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Viessmann U.S. Recalls Boilers Due to Fire Hazard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2008
Release #09-002
Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 414-9157
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Viessmann U.S. Recalls Boilers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Vitodens 200 Boilers
Units: About 4,600
Manufacturer: Viessmann Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Canada
Hazard: The boiler can leak gas, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves the Vitodens 200 boiler. The gas-fired boilers are white, wall-mounted and have “Viessmann” and “Vitodens 200” printed on the exterior in silver letters. The model and serial numbers included in the recall are listed below. The model number is located on the silver rating plate on the side of the boiler. Contact your certified HVAC contractor to open the boiler and locate the serial number on a white label on the side of the boiler, or under the bottom support panel. Vitodens 100 boilers are not included in this recall.
Model Number Serial Number Additional Information
WB2 6-24C 7167063xxxxxxxxx or 7170317xxxxxxxxx If the serial number’s 8th digit
(listed in red) is a 2, 3, 4, 5 or
6, the boiler is included in the
recall.
WB2 6-24 7167064xxxxxxxxx or 7170318xxxxxxxxx
WB2 8-32 7167065xxxxxxxxx or 7170319xxxxxxxxx
WB2 11-44 7167066xxxxxxxxx or 7188578xxxxxxxxx
WB2 15-60 7167067xxxxxxxxx or 7188577xxxxxxxxx
Sold by: Plumbing and heating contractors nationwide from January 2002 through December 2007 for between $4,000 and $7,500.
Manufactured in: Canada
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the boilers immediately weather permitting and contact their certified heating contractor or Viessmann for a free replacement of the boiler’s O-ring.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viessmann U.S. toll-free at (888) 414-9157, visit the firm’s Web site at www.viessmann-us.com, or email the firm at o-ring@viessmann.com
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PB Heat Recalls Gas Boilers Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2008
Release #08-397
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08397.html
Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 257-3300
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Gas Boilers
Units: About 1,200
Manufacturer: PB Heat LLC, of Bally, Pa.
Hazard: The pressure switch could have an internal defect that could fail to shut down the boilers under vent or air inlet blockage. This switch defect could allow the boilers to produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves the DE and PSC II Gas Fired Cast Iron Boilers with the Endura Plastics Model ES2035 pressure switch used for home heating and domestic hot water heating. The boilers were available in either natural or LP gas. The boiler rating label is located on the top jacket panel on Series PSCII models and the left side jacket panel on the Series DE models. The label includes the model and serial number. The following model names and serial numbers are included in the recall:
Model Name Serial Number
DE-03, DE-04, DE-05 and DE-06 5040768 to 5052860
PSCII-03, PSCII-04, PSCII-05, and PSCII-06 5040777 to 5052166
Other suffix designation may follow the base model number such as SV-WPC.
Sold at: Plumbing and heating wholesale distributors nationwide from May 2007 through July 2008 for between $1,800 and $3,000.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers who have not already been contacted, should contact their installer immediately for a free safety inspection and repair, if necessary.
Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact PB Heat toll-free at (877) 257-3300 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.peerlessboilers.com
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**UPDATE: THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT** Continuing Ed course to be held in conjunction with the September Conference
"Massachusetts Continuing Education Requirement"- This is a reminder that all Massachusetts licensed plumbers and gas fitters will have to complete continuing education classes each year in order to renew their licenses. This requirement includes 2008. See the Massachusetts Board of Examiners website for details: www.ma.gov/dpl/boards/pl.
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GasNetworks 8th Annual Conference **UPDATE** THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
July 2008
GasNetworks will hold its Eighth Annual Heating Professionals Fall Conference on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at the Lantana located in Randolph, MA.
The day-long conference will feature a myriad of expert trainers and speakers, including Dan Holohan, and will focus on high efficiency natural gas heating equipment and installation practices.
Preliminary sessions will include topics such as advanced piping concepts, hydronic heating, venting and new codes, condensing boilers, on-demand water heating and more.
Equipment manufacturers and suppliers will be on hand to display the latest in natural gas heating products and technology. A trade show and reception will be held at the end of the day.
Registration fee of only $75 includes: Breakfast, full conference, lunch and reception!
View the Agenda here.
