News
November 26, 2012
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Huber, President, National Oilheat Research Alliance
703-340-1660 jhuber@nora-oilheat.org
NORA, 600 Cameron Street, Suite 206, Alexandria, VA 22314
Oilheating industry groups create “information central” for
Hurricane Sandy recovery using web, Facebook and Twitter.
Hurricane Sandy hit the core of the oilheating market and many oilheating homes were destroyed or damaged. Additionally, many companies have also sustained damage and while working on their own recovery, are trying to restore heat to their customers.
It is important that the recovery goes as smoothly as possible and that loyal heating oil customers are brought back to a normal existence as quickly as possible. The brunt of the effort will be borne by the service personnel in the field and the companies in the ravaged areas. However, we hope that we can make a contribution to that effort. Part of that effort will involve having a strong communications system to ensure that information is shared, that resources go to the right area and that cooperation is facilitated. To that end, we are attempting to facilitate communication by bringing three new resources forward.
First, we have established a website oilheatingstorm.com which will be the central clearinghouse for information and will be organized and useful to the industry at large.
Second, we have established a Facebook page also named oilheatingstorm where conversations on the recovery and how resources can be allocated will occur.
We invite you to post and use the Facebook page, and we will move information to the webpage so that it will be organized and useful.
Third, a twitter account has also been set-up so we can distribute notices of new information. The twitter account is also named “oilheatingstorm”.
Our website will begin with the following categories:
Appliances: A recovery of this magnitude may require both more equipment and quicker delivery. To accommodate this, we are publishing surveys to understand whether any shortages in equipment are occurring, and a step by step guide on how to assess and repair or replace equipment.
Insurance: As the recovery moves forward there will be a number of questions of who pays. We have developed a frequently asked questions and answers that will be published.
Oilheat Cares: This charity has helped many customers replace equipment. To facilitate its use the organization is dedicating all funds raised to the Hurricane Sandy relief, and a donation section is on the webpage. Additionally, we have placed applications for assistance on the webpage.
Government: Each of the states and the federal government will be assisting their citizens. Information on that assistance and how efforts at recovery will be facilitated will be placed here.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA will have billions of dollars to spend on the recovery. We will be placing information here as it is received.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA will have billions of dollars to spend on the recovery. We will be placing information here as it is received.
We encourage all of you to use www.oilheatingstorm.com, Facebook and Twitter so we can have an active resource for the industry.
Contact: John Huber, President, National Oilheat Research Alliance
703-340-1660 jhuber@nora-oilheat.org
NORA, 600 Cameron Street, Suite 206, Alexandria, VA 22314
AHRI Addresses Uncertainty in DOE Test Procedure for
Modulating Condensing Residential Boilers
November 19, 2012
Contact: Francis Dietz, Vice President, Public Affairs
Direct: 703.600.0355
Immediately Implements Changes; Working with DOE on Permanent Fix
Arlington, VA—An internal review by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recently revealed an aspect of the current Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers that may result in an inaccurate AFUE measurement for two-stage or modulating condensing residential boilers. The problem in the test procedure is in the calculations used to determine the AFUE when selecting the option of skipping the heat-up and cool-down tests.
These ratings were based on the current DOE efficiency test procedure, and the error is due to an inconsistency in those procedures rather than a failure to properly conduct the DOE test. All the involved models are highly efficient and exceed the current federal minimum AFUE for these products, so there is no issue with their compliance with federal minimum efficiency standards.
“As soon as we discovered this test procedure inconsistency, we moved expeditiously not only to ensure accurate equipment ratings for consumers and in the AHRI Directory, but also to work with DOE officials to ensure the issue is corrected for all products,” said AHRI President & CEO Stephen Yurek. He said that AHRI has implemented the following actions:
- Requiring all new model certifications and AHRI certification tests of all currently listed models for this subcategory of boilers to include heat-up and cool-down tests;
- Requiring the manufacturers of all existing models in this subcategory of boilers that are listed in AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance to immediately do one of the following: (1) drop the rating to 90%; (2) discontinue the model; or (3) provide test results which include the heat-up and cool-down tests that support a higher rating; and
- Developing appropriate calculations to determine the correct AFUE for two-stage and modulating condensing boilers.
In a November 19 meeting, Yurek, AHRI General Counsel David Calabrese, and other AHRI staff briefed DOE officials about the issue and discussed appropriate steps to remedy the situation.
In the meeting, AHRI urged DOE officials to expeditiously notify those manufacturers that are not participants in AHRI’s certification program (Allied Engineering Company Div. of E-Z-Rect Manufacturing Ltd; Baxi Spa; Conematic Heating Systems Inc.; Hamilton Engineering; Navien America Inc.; Quietside; and Quincy Hydronic Technologies) of the issue so that the Department can take steps to ensure proper AFUE ratings for their affected products.
