ASHRAE Proposes to Add Coverage for Space Heating Gas-fired Heat Pumps and Water Heating Gas-fired Heat Pumps to the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2022, Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings – Comments Due to ASHRAE by August 17, 2025.
ASHRAE has published public review drafts for adding coverage in the ASHRAE 90.1 energy standard for commercial buildings, gas-fired space heating heat pumps (Addendum dl) and gas-fired water heating heat pumps (Addendum dm) for a 30-day review and comment to ASHRAE by August 17. Below is a summary of both Addendum dl and Addendum dm and online access and information on submitting comments can be found at http://osr.ashrae.org/ . AGA BECS staff is reviewing both Addendum and request BECS Committee members do the same and provide feedback to us by August 7. While these proposals appear to be positive for inclusion into the ASHRAE 90.1 standard by recognizing the benefits of adding coverage for both gas-fired apace heating and water heating, it is important that the coverage be clear and technically sound.
FOREWORD
Gas-fired heat pumps for space heating are an emerging technology that can reduce natural gas or propane consumption for users who choose this technology. This equipment can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) greater than 100 percent, even in cold temperatures, which exceeds even the most efficient boilers. The existing language in the standard does not recognize gas-fired heat pumps in either Section 6.5.4.8, which requires higher than minimum efficiencies for large capacity systems, or the energy credits in Section 11.5.2.2 – “Improved HVAC Performance.” This proposal: • adds CSA/ANSI Z21.40.4-CSA 2.94 as a testing method for gas-fired heat pumps, with the rating point at 17⁰F. • inserts text into Section 6.5.4.8 that allows the use of gas-fired heat pumps to meet the requirements of that section. • Expands Section 11.5.2.2 – “Improved HVAC Performance” to allow the use of gas-fired heat pumps and increases the maximum heating improvement from 20 percent to 30 percent. Cost-effectiveness: This addendum provides an additional path to meet high-efficiency gas heating requirements and does not increase the cost of construction unless users select gas-fired heat pumps.
FOREWORD
Gas-fired heat pumps for water heating are an emerging technology that can reduce natural gas or propane consumption for users who choose this technology. This equipment can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) greater than 100 percent, even in cold temperatures, which exceeds even the most efficient service water heating boilers. The existing language in the standard does not recognize gas-fired heat pumps in either Section 7.5.3 – “Large Gas-fired Service Water-Heating Systems,” which requires higher than minimum efficiencies for large capacity systems, or the energy credits in Section 11.5.2.3.1 Improved Service Water Heating Effectiveness.” This proposal: • adds ANSI/ASHRAE 118.1-2022 and ANSI/ASHRAE 118.2-2022 as testing methods for gas-fired heat pump water heaters, with the rating point at 50⁰F. • inserts text into Section 7.5.3 that allows the use of gas-fired heat pumps to meet the requirements of that section. • expands Section 11.5.2.3.1 Improved Service Water Heating Effectiveness” to allow the use of gas[1]fired heat pump water heaters and provides a path for additional credits for equipment that exceeds the 95 Et threshold. Cost-effectiveness: This addendum provides an additional path to meet high-efficiency gas service water heating requirements and does not increase the cost of construction unless users select gas-fired heat pump water heaters.
State Codes Activity Update.
Attached is a weekly feature of the “Friday Update” covering state code calendar activities as presented by the online utility “Fiscal Note,” which is sponsored by APGA and AGA Code and Standards. Please review the update and determine if there are state code activities that impact your service territory or organization.
NOTE: Also attached is the AGA July 17, 2025, Energy Markets Analysis that provides important statistical information on the global use of natural gas that can be helpful in providing fact-based information on the benefits that the use of natural gas contributes to the energy needs of the world.