractors and technicians can start prepping for NATE's Certified HVAC Professional exam today. Additionally, this fall, training will be available for NATE's Low-GWP refrigeration certification.