Appliance Requirements & Incentives
The bill promotes significant changes to state laws regarding energy consumption and appliance standards. It mandates the Colorado Energy Office to evaluate compliance with these new standards periodically and offers financial incentives, including state income tax credits for the installation of eligible cold-climate and ground-source heat pumps. These credits are designed to offset some of the higher installation costs, making it financially viable for householders, particularly those with lower income levels, to adopt these technologies. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to these advanced technologies across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
House Bill 1352 aims to enhance access to affordable and environmentally friendly appliances by regulating the sale and installation of specific HVAC systems and promoting energy-efficient technologies. Starting January 1, 2027, the bill prohibits the sale and installation of new air conditioning systems, termed 'covered HVAC,' unless they meet defined technical standards. This legislation seeks to facilitate the use of heat pump technology, which can serve both cooling and heating purposes by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1352 include concerns from various stakeholders regarding the potential economic impacts on consumers and contractors. While proponents argue that the bill fosters a transition to sustainable energy systems and enhances public health by limiting air pollution, opponents fear that the rigid compliance standards might complicate the installation processes and drive up costs. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about the bill's implementation timeline and the readiness of the industry to adapt to the new regulations by the specified dates.