Higher Efficiency Requirements for Water Heaters
Bulletin on Developing and Amending Standards
June 2010

Revised and New Regulations

The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is proposing to amend Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) under which dealers in Canada would be required to comply with higher efficiency requirements for gas and oil water heaters and new reporting requirements for electric water heaters. For the first time in Canada, commercial water heaters and tankless water heaters will have minimum efficiency requirements. These proposed revisions would apply to water heaters that are imported or shipped across provincial boundaries for sale or lease in Canada.

The purpose of this document is to provide stakeholders with background information for meaningful consultation on the content of the new regulation before proceeding with pre-publication in the Canada Gazette. This bulletin attempts to address key issues that may be raised. It is not intended to provide a definitive representation of the proposed regulation.

Background

Water heating accounts for a large portion of residential and commercial energy use and has potential for significant energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.

NRCan last updated the EE Regulations for electric and gas storage water heaters in 2004. At present in Canada, there are no energy efficiency regulations for commercial water heaters or for tankless gas water heaters.

Storage water heaters continue to dominate the market. Sales of residential water heaters in Canada are about one million per year, with approximately 80% as replacement and 20% going into new houses. Sales of commercial water heaters are about 21,000 per year with about 13,000 gas storage water heaters and about 7000 electric storage water heaters. Commercial water heaters have larger storage capacity or greater energy inputs to meet greater hot water demands.

This bulletin outlines federal changes that are proposed for a variety of water heaters types. Some proposed changes coincide with future requirements in the United States.

This proposed amendment will have the greatest impact on the efficiency of gas water heaters, both residential and commercial. The efficiency of most residential fossil-fuel storage water heaters lies in the range of Energy Factor (EF) from 0.55 to 0.60. In 2008, the ENERGY STAR specification was introduced and this has led to increased number of higher efficiency storage models, up to EF 0.70 (non-condensing). Tankless gas water heaters with higher efficiency are making gains in the market, partly as a result of recent incentives and programs. Efficiency of most tankless models meets or exceeds EF 0.80 (non-condensing) and EF 0.90 (condensing). Most gas-fired commercial water heaters comply with the US minimum thermal efficiency of 80% and there are many condensing commercial storage models having TE of 92% and above.

NRCan’s analyses show the proposed changes are economic over the life of the equipment.

Product description

For the purposes of the Regulations, water heaters include gas, propane, and oil-fired water heaters and electric water heaters. Storage and tankless (instantaneous) water heaters are included in this proposed amendment.

Minimum performance levels

Note: V & V_r are in litres

For all water heaters, the proposed amendment requires that CSA Plus 1200 be used as the methodology for reporting ratings.

Energy performance test procedures

The test methods used to determine efficiency are:

CSA P.3-04: “Testing Method for Measuring Energy Consumption and Determining Efficiencies of Gas-Fired Storage Water Heaters“

CSA P.7-10: “Testing Method for Measuring Energy Loss of Gas-Fired Instantaneous Water Heaters“

CSA C191-04: “Performance of electric storage tank water heaters for domestic hot water service“

CSA B211-00: “Energy Efficiency of Oil-Fired Storage Tank Water Heaters“

CSA 4.3 / ANSI Z21.10.3-2004: “Gas Water Heaters Volume III, Storage Water Heaters, with Input Ratings above 75,000 Btu per hour, Circulating and Instantaneous“

The standards are available from:

Some test methods are undergoing revisions. When changes to test methods are made, future amendments to the EE Regulations are expected to include reference to revised test methods.

Effective dates

These requirements will be brought in over a period of several years in order to provide time for the industry to increase availability of higher efficiency models. This amended regulation is expected to come into effect from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2016 as indicated in the table.

Labelling requirements

As required now, all regulated water heaters must have efficiency verification labels that indicate a third party has verified the ratings.

Efficiency labelling of water heaters is being considered.

