United States. With the new energy efficiency regulations in place right now, contractors in regions where SEER minimums are increasing will have to help their customers and suppliers understand the new efficiency requirements. However, a survey by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. found that 48% of contractors are still unaware of the regulations or unsure of how they will affect their business.
"The lack of awareness is actually an improvement over the end of 2013, when nearly 75% of contractors were in the dark about these regulations," said Frank Landwehr, vice president of air conditioning marketing at Emerson Climate Technologies. "Contractors still have time to review what these regional standards mean for their businesses and how they can help their customers improve the comfort of their homes."
The survey of 698 contractors, conducted via email in late 2014, found that contractors were more optimistic about regional standards than they were at the beginning of the year. Only 17% were concerned about their ability to compete or stay in business after these changes went into effect.
For contractors, one of the main results of this regulation will be the opportunity to sell high-efficiency systems. In fact, 60% of contractors surveyed said they expect to see their sales of SEER 16 rating systems or higher increase as a result of the new regulations.