REGISTER NOW ON-LINE or call 1-877-365-2800
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DOE Announces New Energy Star Criteria for Water Heaters
March 2008
DOE established new Energy Star criteria for water heaters last week, setting the wheels in motion for the first water heaters to carry the Energy Star label next year. The new criteria apply to solar water heaters, advanced drop-in integrated heat pump water heaters, and three gas-fired designs: high-performance storage tank, condensing, and whole-home tankless water heaters. The criteria will be implemented across two years, with the first phase being initiated on January 1, 2009. The second phase, introducing stronger standards, will take effect on September 1, 2010. According to DOE projections, these new water heater criteria could, after five years of being implemented, save about $780 million in utility costs, avoid 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and achieve cumulative energy savings of more than 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours and 270 million therms of natural gas. For more information about the specific requirements for each type of water heater, see the DOE press release at:
http://www.energy.gov/news/6134.htm
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Wall Furnace Recall
February 2008
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)
Name of Product: Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556
Units: About 52,000
Manufacturer: Rinnai America Corp., of Peachtree City, Ga.
Hazard: A gasket in the unit can fail, posing a risk of poisonous carbon monoxide gas leaking into the home.
Incidents/Injuries: Rinnai has received 11 reports of carbon monoxide leaking from the furnace. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall involves Rinnai EnergySaver Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556. They are either natural gas or LP gas (propane) fueled. The following model numbers are included in the recall:
Model RHFE-431, FAIII-N, FAIII-P, WTA-N, WTA-P, WTA-72B-N, WTA-76B-N
Model RHFE-556, FAIII-N, FAIII-P,WTA-N, WTA-P
The model number is printed on the top of the rating plate located on the right side of the unit. The recall includes only those units manufactured from February 2000 through December 2007. The manufacturing date code is the first four digits of the serial number, written as YY MM, and is located at the bottom of the rating plate.
Sold through: Wholesale distributors nationwide to contractors and dealers from February 2000 through December 2007 for between $1,600 and $1,900.
Manufactured in: Japan
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the furnace immediately and contact the firm to arrange for the installation of a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rinnai toll-free at (866) 746-8344 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.wallfurnacerecall.com.
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GasNetworks Announces additional MA Code Seminars for 2008
February 2008
As part of it's continued support of MA Code training, GasNetworks has announced that it will be presenting a number of additional training seminars on current issues in the gas industry related to the Massachusetts Fuel Gas and Plumbing Code.
Instructor Brad Wong will discuss new continuing education requirements; the new Venting Policy; Code Revisions/ Updates; FVIR Water Heaters; CO Detector Regulations; Modulating and condensing equipment and 90+ Furnaces
****INSPECTORS WILL RECEIVE 2 HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR ATTENDING THESE SEMINARS*****
Please click on the "Events" or "Training" tab for more information.
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GasNetworks Programs Cited as Exemplary
NEWS RELEASE
October 2007
Local Gas Companies Receive National Honor: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Recognizes the GasNetworks’ energy efficiency programs as “Exemplary”
Westboro, MA — The member companies of GasNetworks are pleased to announce that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized the energy efficiency programs of the GasNetworks collaborative as an “exemplary program” as part of a national awards program to honor America’s leading energy efficiency programs.
GasNetworks is an energy efficiency collaborative among Bay State Gas, Berkshire Gas, KeySpan, National Grid, RI, New England Gas, Northern Utilities, NSTAR Gas and Unitil, MA.
Programs selected for this honor were judged especially noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency in their homes and business facilities. “These programs are delivering energy savings that are critical in helping customers cope with today’s high energy costs, plus they make an important environmental contribution because they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” noted Martin Kushler, Ph.D., ACEEE’s Utilities Program Director. He added, “This is truly a ‘win-win’ situation.”
“ACEEE conducted this national review to recognize outstanding energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success,” explained Dan York, Ph.D., the Project Director for this effort. He added: “Programs such as those provided by the collaborative of gas companies demonstrate the very real value of energy efficiency to the customers it serves.”
GasNetworks Chairman, Michael Sommer of Berkshire Gas commented “GasNetworks is the only such gas utility collaborative in the nation and we are particularly proud of our accomplishments and success in the area of market transformation, energy efficiency promotion, environmental improvements, and the development and implementation of nation-leading energy efficiency programs. GasNetworks exemplifies what can be accomplished by working together toward a common goal”.