Verification requirements

Third party verification will be required on energy efficiency ratings (EF, standby loss, thermal efficiency), tank capacities (measured, diffusion test, and rated volume), standby power, and whether Plus 1200 has been used for ratings.

Importing reports

A dealer who imports these products into Canada must include the following information on the Customs release document:

• Type of product
• Model number
• Brand name
• Name and address of the dealer importing the product
• Purpose for which the product is being imported (i.e. for sale or lease in Canada without modification; for sale or lease in Canada after modification to comply with energy efficiency standards; or for use as a component in a product being exported from Canada)

Harmonization

The Province of British Columbia has recently introduced higher minimum efficiency levels for water heaters and expects to advance those requirements further. Other provinces may also be planning to introduce regulations for higher efficiency for water heaters. The US DOE has recently published a final rule for water heaters with somewhat higher efficiency requirements for 2015.

The proposed changes as outlined above have significant differences from requirements in the US. The intent is to develop consistent requirements for all of Canada.

Comments Sought

Initial discussions have taken place with water heating stakeholders. Those discussions will continue and this bulletin should generate greater interest with those stakeholders. A webinar will be held and notice will be sent to stakeholders.

Any comments and questions should be forwarded to:

E-mail

Here is the original:
Canada to Increase Water Heater Efficiency

Free webinar series Starts Monday! ?

There are many financing options available for energy retrofits and solar installations today without PACE. ?
The cash incentives from the utilities will encourage homeowners to seek out contractors.? But you’ll miss out on lots of sales if your clients don’t know how to find financing with affordable payments. ?

Help your customer understand their choices and costs for the many types of loan programs available today by attending this free Webinar series.
This webinar series will be lead by Rick Williams, an energy efficiency financing specialist with EcoEnergyLoan.? He has provided many EE loans over the years and will share his experience and network of lenders with you in this interactive webinar.? Sign up via the GoToWebinar links below.? We look forward to your participation.

Webinar 1 – Financing Energy Retrofit Overview Monday, Aug. 2nd, 1- 2PM
Click here to Register for Webinar 1
• Importance of providing financing options to your client
• Overview of loan options
• Pre-meeting property investigation
• Initial qualifying questions to client
• Using a financing worksheet to estimate monthly payments

Webinar 2 – Loan Programs in Detail Thursday, Aug. 5th, 1 – 2PM
Click here to Register for Webinar 2
• Basic loan terms made easy
• Checklist of all loans available and requirements
• Costs and resulting monthly payments for each
• Anticipated time to funding
• Choosing your lender partners

Webinar 3 – Client Application Process, Tuesday, August 10th, 1 – 2PM
Click here to Register for Webinar 3
• Qualifying client questions
• Helping your client make the best lender choice
• Staying in control of financing process… It’s your job at stake
• In-home online application…

Webinar 4 – Bringing it all together… Tuesday August 17th,??? 1 – 2PM
Click here to Register for Webinar 4
• Pre-meeting preparation
• Initial qualification questions
• Worksheet and decision tree use to estimate monthly payments
• Working with your lending partners
• Managing the financing and rebate process
• Successful financing results

Read the original post:
Financing Energy Retrofits & Solar Without PACE

Malta, NY, July 13, 2010 – The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI), a nationally recognized standards development and contractor credentialing organization is pleased to announce that it received approval today from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) as an accredited developer of American National Standards.

?

“This is a natural step in BPI's growth toward becoming the national source for technical standards underpinning the residential energy efficiency retrofit community,” said Larry Zarker, CEO of BPI.? “ANSI accreditation is an important formal approval and third-party verification of the fairness, openness and balance BPI has offered all the stakeholders in residential energy efficiency retrofit work.? We look forward to meeting these ANSI obligations with our standards initiatives and to contributing to the overarching ANSI governance programs as a member of the standards community,” he said.??

?

