[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 237 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 89276-89317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29081]



[[Page 89275]]

Vol. 81

Friday,

No. 237

December 9, 2016

Part III





Department of Energy





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 10 CFR Parts 429 and 431





 Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Commercial Packaged 
Boilers; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 89276]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006]
RIN 1904-AD16


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Commercial 
Packaged Boilers

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On March 17, 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedure for 
commercial packaged boilers. That proposed rulemaking serves as the 
basis for the final rule. DOE incorporates by reference certain 
sections of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 
1500, ``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space 
Heating Boilers.'' In addition, this final rule incorporates amendments 
that clarify the coverage for field-constructed commercial packaged 
boilers and the applicability of DOE's test procedure and standards for 
this category of commercial packaged boilers, provide an optional field 
test for commercial packaged boilers with rated input greater than 
5,000,000 Btu/h, provide a conversion method to calculate thermal 
efficiency based on combustion efficiency testing for steam commercial 
packaged boilers with rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h, modify 
the inlet water temperatures during tests of hot water commercial 
packaged boilers, establish limits on the ambient temperature during 
testing, and standardize terminology and provisions for ``rated input'' 
and ``fuel input rate.'' DOE originally published this final rule in 
the Federal Register on November 10, 2016, however that document 
contained errors and is being withdrawn on December 7, 2016. This is a 
republication of the final rule that replaces the version published on 
November 10, 2016 in its entirety.

DATES: The effective date of this rule is January 9, 2017. The final 
rule changes will be mandatory for representations related to energy 
efficiency or energy use starting December 4, 2017. The incorporation 
by reference of certain publications listed in this rule is approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register on January 9, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting 
documents/materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov. 
All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov 
index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those 
containing information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not 
be publicly available.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006. The docket Web page 
will contain simple instructions on how to access all documents, 
including public comments, in the docket.
    For further information on how to review the docket, contact the 
Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 586-6636 or by 
email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-8654. Email: 
[email protected].
    Mr. Peter Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule incorporates by reference 
into 10 CFR parts 429 and 431 the testing methods contained in the 
following commercial standard:

Part 429--ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015''), ``Performance Rating of Commercial Space Heating Boilers,'' 
ANSI approved November 28, 2014: Figure C9, Suggested Piping 
Arrangement for Hot Water Boilers.
Part 431--ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015''), ``Performance Rating of Commercial Space Heating Boilers,'' 
Section 3 ``Definitions,'' Section 5 ``Rating Requirements,'' Appendix 
C ``Methods of Testing for Rating Commercial Space Heating Boilers--
Normative,'' Appendix D ``Properties of Saturated Steam--Normative,'' 
and Appendix E ``Correction Factors for Heating Values of Fuel Gases--
Normative,'' ANSI approved November 28, 2014.
    Copies of AHRI standards may be purchased from the Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2111 Wilson Blvd., 
Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201, or by visiting http://www.ahrinet.org/site/686/Standards/HVACR-Industry-Standards/Search-Standards.
    See section IV.N for additional information about this standard.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. Authority
    B. Background
II. Synopsis of the Final Rule
III. Discussion
    A. Scope and Definitions
    1. Definition of Commercial Packaged Boiler
    2. Field-Constructed Commercial Packaged Boilers
    3. Other Definitions
    B. General Comments
    C. Adoption of Certain Sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015
    D. Fuel Input Rate Certification and Enforcement
    E. Testing of Large Commercial Packaged Boilers
    1. Optional Field Test
    2. Optional Conversion of Combustion Efficiency to Thermal 
Efficiency
    F. Hot Water Temperatures
    1. General Comments
    2. Recirculating Loops
    3. Condensing Commercial Packaged Boilers
    4. Test Facility Water Flow Rate Capabilities
    5. Other Issues Related to Water Temperatures
    G. Ambient Conditions
    H. Set-Up and Instrumentation
    1. Steam Piping
    2. Digital Data Acquisition
    3. Calibration
    4. Other Set-Up and Instrumentation Comments
    I. Other Issues
    1. Burners for Oil-Fired Commercial Packaged Boilers
    2. Certification and Enforcement Provisions
    3. Part-Load Testing
    4. Stack Temperature Adjustment
    5. Oxygen Combustion Analyzer
    6. Rounding Requirements
    7. Waiver Requests
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

[[Page 89277]]

    L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    M. Congressional Notification
    N. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Packaged boilers are included in the list of ``covered equipment'' 
for which the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is authorized to 
establish and amend energy conservation standards and test procedures. 
(42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(J)) DOE's energy conservation standards and test 
procedure for commercial packaged boilers, a subset of packaged 
boilers, are currently prescribed at 10 CFR 431.87 and 10 CFR 431.86, 
respectively. The following sections discuss DOE's authority to 
establish test procedures for commercial packaged boilers and relevant 
background information regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures 
for this equipment.

