Cooling Efficiency Requirements – Just the Facts!
There is a lot of misinformation being communicated on the subject of cooling standards and code compliance in Ontario. Even the HVAC industry isn’t immune to #FakeNews!!!
Here are the FACTS!
Reference code document in Ontario?
The starting point for reviewing energy effiiciency requirements is the Natural Resources Canada website. Specifically, the page dedicated to “Large air conditioners, heat pumps and condensing units” – LINK. In this case, “large” is any unit with a cooling capacity between 65 to 760-MBH. This page provides insight into federally recognized testing standards for cooling. Within Ontario, however, we have our own regulations for energy efficiency as outlined in the Ontario Electricity Act, 1998 (Ontario Regulation 509/18).
The Ontario Electricity Act, 1998 (Amended July 1, 2019) outlines the following minimum energy efficiency requirements:
(Note: These requirements mirror ASHRAE Standard 90.1 -2016)
Testing Standards?
The Ontario Electricity Act, 1998 provided direction here too. Specifically …
SCHEDULE 4, Para. 8.(ii) Testing standard: CAN/CSA C746-17, Performance Standard for Rating Large and Single Packaged Vertical Air-Conditioners and Heat Pumps; with respect to the integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER), ANSI/AHRI 340/360-2007, Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment. For air cooled air conditioners and heat pumps, U.S. DOE Code of Federal Regulations Part 431, Subpart F, §431.96 Uniform test method for the measurement of energy efficiency of commercial air conditioners and heat pumps may also be used, where applicable.
So, there are two recognized test standards in Ontario, CAN/CSA C746-17 and DOE Part 431.96. It bears repeating that there are two (2) recognized testing standards to show energy efficiency conformance. Some manufacturers will lead you to believe there is only one!
Who conforms?
Both NRCan and DOE publish conforming manufacturers efficiency data on their websites. Here are the links …
NRCan Energy Efficiency Ratings Product Search
DOE Energy Efficiency Ratings Product Search
Funny business …
The claims of non-conformance date back over 5 years! At that time, there were claims that all 100% outdoor air equipment had to be tested to CAN/CSA C746. Doing our due diligence, we worked with our manufacturers and Intertek to schedule testing. After review of the standard, Intertek informed ICE that it would be impossible to test dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) to this standard. Basically, CSA C746 references testing requirements as outlined in AHRI 340/360 – “Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”. However, the AHRI standard that applies specifically to DOAS equipment is 920 – “Performance Rating of DX-Dedicated Outdoor Air System Units”. For interest, check out the complete letter from Intertek to ICE. DOAS – CSA C746 – Not Applicable
What did we learn?
CAN/CSA C746 is NOT the only standard that applies is Ontario
DOE 431.96 IS an acceptable conformance path for DX efficiency
All Valent Equipment conforms to DOE and is listed on their website. (OK – this is new info, but, important nevertheless)
CAN/CSA C746 CANNOT be applied to custom DOAS or energy recovery equipment like Bousquet or Innovent