BPI's standards development accreditation by ANSI is an increasingly important qualification for its programs in the residential energy efficiency improvement industry.? The public sector encourages agencies to adopt existing specifications and standards where they exist that have followed ANSI accreditation requirements (OMB Circular A-119).? Moreover, ANSI accreditation shows BPI has a firm understanding of the need to conduct these programs fairly, openly and by established due process.? This will ensure its standards-setting work proceeds with a true consensus of views.

?

“The development and execution of ANSI procedures is a significant undertaking, and BPI has committed considerable resources to ensure its success,” stated David Weitz, Director of Applied Building Science at the Conservation Services Group (CSG) and Chairman of the BPI Standards Management Board (SMB).? He added “This is matched by the personal commitment of the members of the Standards Technical Committee and its various working groups. These collaborative groups help draft standards for public review and reconcile public comments.? All of these elements working together – staff support, technical expertise, and public oversight – are at the core of an ANSI process meant to deliver standards that are technically robust and acceptable to the industry.”

?

John Manz, who directs the Pennsylvania Housing Resource Center at the Pennsylvania College of Technology and chairs BPI's Standards Technical Committee (STC) said “BPI's accreditation by ANSI will strengthen the credentialing process that BPI currently administers.??In light of the proposed Home Star legislation and need for national standards, ANSI accreditation will help ensure that consistency is applied throughout the credentialing process and ensure conformance with requirements throughout the industry.”? Said Manz, “BPI's intention is to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the home performance industry by improving its standards and seeking the highest quality in home performance work.”

ANSI facilitates the development of American National Standards (ANS) by accrediting the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). These groups work cooperatively to develop voluntary national consensus standards. Accreditation by ANSI signifies that the procedures used by the standards body in connection with the development of American National Standards meet the Institute's essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.

ANSI coordinates, facilitates, and promotes the development of voluntary consensus standards that are relied upon by industry, government agencies, and consumers across the United States and around the world. ANSI fosters the U.S. standardization system by accrediting the procedures of standard-setting organizations and subsequently approving individual documents as American National Standards (ANS). Nearly 220 ANSI-Accredited Standards Developers are now engaged in the creation and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that are being used in virtually every industry sector. These standards developers – and the experts that populate them – work cooperatively to enhance the U.S. quality of life and improve the competitiveness of businesses operating in the global marketplace.

?

About the Building Performance Institute
The Building Performance Institute, Inc., (BPI) is the nation's premier building performance credentialing, quality assurance, and national standards setting organization. BPI supports the development of a highly professional building performance industry through individual and organizational credentialing and a rigorous quality assurance program.

BPI offers the following:

• Certification of individuals in building analyst, heating, AC/heat pump, shell/envelope, and multi-family designations
• Accreditation of contractors committed to delivering quality, home performance improvements
• Quality assurance to verify conformance with BPI Standards and provide feedback for continuing improvement
• Affiliation of training organizations that deliver BPI services in their market
• Open, transparent, consensus developed national technical standards based on sound building science??

BPI, in cooperation with the building performance industry stakeholders, establishes a professional performance bar at a level appropriate to ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional building performance services for those entrusting the BPI brand.

?

For more information about BPI, visit: www.bpi.org

?

Building Performance Institute, Inc.
107 Hermes Road, Suite 110
Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (877) 274-1274
Fax: (866) 777-1274
info@bpi.org
www.bpi.org

Read the original here:
BPI Announces ANSI Accreditation for its Standards Programs

The Montana Weatherization Training Center would like to inform you of this week's new episodes of WxTV, online and ready for viewing.
?
This week's episodes are:
?
1.???????? Weatherization In a Hot & Arid Climate (We went on the road to Phoenix, Arizona to see some of the challenges these crews face trying to keep homes in this region cool.)
?
2.???????? Dense Packing Walls with Cellulose from the Interior? (A crew in Butte, Montana will demonstrate insulating the walls of a very old home that contains some balloon framing.)
?
Click here to see them at:? http://weatherization.org/wxtv
?
After viewing the shows, leave a comment or question on the blog below each episode.? We welcome getting your feedback.
?
WxTV is a new show highlighting the latest developments in the world of weatherization. Episodes take you step-by-step through new rules, techniques, and products or just about anything else that might be of interest to weatherization professionals. WxTV is one of nine projects funded through the National Community Action Foundation-ExxonMobil Weatherization Training Partnership, supporting advanced weatherization training models.