A. Authority

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42 
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') \1\ sets forth a 
variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part C of 
title III, which for editorial reasons was redesignated as Part A-1 
upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317, as 
codified), establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Certain 
Industrial Equipment.'' The covered industrial equipment includes 
packaged boilers, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(J))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended 
through the Energy Efficiency Improvement act of 2015, Public Law 
114-11 (April 30, 2015).
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    Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use as the basis for (1) certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted under EPCA, and (2) making representations about the efficiency 
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA.
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered equipment. EPCA provides that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of covered equipment during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and shall not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 
(42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish a proposed test procedure and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on it. (42 
U.S.C. 6314(b)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test procedure, 
DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test procedure 
would alter the measured energy efficiency of the covered equipment as 
determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(C))
    With respect to commercial packaged boilers, EPCA requires DOE to 
use industry test procedures developed or recognized by the Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) or the 
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning 
Engineers (ASHRAE), as referenced in ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, ``Energy 
Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.'' (42 
U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(A)) Further, if such an industry test procedure is 
amended, DOE is required to amend its test procedure to be consistent 
with the amended industry test procedure, unless it determines, by rule 
published in the Federal Register and supported by clear and convincing 
evidence, that the amended test procedure would be unduly burdensome to 
conduct or would not produce test results that reflect the energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs of that equipment 
during a representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered equipment, including 
commercial packaged boilers, to determine whether amended test 
procedures would more accurately or fully comply with the requirements 
for test procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be 
reasonably designed to produce test results that reflect energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs during a 
representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)(A)) DOE last 
reviewed the test procedures for commercial packaged boilers on July 
22, 2009. 74 FR 36312. Therefore, DOE is required to re-evaluate the 
test procedures no later than July 22, 2016, and this rulemaking has 
been undertaken in fulfillment of that requirement. As the industry 
standard for commercial packaged boilers was recently updated, this 
rulemaking will also fulfill DOE's statutory obligations to make its 
test procedure consistent with the applicable industry test procedure.
    Prior to December 4, 2017, manufacturers must make any 
representations with respect to the energy use or efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers in accordance with the results of testing 
pursuant to the new appendix A to subpart E of part 431 or the existing 
test procedure, as it appeared in 10 CFR 431.86, revised as of January 
1, 2016. On or after December 4, 2017, manufacturers must make any 
representations with respect to energy use or efficiency in accordance 
with the results of testing pursuant to appendix A to subpart E of part 
431.

B. Background

    On September 3, 2013, DOE initiated a test procedure and energy 
conservation standards rulemaking for commercial packaged boilers and 
published a notice of public meeting and availability of the Framework 
document (September 2013 Framework document). 78 FR 54197. Both in the 
September 2013 Framework document and during the October 1, 2013 public 
meeting, DOE solicited public comments, data, and information on all 
aspects of, and any issues or problems with, the existing DOE test 
procedure, including whether the test procedure was in need of updates 
or revisions. DOE also received comments on the test procedure in 
response to the notice of availability of the preliminary technical 
support document (TSD) for the standards rulemaking, which was 
published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2014 (November 2014 
Preliminary Analysis). 79 FR 69066.
    Additionally, on February 20, 2014, DOE published in the Federal 
Register a request for information (February 2014 RFI) seeking comments 
on the existing DOE test procedure for commercial packaged boilers, 
which incorporates by reference Hydronics Institute (HI)/AHRI Standard 
BTS-2000 (Rev 06.07), ``Method to Determine Efficiency of Commercial 
Space Heating Boilers'' (BTS-2000). 79 FR 9643. BTS-2000 provides test 
procedures for measuring steady-state combustion and thermal efficiency 
of a gas-fired or oil-fired commercial packaged boiler capable of 
producing hot water and/or steam and operating at full load only. In 
the February 2014 RFI, DOE requested comments, information, and data 
about

[[Page 89278]]

