At 100 years old, the Hydronics Institute is engaged in a very current discussion with the U.S. Department of Energy regarding proposed efficiency standards for gas-fired water boilers. DOE has proposed 85% efficiency while HI and partners such as the American Gas Association are lobbying for a different number.

“The efficiency should be at 83% for safe chimney venting,” says ECR International President and CEO Ron Passafaro, who also is chairman of the Hydronics Institute, a product section of the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute for manufacturers of hydronic equipment and system components. “At 85% efficiency, you are getting to the ragged edge of near-condensing. When condensing occurs in a chimney, bad things begin to happen. Over time you can see chimneys start to collapse and the chance for unintended CO production increases.