A new Senate bill could change how the U.S. Department of Energy develops and reviews energy-efficiency standards for HVAC equipment. The Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026 would eliminate the current six-year review requirement, establish new criteria for equipment product classes, and strengthen federal limits on conflicting state equipment requirements.

Why it matters: Changes to federal efficiency standards could affect HVAC contractors through equipment availability, product choices, costs, and compliance requirements. Industry groups including AHRI, HARDI, and ACCA have expressed support for modernizing the current system while raising concerns about certain provisions. The bill is still moving through Congress, so its potential impact remains to be seen. Click here to read more.