a number of issues, including (1) part-load testing and part-load 
efficiency rating, (2) typical inlet and outlet water temperatures for 
hot water commercial packaged boilers, (3) the steam pressure for steam 
commercial packaged boilers operating at full load, and (4) design 
characteristics of commercial packaged boilers that are difficult to 
test under the existing DOE test procedure.
    On April 29, 2015, AHRI, together with the American National 
Standards Institute (ANSI), published the ``2015 Standard for 
Performance Rating of Commercial Space Heating Boilers'' (ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015). ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 states ``this 
standard supersedes AHRI Hydronics Institute Standard BTS-2000 Rev. 
06.07'' in the front matter of the document. On May 29, 2015, AHRI 
submitted a request directly to DOE to update the incorporation by 
reference in the DOE test procedure to reference the new ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015. (Docket EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006, AHRI, No. 29 at p. 1) 
\2\
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    \2\ A notation in this form provides a reference for information 
that is in Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006, which is maintained at 
https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006. 
The references are arranged as follows: (commenter name, comment 
docket ID number, page of that document). This particular notation 
refers to a comment from AHRI on p. 1 of document number 29 in the 
docket.
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    Subsequently, DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) 
on March 17, 2016, in the Federal Register (hereafter March 2016 NOPR). 
81 FR 14642. DOE proposed to incorporate by reference relevant sections 
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 as a replacement for BTS-2000 in the 
DOE test procedure as well as several modifications to its test 
procedure that are not captured in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. The 
additional proposed amendments included the following:
     Clarifying the coverage of field-constructed commercial 
packaged boilers under DOE's regulations;
     Incorporating an optional field test for commercial 
packaged boilers with fuel input rate greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h;
     Incorporating an optional conversion method to calculate 
thermal efficiency based on the combustion efficiency test for steam 
commercial packaged boilers with fuel input rate greater than 5,000,000 
Btu/h;
     Modifying the inlet and outlet water temperatures required 
during tests of hot water commercial packaged boilers to be more 
repeatable and representative of field conditions;
     Modifying setup and instrumentation requirements to remove 
ambiguity;
     Requiring additional limits on the room ambient 
temperature and ambient humidity during testing; and
     Standardizing terminology and provisions in regulatory 
text related to ``fuel input rate.''
    In this final rule, DOE is replacing BTS-2000 with the updated 
industry standard, ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, as the basis for the 
DOE test procedure. DOE is also adopting certain proposals from the 
March 2016 NOPR and has modified some proposals from the March 2016 
NOPR in light of comments received. Section III contains a more 
detailed discussion of the basis for transitioning to the commercial 
packaged boiler test procedures outlined in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 as well as the additional amendments being adopted.
    DOE originally published this final rule on November 10, 2016 in 
the Federal Register. 81 FR 79224. However, the published version 
contained errors, and DOE has therefore withdrawn that notice. This 
version of the final rule replaces the originally published version in 
its entirety. DOE notes that the effective date for the original 
version of the final rule was December 12, 2016. As a result of this 
republication, the effective date of the final test procedure is now 
January 9, 2017. In addition, DOE has updated the compliance date for 
the final test procedure as a result of this republication. As 
indicated in section I.A, manufacturers will be required to make any 
representations of energy efficiency using the amended test procedure 
on or after December 4, 2017.
    DOE emphasizes that the original published version of the final 
rule was not yet effective at the time of this republication, and that 
DOE has updated the compliance date of the final test procedure as a 
result of the republication. In addition, following the publication of 
the March 2016 NOPR, DOE provided a total of 75 days for interested 
parties to comment on DOE's proposed amendments to the commercial 
packaged boiler test procedure and held a public meeting on April 4, 
2016 to present and seek further comment on the proposal. (In light of 
the comment period already provided, DOE is not providing an additional 
comment period at this time.) All manufacturers have the same amount of 
time to prepare for use of the final test procedure (360 days) under 
the republication as they had under the original final rule that DOE 
has withdrawn. To the extent that some manufacturers may have already 
begun preparations needed for use of the new test procedure, in advance 
of the original effective date, they are in no worse position given the 
extension of the compliance date. For these reasons, DOE does not 
anticipate that the withdrawal and republication of the final rule 
would impose any additional burden on interested parties. Contra 
Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA, 236 F.3d 749 
(2001)(holding that EPA's action did not amount to harmless error).

II. Synopsis of the Final Rule

    In this final rule, DOE amends subpart E of 10 CFR part 431 as 
follows:
     Clarifies definitions regarding commercial packaged 
boilers;
     Incorporates by reference certain provisions of the 
current revision to the applicable industry standard: ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 ``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial 
Space Heating Boilers;''
     Provides an optional field test and an optional conversion 
calculation from combustion to thermal efficiency for commercial 
packaged boilers with rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h;
     Modifies the inlet water temperature requirements for 
commercial packaged boilers;
     Reduces the allowable range for ambient room temperature 
during testing; and
     Requires digital data acquisition for certain parameters.
    The final rule also amends 10 CFR part 429 to clarify certification 
and enforcement procedures, specifically to provide for the 
verification of rated input and to accommodate certification based on 
the optional field test.

III. Discussion

    The following sections address the products within the scope of 
this rulemaking, the test procedure amendments, other test procedure 
considerations, test burden, measured energy efficiency, and changes to 
certification and enforcement provisions.
    Table III.1 presents the list of interested parties that submitted 
written comments in response to the March 2016 NOPR.

