NPGA Opposes ASHRAE Proposal For Unvented Heater Standard

(September 25, 2019) — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports that over the last few years it has joined other fuel gas industry partners to oppose an “extremely stringent sizing criteria” for unvented heaters that was proposed for ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) 62.2—Standard for Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality for Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Approval of the proposal would have resulted in an effective ban of unvented room heaters in buildings that comply with the standard. However, NPGA received good news when it was notified that the ASHRAE board of directors rejected the proposal based on previous objections and appeals submitted by the association and others.
Part of the reason the ASHRAE board pushed back was related to complaints raised in the appeals process, contending that the committee responsible for writing the standard did not provide fair opportunity for technical objections to be heard and evaluated by the panel. By not providing such opportunities, the committee violated ASHRAE procedures. NPGA comments that it is uncertain at this point where the issue of unvented heaters’ effect on indoor air quality will head.

The ASHRAE Standards Committee has jurisdiction over the 62.2 Development Committee, and it is likely that the proposed addendum will be returned for further development. A more inclusive approach will allow for better industry involvement and can potentially generate reliable data to support any future proposals to change ASHRAE 62.2.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, September 23, 2019, available by subscription)