Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2022

News Magazine November 2022

FEATURE STORY

because the install will be in December. Supply is tight so you order the equipment and it gets delivered to your warehouse. Hurray! Uh Oh!! The construction / job gets delayed to January or maybe even February. What do you do with the equipment ordered for the job that does not meet the new standard? Technically, you ’re stuck with that equipment because the Department of Energy says you can ’t install “ol d ” non qualifying equipment after January 1. It is not your fault but you are the one that is stuck with the dilemma. • Do you tell the contractor that he owns equipment ordered under the contract that cannot now be installed? • So you ask the distributor for help in moving the equipment to a region in which it is still legal? • Do you install the equipment anyway believing that you probably won ’t get caught. • Do you use the equipment as a beautiful artifact for your showroom? • Maybe you give it to a college for training? Even that is questionable. Here is an interesting discussion going on. Maybe your code authority will not enforce the Federal standard during the first quarter. Maybe they will not enforce the Federal standard if the contract / permit and purchase was before January 1, 2023. That seems very fair and a reasonable way to make a smooth transition to this new standard that came with a ridiculous implementation plan.

Oh, my. It is also fraught with potential liability. First, the code official and you have some responsibility for an illegal piece of equipment being installed. No big deal until someone complains. Should the homeowner or disgruntled employee turn you in----Whatca ’ gonna ’ do now ? Why would the homeowner be upset? Maybe your competitor who lost the job tells the homeowner that you installed an “illegal” piece of equipment. Oh, my. Yes, the next two months are critical in the way you manage your quotes and stock. Distributors have been working hard to meet the demand and some will see the new equipment come in shortly. It has been a tough way to go for them. You, the HVAC contractor just has to be diligent. • Make sure your quotes are for the equipment that is legal to install on the date projected. • Give yourself an out in the contract if the job gets delayed. • Avoid bringing in any equipment that does not meet the new standard. • Don ’ t fall to the temptation to purchase non-qualifying equipment at a reduced price thinking you ’ ll not get caught. • Deliver non-qualifying equipment prior to the January 1 date and get time stamped and geotagged pictures. OK! I know it sounds crazy but discretion is the better part of sound decision making. And back to the beginning, this new standard “Ain’t no thing” except for th e crazy installation date issue. Other than that, it is business as usual and should have no effect on your business — except a possible price increase. Happy SEER 2.