ACEEE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and policy development to advance energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For more information, visit aceee.org.
GasNetworks® is a nationally-recognized and award-winning collaborative consisting of local natural gas companies serving residential and commercial & industrial customers throughout New England. It has been promoting energy efficiency and the use of high efficiency natural gas technologies since 1997. For mare information, visit www.gasnetworks.com.
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Gasnetworks Rebates Effective September 1, 2007
- Gas-Fired High Efficiency Fryer Rebate - $1000 rebate
- High-Efficiency Natural Gas Warm Air Furnace with an AFUE of 92% or greater - $100 rebate
- High-Efficiency Natural Gas Warm Air Furnace with an AFUE of 92% or greater with an electronic commutated motor - $400 rebate
- High-Efficiency Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler with an AFUE of 90% or greater - $1000 rebate
- High-Efficiency Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler with an AFUE of 85% or greater - $500 rebate
- High-Efficiency natural Gas Steam Boiler with an AFUE of 82% or greater - $200 rebate
- ENERGY STAR Labeled Programmable Thermostat - $25 rebate
Commercial-Only rebates
Low Intensity Infrared Rebate - $500 per unit
Energy Star-labeled gas-fired fryers - $1,000 per unit
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GasNetworks Announces Fall Conference
July 2007
GasNetworks will hold its Seventh Annual Heating Professionals Fall Conference on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at the Lantana located in Randolph, MA.
The day-long conference will feature a myriad of expert trainers and speakers, including Dan Holohan, and will focus on high efficiency natural gas heating equipment and installation practices.
The sessions will include topics such as radiant, hydronic heating, venting and new codes, indoor air quality, on-demand water heating and more.
Equipment manufacturers and suppliers will be on hand to display the latest in natural gas heating products and technology. A trade show and reception will be held at the end of the day.
Registration fee of only $75 includes: Breakfast, full conference, lunch and reception!
Sign up by September 14 and pay only $65!
Click here for a complete agenda.
Register on-line at
http://www.energyfederation.org/gasnetworks/default.php/cPath/1597_1607
or call 1-800-662-9222.
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National Grid, Rhode Island Joins GasNetworks®
July 2007
The members of GasNetworks recently welcomed National Grid, Rhode Island into its award-winning collaborative.
When the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approved natural gas energy efficiency programs in Rhode Island, the GasNetworks’ programs were a key element of the program design offered by National Grid. “Offering gas energy efficiency programs will help our customers manage their utility bills, and these program complement our existing award winning electricity efficiency programs in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire” said Tim Stout, Vice President of Energy Efficiency at National Grid. “Now Rhode Island natural gas customers, both residential and commercial can benefit from the Gas Network’s energy efficiency programs. Contractors also benefit because they can now have a way to offer equipment at a lower cost, while saving their customers money on their energy bill.”
National Grid, RI recently applied for membership in GasNetworks and was unanimously accepted into the collaborative. Mike Sommer, Chairman of GasNetworks, is enthusiastic about the expansion. “It’s a clear indication of the success of our nationally-recognized energy efficiency programs that we have been offering our customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The programs are being replicated; and that’s a good thing for our customers, the economy and the environment. What started out as a handful of gas utilities in Massachusetts is now a collaborative of gas companies in four New England states serving nearly 2 million customers with continuously growing partnerships with manufacturers, contractors, and other industry players. Congratulations to both National Grid and the state of Rhode Island for recognizing the benefits we can provide their customers and constituents.” National Grid distributes natural gas to approximately 245,000 customers in Rhode Island.
Since 1987, National Grid’s award-winning U.S. energy efficiency programs have reduced customer consumption of electricity by 2.1 billion megawatt hours. National Grid is an international energy delivery business, whose principal activities are in the regulated electricity and gas industries. In the US, National Grid distributes electricity to approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island and natural gas to approximately 569,000 customers in New York and 245,000 customers in Rhode Island.
GasNetworks® is a nationally-recognized and award-winning collaborative consisting of local natural gas companies providing residential and commercial & industrial customers energy efficiency programs and services throughout New England. It has been promoting energy efficiency and the use of high efficiency natural gas technologies since 1997. GasNetworks also provides state-of-the-art HVAC training, including its annual training conference and publishes GasNetworks News, a newsletter distributed to over 20,000 subscribers.