[[Page 89279]]



Table III.1--Interested Parties Providing Written Comment in Response to
                           the March 2016 NOPR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Document Docket ID No.             Name                   Acronym
------------------------------------------------------------------------
36, 46.................  Air-Conditioning, Heating,  AHRI.
                          & Refrigeration Institute.
38.....................  American Boiler             ABMA.
                          Manufacturers Association.
42.....................  American Gas Association    Gas Associations
                          and American Public Gas     (AGA and APGA).
                          Association.
45.....................  Appliance Standards         Efficiency
                          Awareness Project,          Advocates (ASAP,
                          Alliance to Save Energy,    ASE, ACEEE, and
                          American Council for an     NRDC).
                          Energy-Efficient Economy,
                          and Natural Resources
                          Defense Council.
39.....................  Bradford White Corporation  Bradford White.
40.....................  Burnham Holdings, Inc.....  Burnham.
48.....................  California Investor Owned   CA IOUs.
                          Utilities.
35.....................  Council of Industrial       CIBO.
                          Boiler Owners.
43.....................  Lochinvar, LLC............  Lochinvar.
44.....................  Northwest Energy            NEEA.
                          Efficiency Alliance.
47.....................  Raypak, Inc...............  Raypak.
31.....................  Tahir Khan................  Khan.
41.....................  Weil-McLain...............  Weil-McLain.
33.....................  Veritatis.................  Veritatis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Interested parties provided comments on a range of issues, 
including both issues raised by DOE for comment, as well as other 
issues related to the proposed changes to the test procedure. The 
issues on which DOE received comments, as well as DOE's responses to 
those comments and the resulting changes to the test procedure 
proposals presented in the March 2016 NOPR, are discussed in the 
subsequent sections. A parenthetical reference at the end of a comment 
quotation or paraphrase provides the location of the item in the public 
record.

A. Scope and Definitions

    In this final rule, DOE adopts several new definitions that help 
further clarify the scope and applicability of DOE's commercial 
packaged boiler test procedure. DOE notes that these amendments to 
DOE's definitions at 10 CFR 431.82 also apply to DOE's energy 
conservation standards for commercial packaged boilers.
1. Definition of Commercial Packaged Boiler
    While EPCA authorizes DOE to establish, subject to certain 
criteria, test procedures and energy conservation standards for 
packaged boilers, to date, DOE has only established test procedures and 
standards for commercial packaged boilers, a subset of packaged 
boilers. In 2004, DOE published a final rule (October 2004 final rule) 
establishing definitions, test procedures, and energy conservation 
standards for commercial packaged boilers. 69 FR 61949 (Oct. 21, 2004). 
In the October 2004 final rule, DOE defined ``commercial packaged 
boiler'' as a type of packaged low pressure boiler that is industrial 
equipment with a capacity (fuel input rate) of 300,000 Btu per hour 
(Btu/h) or more which, to any significant extent, is distributed in 
commerce: (1) For heating or space conditioning applications in 
buildings; or (2) for service water heating in buildings but does not 
meet the definition of ``hot water supply boiler.'' 69 FR 61949, 61960. 
DOE also defined ``packaged low pressure boiler'' as a packaged boiler 
that is: (1) A steam boiler designed to operate at or below a steam 
pressure of 15 psig; or (2) a hot water commercial packaged boiler 
designed to operate at or below a water pressure of 160 psig and a 
temperature of 250 [deg]F; or (3) a boiler that is designed to be 
capable of supplying either steam or hot water, and designed to operate 
under the conditions in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this definition. 69 
FR 61949, 61960.
    DOE notes that, because commercial packaged boilers are currently 
defined as a subset of packaged low pressure boilers, commercial 
packaged boilers are also defined by the pressure and temperature 
criteria established in the definition of a ``packaged low pressure 
boiler.'' Consequently, DOE proposed in the March 2016 NOPR a 
definition of ``commercial packaged boiler'' that explicitly includes 
the pressure and temperature criteria established by the ``packaged low 
pressure boiler'' definition, and to remove its definitions for 
``packaged low pressure boiler'' and ``packaged high pressure boiler'' 
as those definitions would no longer be necessary. DOE stated that it 
believed such a modification would clarify the characteristics of the 
equipment to which DOE's test procedure and energy conservation 
standards apply.
    In response to the March 2016 NOPR, AHRI and Bradford White 
supported DOE's proposals to modify its commercial packaged boiler 
definition and to remove the extraneous definitions. (Bradford White, 
No. 39 at p. 2; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 8) No commenters in response to the 
March 2016 NOPR raised concerns over the proposal. DOE therefore adopts 
these proposed changes in this final rule.
    DOE's amended definition for commercial packaged boilers also 
includes exclusionary language for field-constructed equipment 
(discussed in section III.A.2) as was proposed in the March 2016 NOPR. 
This exclusion was previously part of DOE's definition for the broader 
``packaged boiler'' definition.
    Burnham suggested that the scope of regulated commercial boilers 
should be limited to sizes that can be reasonably tested in a 
laboratory and that, in spite of backsliding concerns, to do so would 
acknowledge practical concerns and previous rulemaking error (Burnham, 
No. 40 at p. 8). In response, DOE notes that the scope of coverage and 
original energy conservation standards were established by EPCA, not by 
a DOE rulemaking. 42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(4). Because the scope of coverage 
has never included a capacity limit, DOE must have a test procedure in 
place for all commercial packaged boilers for manufacturers to be able 
to certify their equipment as complying with the energy conservation 
standards. DOE reiterates that to establish such a rated input limit 
for covered equipment with existing standards would violate the anti-
backsliding provisions of EPCA found at 42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)(B)(iii)(I) 
for those equipment larger than the limit. Additionally, both BTS-2000 
(incorporated by reference in the existing DOE test procedure) and 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (being incorporated by reference in this 
final rule) include in their scope any