View post:
New Episode of Wx TV!

http://www.energysavvy.com/blog/2010/07/19/cash-for-appliances-results-by-state/

?

It’s a huge success. It hasn’t gone anywhere. Actually, it’s a little of both.

Fifty states and six territories have launched “Cash for Appliances” programs since late last year. Each one had the same amount of money – about a dollar per resident – but the results have been wildly different. Some states ran through their entire rebate budgets in hours; others can’t seem to give away their money. What’s been going on?

(click for full-sized chart)

Cash for Appliances, modeled on (or at least nicknamed after) last year’s “Cash for Clunkers” program, was funded as part of the $787 billion stimulus bill. Unlike “Cash for Clunkers”, the appliance rebate program wasn’t designed and administered by the federal government. Instead, the government directed $300 million to the 50 states (plus DC and several American territories), at a ratio of roughly $1 per person in each state. Each state then had the opportunity to design their own program within the general guidelines given by the government.

As you’d imagine with a lot of cooks in the kitchen, no two states designed their rebate program in the exact same way: rebate amounts, categories, eligibility, application processes and marketing plans have all differed. As have the results… Ten states had crushing consumer demand that caused them to run out of rebate funds within 4 days of the respective program start dates, with complaints of flooded call centers and crashing websites. Thirteen other states still have desperate operators standing by and literally can’t give away their money.

Comparing State by State Rebate Programs

It’s not just a matter of some states having better deals than others. Take, for example, refrigerator rebates in Massachusetts, Minnesota and California. The programs in all three states offered $200 rebates on efficient refrigerators. Massachusetts and Minnesota “sold out” in 1 day and 2 days respectively. California? Same rebate amount, but the program has been open since April and still has $19 million in rebates unredeemed.

Across the country, the rebate categories and amounts are all over the board:

So what attributes matter the most when it comes to determining whether a state program sells out quickly or not at all? The answers aren’t as straightforward as you’d think. We did some analysis to compare each of the programs to see what predicted their likelihood to sell out.

What Doesn’t Matter

Average Electricity Rates: One of the biggest surprises in analyzing the state by state rebate data is that the average price of electricity in a state has almost no impact on how popular its Cash for Appliances program is. Consumers don’t seem to be thinking about this program in terms of its ability to save them money over the long-term – otherwise, we’d expect to see that the states with much more expensive electricity selling out their rebate programs much more quickly than those that have relatively cheap power.

Non-Appliance Rebates: There are the “shiny” appliances (refrigerators, washers, freezers and dishwashers), and then there are the “boring” systems (air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters, boilers and solar water heaters). There’s almost no correlation between the number of “boring” categories that a state has rebates for, or the maximum amount of any of those rebates, and the speed at which the state has gone or is going through their Cash for Appliances budget. While we haven’t seen break-downs for many states in terms of the numbers of each type of rebate that have been redeemed, this result indicates that most people aren’t being motivated by the number or dollar figures of non-appliance rebates.

What Matters a Little Bit

Number of “Shiny” Appliance Rebate Categories: There are four basic appliance categories where states can offer rebates (refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers). Generally speaking, the states that offer rebates in 3 or 4 of those categories are more likely to have run through their rebate dollars quickly than those that have offered rebates in fewer appliance categories.

The fact that states that offer smaller rebates on a broader set of appliances have handed out their money faster than states that offer larger rebates on fewer types of appliances may mean that rebates aren’t successfully channeling consumers into buying specific appliances, but rather “catching” buyers who were already planning purchases.