Additional information about GasNetworks can be found at www.gasnetworks.com
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GasNetworks’® Energy Efficiency Programs Cited as Best in the Nation
March 2007
Phoenix, AZ — The Association of Energy Service Professionals recently awarded GasNetworks’ Energy Efficiency Programs a national award for Outstanding Achievement in Energy Program Design and Implementation. Among the nominees for this prestigious award were well known energy efficiency providers including, the Long Island Power Authority; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; the New York State Energy and Resource Development Authority (NYSERDA); Puget Sound Energy; Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp.; Enbridge Gas in Ontario and several others.
Since 1998, the unique collaborative of natural gas utilities known as GasNetworks, has worked aggressively toward the common goal of promoting and implementing energy efficiency and market transformation initiatives through its numerous programs. GasNetworks Chairman, Mike Sommer of Berkshire Gas commented “GasNetworks is the only such gas utility collaborative in the nation and we are particularly proud of our accomplishments and success in the area of market transformation, energy efficiency promotion, environmental improvements, and the development and implementation of nation-leading energy efficiency programs. GasNetworks exemplifies what can be accomplished by working together toward a common goal”.
Since its inception, the group has made significant advances in its goal of transforming markets throughout Massachusetts and New England. Through its rebate programs, the member companies have provided consumers over $30 million in rebates for the installation of ENERGY STAR®-labeled high efficiency natural gas heating equipment and other high efficiency natural gas technologies resulting in savings in excess of 60 million therms. GasNetworks has provided over 90,000 high efficiency heating rebates alone and has helped to certify over 2,000 natural gas-heated ENERGY STAR® Homes.
Additionally, GasNetworks has held over 60 contractor training seminars in the region and has trained over 5,700 HVAC professionals on such topics as the proper installation of high efficiency natural gas equipment, venting and code issues, indoor air quality and selling Energy Star, to name a few.
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TANKLESS WATER HEATER RECALL
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2007
Release #07-108
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 369-4786
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Rheem’s Media Contact: Laura Butler, (334) 260-1513
Tankless Water Heaters Recalled for Repair Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Power Vent tankless water heaters
Units: About 42,200
Importers: Water Heating Division of Rheem Sales Company Inc., of Montgomery, Ala. and Paloma Industries Inc., of Oxnard, Calif.
Hazard: Components inside the water heater may shift during transit, causing an air filter door switch to operate improperly. If the switch fails and the air filter door is out of place, the water heater could continue to operate and dust and lint could build up, posing a carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves indoor models of the Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless water heaters. The brands and model numbers included in this recall are listed below and are located on the front of the unit and the rating plate. The water heaters have a cream jacket or gray jacket enclosure with the piping on the top and bottom of the unit. The rating plate is a silver label located the front of the unit, in the lower right hand corner.
Brand Models
Paloma PTG-74PVN; PTG-74PVP; PTG-74PVN-1; PTG-74PVP-1; PTG-74PVNH; PTG-74PVPH; PTG-74PVNUH; PTG-74PVPUH and PH-28RIFSN; PH-28RIFSP; PH-28RIFSN-1; PH-28RIFSP-1; PH-28CIFSN; PH-28CIFSP; PH-28CIFSN-1; PH-28CIFSP-1
Rheem RTG-74PVN; RTG-74PVP; RTG-74PVN-1; RTG-74PVP-1
Ruud RUTG-74PVN; RUTG-74PVP; RUTG-74PVN-1; RUTG-74PVP-1
Rheem-Ruud GT-199PV-N; GT-199PV-P; GT-199PV-N-1; GT-199PV-P-1
Richmond RMTG-74PVN; RMTG-74PVP; RMTG-74PVN-1; RMTG-74PVP-1; RMTG-74PVNH; RMTG-74PVPH; RMTG-74PVNUH; RMTG-74PVPUH
Sold by: Retailers nationwide and through plumbing wholesale distributors to plumbers, contractors and consumers from May 2004 through December 2006 for between $800 and $1,300.
Manufactured in: Japan
Remedy: Consumers with the recalled water heaters should stop using them immediately, if the air filter door is not in place. Consumers, who have not already been contacted by an authorized contractor, should immediately contact their installer or Rheem Manufacturing Company to arrange for a free, on-site repair. Consumers are reminded to use the air filter door for these water heaters to avoid a carbon monoxide hazard.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Rheem toll-free at (866) 369-4786 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.tankless-recall.com
Note: Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas, and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms have working batteries.