[[Page 89280]]

commercial packaged boiler with rated input of 300,000 Btu/h or 
greater.
2. Field-Constructed Commercial Packaged Boilers
    EPCA establishes the statutory authority by which DOE may regulate 
``packaged boilers'' and defines a ``packaged boiler'' as a boiler that 
is shipped complete with heating equipment, mechanical draft equipment, 
and automatic controls; usually shipped in one or more sections. (42 
U.S.C. 6311(11)(B)) In adopting the EPCA definition for a ``packaged 
boiler,'' DOE amended the definition to: (1) Include language to 
address the various ways in which packaged boilers are distributed in 
commerce; and (2) explicitly exclude custom-designed, field-constructed 
boilers. 69 FR 61949, 61952. ``Custom-designed, field-constructed'' 
boilers were excluded because DOE believed the statutory standards for 
``packaged boilers'' were not intended to apply to these boiler 
systems, which generally require alteration, cutting, drilling, 
threading, welding or similar tasks by the installer. As a result, DOE 
defined a ``packaged boiler'' as a boiler that is shipped complete with 
heating equipment, mechanical draft equipment and automatic controls; 
usually shipped in one or more sections and does not include a boiler 
that is custom designed and field constructed. If the boiler is shipped 
in more than one section, the sections may be produced by more than one 
manufacturer, and may be originated or shipped at different times and 
from more than one location. 10 CFR 431.82. As noted in section 
III.A.1, DOE is moving this exclusion from the definition for 
``packaged boiler'' to the definition for ``commercial packaged 
boiler'' in order to clarify the applicability of its regulations.
    In order to further clarify the difference between field-
constructed commercial packaged boilers (which are excluded from DOE's 
commercial packaged boiler regulations) and field-assembled commercial 
packaged boilers (which are subject to DOE's regulations), DOE proposed 
the following definition for ``field-constructed'' in the March 2016 
NOPR:
    Field-constructed means custom-designed equipment that requires 
welding of structural components in the field during installation; for 
the purposes of this definition, welding does not include attachment 
using mechanical fasteners or brazing; any jackets, shrouds, venting, 
burner, or burner mounting hardware are not structural components.
    DOE noted in the March 2016 NOPR that it considered structural 
components include heat exchanger sections, flue tube bundles and 
internal heat exchanger surfaces, external piping to one or more heat 
exchanger sections or locations, and the mechanical supporting 
structure the heat exchanger rests upon in the case where a support 
structure is not provided with the commercial packaged boiler. DOE 
further noted that welding does not include attachment using mechanical 
fasteners or brazing; and any jackets, shrouds, venting, burner, or 
burner mounting hardware are not structural components. Conversely, DOE 
stated that a field-assembled commercial packaged boiler can be 
assembled in the field without the welding of structural components, as 
previously listed.
    DOE received several comments pertaining to the proposed definition 
for ``field-constructed'' in response to the March 2016 NOPR. Bradford 
White expressed support for the proposed definition. (Bradford White, 
No. 39 at p. 2) Lochinvar suggested that because DOE is proposing a 
field test that would be limited to commercial packaged boilers with 
fuel input rates greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h that the same rated input 
limit be included in the definition for field-constructed commercial 
packaged boilers. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 2) NEEA and Lochinvar also 
suggested that the definition for field-constructed should mean custom 
designed equipment that requires American Society of Mechanical 
Engineers (ASME) code stamped with the ``H'' (heating) or ``R'' 
(repair) designator welding in the field during installation. (NEEA, 
No. 44 at p.2; Lochinvar, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 21)
    DOE notes that the field-constructed exemption for commercial 
packaged boilers applies to field-constructed equipment of any size; 
the field test methodology accommodates those commercial packaged 
boilers that are not field-constructed (and therefore not exempt from 
DOE regulations) and the size of which makes testing in a laboratory 
setting exceptionally difficult or cost-prohibitive. Therefore DOE is 
not adopting a size limitation in its definition for field-constructed 
as it pertains to commercial packaged boilers. With respect to 
Lochinvar's suggestion that the ASME code for welding could be used to 
limit the scope of what is considered ``field-constructed,'' DOE does 
not believe the ASME stamp requirements are applied equally across all 
jurisdictions, making it a poor indicator that a unit meets the field-
constructed definition. Therefore, DOE will not define field-
constructed to include a requirement that the ASME stamps designators 
for welding be used as a means of delineating field-constructed 
commercial packaged boilers.
    DOE reiterates that field-assembled equipment is covered, is 
required to be tested using the DOE test procedure, and is required to 
comply with the existing energy conservation standards and 
certification requirements.
3. Other Definitions
    DOE also received comments regarding other commercial packaged 
boilers definitions proposed in the March 2016 NOPR. In the March 2016 
NOPR, DOE proposed to modify its definition for combustion efficiency. 
The current definition states that combustion efficiency for a 
commercial packaged boiler ``is determined using test procedures 
prescribed under Sec.  431.86 and is equal to 100 percent minus percent 
flue loss (percent flue loss is based on input fuel energy).'' 10 CFR 
431.82. As noted in the March 2016 NOPR, this definition does not 
sufficiently describe what the metric represents, and therefore DOE 
proposed to define combustion efficiency for a commercial packaged 
boiler as ``a measurement of how much of the fuel input energy is 
converted to useful heat in combustion and is calculated as 100-percent 
minus flue loss, as determined with the test procedures prescribed 
under Sec.  431.86.''
    CIBO, AERCO, and the Gas Associations suggested that DOE's proposed 
definition for combustion efficiency conflicted with the definition 
found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 and that the definition found in 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 should be retained. (CIBO, No. 35 at p.2; 
Gas Associations, No. 42 at p. 2; AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 
34 at p. 129-131) AERCO suggested that the DOE's proposed definition 
does not exclude jacket losses but that the definition in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 does. (AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at 
p. 129-131) CIBO also suggested that DOE's definition for ``combustion 
efficiency'' should use the higher heating value of the fuel in the 
calculation in order to account for water vapor produced during 
combustion.
    In response, DOE notes that its combustion efficiency definition 
(both current and proposed) defines combustion efficiency as being 
measured under the DOE test procedure whereas industry definitions for 
the term do not. DOE believes that specifying in the definition that