In Pennsylvania, for instance, there are no rebates on “basic appliances”. All the rebates being offered in that state are for the behind-the-scenes systems for heating water and air (furnaces, boilers and water heaters) –systems in the home that utilize far more energy than kitchen and laundry appliances. And yet, Pennsylvania is one of the “slowest” states utilizing their Cash for Appliances money: of their $11.9 million, they’ve only given out $2 million as of early July. Does that mean that Pennsylvania is failing in their “Cash for Appliances” program? As an economic stimulus, it has clearly not injected as much activity as other “fast” states. But in the longer term, its rebate program should save Pennsylvanians more money than states using their money on appliance rebates only – saving more kWh per rebate dollar spent – if homeowners would just use the program!

Highest “Shiny” Appliance Rebate Dollar Amount: If you exclude several outlying state programs, where very large appliance rebates are provided but only to low-income (Kansas, Oregon) and disabled (Alaska) residents, there’s some correlation between the dollar amount of the largest appliance rebate and how quickly the program dollars ran out, though not nearly as much as whether a program required reservations.

What Really Matters

“Do you have reservations, sir?”: The number one predictor of whether a state rebate program sold out quickly didn’t have anything to do with how generous the rebates were. It actually turned out to hinge on the program’s design. Virtually all the “fast” states required consumers to pre-reserve a rebate application before making a purchase. These states set up websites and call centers that “opened” at a certain date and time, creating an “event” that turned into a feeding frenzy of activity, before closing down within days, or even hours.

Think of the lines around the block at your local Apple store each time a new version of the iPhone comes out. With the iPhone 4, everyone was just standing in line for a reservation! Do you really think Apple’s product marketers could have been taken by surprise by consumer five times in a row (4 iPhone versions and the iPad)?

Ten of the 17 “fastest” states required consumers to reserve a rebate before purchasing a qualifying appliance. Six others had hybrid programs where consumers could either reserve ahead of time or get the discount at the point of sale (if available). Of the 15 “slowest” states, 11 have no reservation system, and three others have optional reservation systems. Basically, all the “slow” states use mail-in rebates after purchase.

Conclusions

For consumers, there’s not much more to say than to give the advice to make calculated, rational decisions about the upfront cost of energy efficiency measures, the available rebates and the 3-5 year payoff. Of course, it’s been pretty well documented in recent behavioral economics research that most consumers don’t behave rationally. So, how about this? At least make sure that you’re aware of all the state, utility and federal energy rebates and tax credits that you can “stack” together and pay for your projects. And, if you’re not sure which projects are the best investment, EnergySavvy has an online energy analysis tool to help you figure it out.

For rebate program designers in government, utilities or manufacturers, there are a few lessons that can be taken away from the Cash for Appliances results:

1. Create demand through scarcity by requiring pre-reservation for new rebate programs. For rebate programs like Indiana and Pennsylvania (and like many utility rebate programs across the country), that only pay out non-appliance rebates, a potentially effective strategy to kick-start demand would be to re-launch the program with higher rebates for the same back-end measures, but require consumers to pre-reserve their rebate on a specific launch date.
2. Bundle “shiny stuff” (basic appliances) and “boring stuff” (HVAC systems) together to increase the uptake of less exciting, but greater energy saving, systems.
3. Catch the “already upgrading” crowd by offering rebates on a wide set of categories but only on the most efficient models in each category. The program may not be stimulating purchases that wouldn’t have happened already, but it can nudge consumers to the highest efficiency products in each category.

The data from the Cash for Appliances program results fit with academic research on consumer behavior.

“The variable rates of uptake based on seemingly trivial factors such as creating a sense of urgency are further evidence that, when the goal is to encourage consumers to act in their best interest, giving them some reason other than pure rationality can be surprisingly effective,” said Michael I. Norton, Associate Professor of Marketing at Harvard Business School, “Inserting some excitement into behaving well – in some sense, copying the way parents induce their children to eat their vegetables via airplane noises – should always be an important consideration for policymakers interested in encouraging behavior change.”

For more information on this report and analysis, contact Scott Case at EnergySavvy.com.

Original post:
Did Cash for Appliances Work?