Model of the Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless water heater sold under the brand names: Paloma, Rheem, Ruud, Rheem-Ruud and Richmond
Model of the Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless
water heater sold under the brand names: Paloma,
Rheem, Ruud, Rheem-Ruud and Richmond Heavy-Duty Indoor Models of the Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless water heater sold under the brand names: Paloma, Rheem, Ruud, Rheem-Ruud and Richmond
Heavy-Duty Indoor Models of the Power Vent
199,900 BTUH tankless water heater sold
under the brand names: Paloma, Rheem,
Ruud, Rheem-Ruud and Richmond
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Crown Boiler Co. Recalls Boilers
December 2006
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Crown Boiler Co., announced a voluntary recall of the Bermuda BSI and Cayman CWI Series Gas Boilers. The boilers can generate excessive levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the flue gases, posing a risk of CO poisoning.
The recall involves Bermuda BSI and Cayman CWI Series gas-fired boilers designed for indoor installation. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:
| Model Number | Serial Number |
BSI069SN
BSI069EN
BSI172SL
BSI172EL
CWI069SN
CWI069EBN
| CROWNB000304258
and
CROWNB000411446
|
The model and serial numbers are located on the rating plate. The boilers have a two-tone, red and gray jacket enclosure with the controls and piping on the right side of the unit. The rating plate is a sliver label located in the upper left hand corner of the right side panel.
For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07063.html
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CO Detector requirements become law in Massachusetts effective March 31, 2006
Provisions of New Regulations for CO Detectors
excerpts from: www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/pubed/firesafetytopics/carbon_monoxide_safety.htm
For buildings with fossil-fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking areas, the new regulations require carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and within ten feet of each sleeping area and in habitable portions of basements and attics.
The CO detectors may be:
• Battery operated with battery monitoring; or
• Plug-ins with battery back-up; or
• Hard-wired with battery backup; or
• Low voltage system; or
• Wireless, or
• Qualified combination (smoke/carbon monoxide alarm)
Acceptable combination smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies.
The State Building Code mandates that only photoelectric combination alarms are permitted within twenty feet of a bathroom or kitchen.
All affected residences must install approved carbon monoxide alarms by March 31, 2006, although, where hard-wired systems are required, the deadline is January 1, 2007.
Alternative Compliance Options
The regulations allows for alternative compliance options that may be more practical for larger buildings with multiple dwelling units that contain minimal or no sources of CO inside the individual units. The option allows owners to target the CO alarm protection only in those areas that could be potential sources of the CO.
Examples include rooms that contain boilers, hot water heaters, central laundry areas and all adjacent spaces, in addition to enclosed parking areas. This CO protection option requires hard or low voltage wiring, monitoring and certain signal transmission requirements. The deadline for compliance with this method of protection is January 1, 2007.
Landlords Must Inspect Annually and at Start of Each Rental Period
Landlords must inspect, maintain, and replace, if necessary, required CO alarms annually and at the beginning of any rental period.
Tenants should report any problems with detectors to the landlord immediately and learn to recognize the difference between the smoke alarm and the carbon monoxide detector.
The Department of Public Health is required to adopt and enforce this requirement on landlords as part of the State Sanitary code.
Fire departments are currently required to inspect smoke alarms when one-five unit homes are being sold and transferred. Starting March 31, 2006 (or January 1, 2007 where hard-wired are required) fire departments will be required to inspect all residences upon sale and transfer for carbon monoxide detectors.
For more information and to download consumer brochures, visit: http://www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/pubed/firesafetytopics/carbon_monoxide_safety.htm
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GASNETWORKS® EXPANDS INTO MAINE
The members of GasNetworks would like to welcome Northern Utilities’ Maine Division to the collaborative.
When the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved natural gas energy efficiency programs in Maine, the GasNetworks’ programs were a key element of the program design offered by Northern Utilities. “We had already done the upfront development work for these highly successful programs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, it only made sense to bring our Maine division on board,” states Derek Buchler, Manager of Demand Side Management programs for Northern Utilities. “Now Maine natural gas customers, both residential and commercial can benefit from the same programs. Contractors also benefit because they can now have a way to offer equipment at a lower cost, while saving their customers money on their energy bill.”