[[Page 89281]]

combustion efficiency is determined using the test procedures 
prescribed under Sec.  431.86 makes clear that where DOE uses the term 
in its regulations it is referring to the metric as determined by DOE's 
test procedure. The rest of the definition provides description of what 
combustion efficiency represents and DOE believes this descriptive 
portion of the proposed definition is consistent with industry 
definitions. In this final rule, however, DOE has modified the 
descriptive portion of the definition to be consistent with that found 
in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Specifically, DOE's definition now 
describes the combustion efficiency as being 100 percent minus the 
percent losses due to dry flue gas, incomplete combustion, and moisture 
formed by combustion of hydrogen. In response to CIBO's comment with 
respect to using a higher heating value, DOE notes that DOE's test 
method and calculations for combustion efficiency incorporate by 
reference the pertinent sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, 
specifically sections C7.2 and C7.3, which take into account the higher 
heating value of the fuel. Section C7.2.16 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 uses the measured value for QIN which is calculated 
using the higher heating value of the fuel.
    The Efficiency Advocates suggested that DOE clarify the distinction 
between condensing and non-condensing boilers to ensure that proper 
test conditions are used for any tested commercial packaged boiler. 
(Efficiency Advocates, No. 45 at pp. 2-3) In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE 
proposed to incorporate by reference the definitions for these terms as 
found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. DOE notes that section 3.2.2 in 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by reference in this final 
rule) states that a condensing boiler means a ``[commercial packaged] 
boiler which will, during the laboratory tests prescribed in this 
standard, condense part of the water vapor in the flue gases and which 
is equipped with a means of collecting and draining this condensate 
from the heat exchange section.'' Section 3.2.5 states that a non-
condensing commercial packaged boiler means a ``[commercial packaged] 
boiler that is not a condensing [commercial packaged] boiler.'' DOE 
believes that the definition for condensing commercial packaged boiler 
found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is sufficient for distinguishing 
from non-condensing commercial packaged boilers.
    To further remove ambiguity, DOE is also not incorporating by 
reference definitions in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 that conflict 
with DOE definitions, including the terms ``boiler,'' ``heating 
boiler,'' and ``packaged boiler.'' DOE notes that the scope of coverage 
for its test procedure is commercial packaged boilers as described in 
section III.A and these definitions in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
would cause ambiguity in DOE regulations. In the March 2016 NOPR and in 
this final rule, DOE includes language in its test procedure that 
clarifies that in all sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 that are 
incorporated by reference, the term ``boiler'' means a commercial 
packaged boiler as defined in 10 CFR 431.82. Also in the March 2016 
NOPR and in this final rule, DOE includes language in the test 
procedure that where there is a conflict between DOE definitions and 
those found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, DOE definitions take 
precedence. To remove additional cases of conflict, DOE is also not 
incorporating by reference ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 definitions for 
``combustion efficiency,'' ``thermal efficiency,'' ``gross output,'' 
``ratings,'' or ``rating conditions.''

