Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2025

HVACR NewsMagazine March 2025

State National Chapter News

NAIMA Blog …

“ Regarding projection mentioned in the article, this is the first time I've seen such a significant forecasted increase in NG prices over the coming year. However, because NG is a traded commodity, its future pricing remains uncertain, and such projections are not guaranteed. ” According to NAIMA, “ Homeowners can decrease their costs by as much as 15 percent by air sealing and insulating their homes. At least for now, homeowners can still take advantage of the $1,200 25C tax credit for air sealing and insulation, although the future of that tax credit remains uncertain as Congress takes up budget discussions. ” While NAIMA is the trade and industry association for the insulaton industry, their point is none-the-less true. We don ’t know what the Trump administration will do about IRA funds slated for energy efficiency upgrades but we know that the 25C tax credit is independent of the IRA. We suppose that since it is a legislative tax credit, it should take legislative action to end it. We don ’t have the scoop or an inside connection. Just trying to reason it out. Regardless of tax credit, insulation and air sealing are among the best things a homeowner can do to reduce gas bills if they should go up and they also may redue the size of the HVAC equipment for new construction or retrofit. Time will tell about the future of energy prices but conservation with insulation is the best money conservation a homeowner has available. So what are homeowners to do? the 2026

Natural Gas

Going UP?

NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association) in their February Insulation Institute Blog stated that natural gas prices will incease by 21% in 2025 an 2026. Their information came from the U. S. Energy Information Administration, Energy Markets Summary, February 2025, Table 1. higher-than-average withdrawals from underground natural gas storage in January, which pushed prices higher. The Henry Hub price averaged $4.13 in January, up from $3.01 in December. ” According to Kirk Pierce, Senior Energy Efficiency Consultant with Summit Utilities, “ Natural gas (NG) prices typically rise during the winter months due to increased demand. To help manage this, Summit forecasts usage and purchases NG in six-month intervals, aiming to mitigate market price fluctuations during colder seasons. The cost of gas for our customers is adjusted twice a year, on April 1 and November 1. ” According to NAIMA, “ Cold weather resulted in