Access the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance (www.ahridirectory.org) for the most up-to-date information on the efficiency ratings for these products.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2012
Contact: Sean Lynch, Communications Specialist
Direct: 703.600.0371
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: AHRI Provides Tips for Flood Damaged
Heating, Cooling Equipment
Arlington, VA—Homeowners who have experienced flood damage are advised to take important safety precautions with regard to their home’s heating and cooling systems, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the trade association representing manufacturers of HVAC and water heating equipment.
“Standing water in a yard, house, or basement can damage a home’s heating, cooling, and water heating equipment in ways that are not always readily apparent and putting families at risk,” said AHRI President & CEO Stephen Yurek. “We advise homeowners to play it safe and replace, rather than repair, flood-damaged heating, cooling, and water heating equipment.”
The association has compiled a list of heating and cooling equipment for homeowners to consider replacing if flood-damaged:
Gas and Oil Furnaces and Boilers: If there is any question whether flood water has reached a gas or oil furnace or boiler, it should be checked by a qualified contractor. This equipment has valves and controls that are especially vulnerable to water damage from floods — damage that might not be visible. Corrosion begins inside the valves and controls, and damage may not be apparent, even if the outside of the device is clean and dry. At a minimum, this damage can result in reliability problems.
Electric Furnaces: An electric furnace consists of electrically heated coils, a fan to provide air circulation across the coils, and controls that include safety relays. As with a gas furnace, an electric furnace is susceptible to corrosion and damage from flood water, creating potential reliability problems or safety hazards. If there is any question whether flood water has reached an electric furnace, homeowners should have it checked by a contractor.
Propane Heating: Use extreme caution where there is the potential for propane leaks and have propane equipment checked, repaired and/or replaced by a contractor as quickly as possible after a flood. In every case, contractors must replace all valves and controls that have been in contact with flood water. The gas pressure regulator on a propane system should also be checked. This regulator contains a small vent hole to sense outside pressure. For effective gas pressure regulation, this hole must always remain unobstructed. During flood, debris can easily plug the hole, causing dangerous malfunction or corrosion.
Radiant Floor Heat: With this type of heating system, electrically-heated cables or tubing circulating a fluid are embedded underneath or within the flooring material. The cables warm the floor, which in turn warms the room by radiant heat. If the floor becomes wet from a flood, it can weaken and perhaps crack and may need replacement. Both electrical cables and tubing can be damaged due to a wet floor. Therefore, a qualified professional should be consulted to determine whether the system can continue to be used.
Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Systems: Split air conditioning and heat pump systems have power and control wiring between the indoor and outdoor parts of the system, and piping through which refrigerant flows through the system. If flood water has repositioned either the indoor or outdoor units of a split system even by a small amount, there is a potential for refrigerant leaks. The system will then require major repair or full replacement.
If the refrigerant system remains intact after the flood, the entire system should be cleaned, dried and disinfected. Homeowners should have a contractor check the indoor and outdoor units’ electrical and refrigeration connections, including all control circuits. The decision to repair or replace should be made after consultation with a qualified professional on a case-by-case basis.
Ductwork: If a house under storm repair contains a central forced-air system, attention should also be paid to the ductwork. A contractor will not try to salvage duct insulation that has been in contact with flood water, but will replace it because it is impossible to decontaminate. The contractor also will clean, dry, and disinfect the ductwork itself. A thorough job will require disassembling the ductwork, but the silver lining is that such repairs will allow the contractor to seal joints in the ductwork and improve insulation to reduce heat and cooling loss.
Water Heating Systems: Whether a water heater uses gas, oil or electricity, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. A new water heater is a relatively small investment, and replacing it is fairly easy to do. If the water heater was more than five years old, the chances are good that a new unit will be more efficient, which will save the homeowner money in the long run.
In gas and oil units, valves and controls can corrode. In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls can corrode. In all types, the insulation surrounding the unit will likely be contaminated and will be nearly impossible to disinfect. In addition, the insulation takes a great deal of time to dry and can lead to corrosion of the tank from the outside.
Even if water heater components have been cleaned and the unit seems toa operate properly, parts may corrode in the future. Both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure relief valve that can corrode and stick after being exposed to flood water. Homeowners should be sure, therefore, to replace this valve as well.
AHRI recommends that all inspection and replacement work on flooded equipment be performed by qualified heating and cooling technicians, not by homeowners. Qualified contractors are listed by zip code in the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Contractor Locator at www.natex.org. Federal tax incentives for replacements and upgrades are available. For more information, visit http://www.ahrinet.org/Content/FederalTaxCredits_896.aspx.
“While flood damage can be a very traumatic experience,” Yurek said, “homeowners can turn misfortune into opportunity by considering new, energy-efficient models that will lower their future energy bills. They also should ask their local utility about available rebates for installing new, energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, and a competent contractor will be able to advise homeowners about equipment eligible for federal tax credits or state energy rebates.”
About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s 309 member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world.
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2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201-3001 USA
Main Office 703-524-8800
www.ahrinet.org | www.ahridirectory.org