B. General Comments

    AHRI, Burnham, Raypak, and the Gas Associations suggested that DOE 
suspend the energy conservation standards rulemaking (Docket EERE-2013-
BT-STD-0030) until after the test procedure is finalized. (AHRI, No. 46 
at p. 9, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 11; Burnham, No. 39 at 
p. 1; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 1; Gas Associations, No. 42 at p. 1) The Gas 
Associations suggested that impacts on ratings originating from the 
test procedure amendments must be known with certainty prior to 
submitting comments on the standards NOPR and that stakeholders must 
know with certainty that the test procedure is technically correct, 
provides for the repeatability of ratings, and can be performed without 
any excessive burden on the manufacturer/test facility. (Gas 
Associations, No. 42 at p. 1) Weil-McLain suggested that DOE violated 
the process rule at 10 CFR part 430, subpart C, Appendix A, and the 
EPCA requirement at 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3). (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 
11) Weil-McLain also suggested that simultaneous standards and test 
procedure rulemakings for commercial packaged boilers as well as 
changes to equipment classes could cause serious harm to industry, 
manufacturers, contractors, and consumers. They further stated that the 
simultaneous impact of increasing standards and lowering of ratings due 
to the changing test procedure will render product models unavailable, 
possibly resulting in building owners/consumers and contractors having 
to consider more expensive alternatives. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 9)
    In response to the comment from Weil-McClain, 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3) 
is a provision under Part A of EPCA, ``Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products Other than Automobiles,'' that generally prohibits 
the Secretary from prescribing a new or amended standard for a covered 
consumer product if a test procedure has not been prescribed for that 
consumer product. The test procedure provision is also generally 
applicable to the ``Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial 
Equipment,'' with several exceptions, including packaged boilers, the 
subject of this rulemaking. (42 U.S.C. 6311(a)). Nevertheless, DOE 
already has a test procedure in effect for commercial packaged boilers 
and this rulemaking would not result in a lapse in effectiveness during 
which standards would be amended without having a test procedure in 
place. With regard to the Process Rule, DOE developed the Process Rule 
to establish procedures, interpretations and policies to guide DOE in 
the consideration and promulgation of new or revised appliance 
efficiency standards for consumer products under EPCA. 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart C, Appendix A. However, this approach is considered guidance 
that DOE generally follows, but from which DOE may deviate as 
necessary. See paragraph 14 of 10 CFR part 430, subpart C, Appendix A.
    In general, DOE does not believe that the timing of the test 
procedure and standards rulemakings has negatively impacted 
stakeholders' ability to provide meaningful comment on this test 
procedure rulemaking. The March 2016 NOPR included an update to the 
latest industry standard (i.e., ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015), which 
was developed by a consensus-based AHRI process and was released in 
April 2015. Further, in May 2015 AHRI petitioned DOE to replace BTS-
2000 with ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 in the DOE test procedure for 
commercial packaged boilers. (AHRI, No. 29 at p. 1) DOE understands 
that industry was involved in developing and has experience with the 
changes adopted in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Further, DOE believes 
that the proposals in the March 2016 NOPR were largely consistent with 
the test methodology found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. In response 
to the March 2016 NOPR, stakeholders provided detailed, insightful 
comments on all aspects of the proposal, including those proposals not 
derived from the ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. This

[[Page 89282]]

demonstrates that industry was able to carefully consider DOE's 
proposed test procedure and how it compared to the current Federal test 
procedure.