Northern Utilities, Maine division, recently applied for membership in GasNetworks and was unanimously accepted into the collaborative. Mike Sommer, Chairperson of GasNetworks, is excited about the expansion. “It shows that what we’ve been doing is getting noticed. What started out as a handful of gas utilities in Massachusetts is now a full-blown collaborative of gas companies in three states with continuously growing partnerships with manufacturers, contractors, and other industry players. Congratulations to both Northern and the state of Maine for recognizing the benefits we can provide their customers and constituents”.
Additional information about the new gas energy efficiency programs can be found on the company web site: www. northernutilities.com/forhome. Information on GasNetworks can be found at www.gasnetworks.com
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GasNetwork's Programs cited as Nation's Best
GasNetworks® Program Receives National Honor: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Recognizes the GasNetworks Programs as "Exemplary"
North Easton, MA - GasNetworks is pleased to announce that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized its energy efficiency program as an "exemplary program" as part of a national awards program to honor America's best natural gas energy efficiency programs. GasNetworks is a collaborative/partnership among Bay State Gas, Berkshire Gas, KeySpan Energy Delivery, New England Gas, Northern Utilities, NSTAR Gas and Unitil. For more information, please visit gasnetworks.com
ACEEE initiated this awards program in 2003 to recognize outstanding natural gas energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success. ACEEE selected 29 programs from around the nation for this honor, along with 5 special case studies of multi-party collaborations and comprehensive program portfolios.
These programs offer concrete examples of how utilities and a variety of non-utility organizations can work with natural gas customers to reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency. With natural gas prices expected to be high this heating season, ACEEE encourages wider development and implementation of these kinds of programs to offer relief to customers facing high energy costs.
Programs selected for this honor were deemed to be especially noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency in their homes, businesses, and facilities. Dr. Martin Kushler, Director of the ACEEE Utilities Program and manager of the research project that identified the programs, stated that "states and utilities trying to respond to soaring natural gas costs can draw on the proven success of the nation's best energy efficiency programs." He added, "We also want policymakers and utility resource planners to know that help is just a mouse-click away. We've posted descriptions of these outstanding programs on our web site for free access." (See http://aceee.org/pubs/u035.htm.)
ACEEE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and policy development to advance energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For additional information, see the web site: aceee.org. ACEEE contacts: Dr. Martin Kushler (517) 655-7037; Dr. Dan York (608) 243-1123.
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GasNetworks' Programs Receive National Honor
Washington, D.C. - The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized GasNetworks' Energy Efficiency and Market Transformation Programs as meriting "honorable mention" as part of a national awards program to honor America's best energy efficiency programs.
ACEEE initiated this awards program in 2002 to recognize outstanding energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success. The GasNetworks' program was selected from among over 130 nominations received from across the United States, covering a wide variety of programs. An expert panel reviewed all the nominations and selected the programs to be honored.
Programs selected were deemed to be especially noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency in their homes, businesses, and facilities. In doing so, these programs help reduce customers' energy costs and also yield significant broader economic and environmental benefits. According to Martin Kushler, Ph.D., ACEE's Utilities Program Director, "We sought to recognize the many unsung heroes of state and utility efforts to improve energy efficiency, and spotlight these programs as models for others to emulate." On receiving this noteworthy honor, The Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources commented, "This award again recognizes the high level ofcommitment and creativity in promoting end use energy efficiency by the Massachusetts utilities. Congratulations to all folks that have made GasNetworks such a positive energy efficiency presence in the Commonwealth and the region".
GasNetworks is a collaborative of six natural gas utilities. Organized in 1997, founding members include Bay State Gas Company, Berkshire Gas Company, New England Gas Company, Fitchburg Gas & Electric Light Company, KeySpan Energy Delivery and NSTAR Gas.
ACEEE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and policy development to advance energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
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The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) book is now available online at www.gamanet.org. The GAMA book is the Consumers' Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings for heating and water heating equipment. You can now easily check the GAMA website for the Energy Factor of high-efficiency water heaters and heating equipment to see if they qualify for rebates currently being offered by GasNetworks' member utilities. Please refer to the Efficiency Programs section of this website for specific rebate details and rebate applications.
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