C. Adoption of Certain Sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015

    The existing DOE test procedure for commercial packaged boilers 
incorporates by reference BTS-2000 to determine the steady-state 
efficiency of steam or hot water commercial packaged boilers while 
operating at full load. As described in section I, on April 29, 2015, 
AHRI published a new ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (ANSI approved 
November 28, 2014), which supersedes BTS-2000. On May 29, 2015, AHRI 
submitted a request directly to DOE to update the incorporation by 
reference in the DOE test procedure to reference the new ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015. (Docket EERE-2014-BT-TP-0006, AHRI, No. 29 at p. 1) 
DOE noted that several of the changes incorporated into ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 were also suggested by interested parties in public 
comments responding to DOE's September 2013 Framework document, 
November 2014 Preliminary Analysis, and February 2014 RFI. Consistent 
with the requirement under 42 U.S.C. 6314(4)(B) that DOE amend the 
commercial packaged boilers test procedure to be consistent with the 
updated industry test procedure, DOE proposed to adopt certain sections 
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 in the March 2016 NOPR, as well as 
certain modifications that DOE determined were necessary to meet the 
statutory requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3).
    Several parties responding to the March 2016 NOPR expressed support 
for adopting ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 1; AHRI, 
No. 46 at p. 2; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 1-3, 9; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 1-2; 
Lochinvar, No. 43 at p.1; Gas Associations; No. 42 at p. 2; NEEA, No. 
44 at p. 1; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 13; ABMA, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 12; Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at p. 36) However, multiple parties did not agree with DOE's 
additional proposals and modifications or suggested that DOE's 
proposals meant that DOE was not adopting ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. 
(AHRI, No. 46 at p. 2; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 1-3, 9; Raypak, No. 47 at 
p. 1-2; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p.1; Gas Associations; No. 42 at p. 2; 
Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 13) AHRI, Burnham, and Raypak suggested that 
DOE had not provided clear and convincing evidence pursuant to 42 
U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B) that its proposed changes in addition to ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 were necessary. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 2; Burnham, No. 
40 at p. 1-3, 9; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 1-2)
    As described in section I.A, with respect to commercial packaged 
boilers, EPCA directs DOE to use industry test methods as referenced in 
ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, ``Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-
Rise Residential Buildings.'' (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(A)) If and when 
such an industry test procedure is amended, EPCA requires that DOE 
amend its test procedure as necessary to be consistent with the amended 
industry test method unless it determines, by rule published in the 
Federal Register and supported by clear and convincing evidence, that 
the amended test procedure would be unduly burdensome to conduct or 
would not produce test results that reflect the energy efficiency, 
energy use, and estimated operating costs of that equipment during a 
representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2), (3) and 
(4)(B))
    DOE does not agree with commenters' interpretations of the relevant 
statutory provisions at issue. Under 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B), when DOE 
is triggered by the amendment of an industry test method applicable to 
ASHRAE equipment, the Secretary is directed to undertake an assessment 
of that industry test method to determine whether amendments to the 
Federal test procedure are ``necessary'' to be ``consistent'' with the 
amended industry test method. (There may be cases where the industry 
standard-setting organization reviews its method and puts out a new 
version with minimal or no changes, in which case it may not be 
necessary for DOE to amend its own test procedure.) The term 
``consistent'' does not equate to ``identical,'' so Congress envisioned 
that some differentiation from the industry standard may be necessary. 
However, in the event DOE determines that a more significant deviation 
from the industry test method is needed (i.e., a change that would not 
be ``consistent'' with the industry method), the Secretary must 
determine by rule published in the Federal Register and supported by 
clear and convincing evidence that a Federal test procedure consistent 
with the industry test method would not meet the requirements of 42 
U.S.C. 6314(a)(2) and (3). It is only in the latter case that the clear 
and convincing evidence standard would apply.
    In DOE's experience, industry standard-setting bodies typically 
undertake a thorough and professional approach to revising their test 
procedures. However, DOE must remain cognizant of its statutory duty to 
ensure that the Federal test method be consistent with the industry 
test method while meeting other statutory requirements at 42 U.S.C. 
6314(a)(2)-(3) (including that the procedure produces test results that 
reflect the energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating 
costs of that equipment during a representative average use cycle and 
is not unduly burdensome to conduct). To the extent that DOE identifies 
provisions of the relevant industry test method that would produce 
inaccurate, inconsistent, or unrepeatable results, as demonstrated by 
DOE's testing or analysis, such results would be unlikely to reflect a 
product's representative average energy efficiency or energy use. Such 
findings would demonstrate that the industry test procedure would not 
meet the statutory requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3) without 
alteration, thereby justifying DOE's decision to modify the industry 
test procedure (or in certain instances, even to deviate from the 
industry test procedure entirely, in which case the clear and 
convincing evidence standard would apply). That is why DOE usually 
adopts certain sections of industry test methods rather than adopting 
industry methods wholesale and adjusts the industry test methods as 
needed to satisfy the aforementioned statutory requirements. Such is 
the case here, where DOE is adopting amended test procedures that are 
largely consistent with the industry test methods (parts of which are 
incorporated by reference), but that also include several deviations 
from those industry test methods. The modifications adopted in this 
final rule are intended to clarify the test method to ensure consistent 
application, improve repeatability, make the test method more 
representative of the energy efficiency during a representative average 
use cycle, and/or ensure that the test procedure is not unduly 
burdensome to conduct.
    Assuming that DOE requires clear and convincing evidence for its 
amendments to industry standards in this final rule, DOE believes its 
findings fully satisfy that threshold. To explain that conclusion, DOE 
articulates how it understands the ``clear and convincing evidence'' 
concept to operate in the context of DOE's establishing of test 
procedures. A rulemaking procedure is unlike the context of litigation, 
where ``clear and convincing'' means that the evidence must ``place in 
the ultimate factfinder an abiding conviction that the truth'' of its 
conclusions is ``highly

[[Page 89283]]

probable.'' \3\ Nonetheless, DOE fully recognizes that whenever it must 
have ``clear and convincing evidence'' pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6314(a), 
it needs a higher degree of confidence in its conclusions than would be 
required under the ``preponderance'' standard that ordinarily applies 
in agency rulemaking. In such matters, the administrative record, taken 
as a whole, must justify DOE in a strong conviction that its 
conclusions are highly likely to be correct.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Colorado v. New Mexico, 467 U.S. 310, 316 (1984).
    \4\ Because a test procedure rulemaking is not a litigation, the 
differences warrant some differences in how the ``clear and 
convincing evidence'' threshold operates. DOE both develops the 
record and reviews it to make findings. Also, as an agency tasked 
with setting policy, DOE is ordinarily expected to use its technical 
judgment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For purposes of establishing test procedures under 42 U.S.C. 
6314(a), ``clear and convincing evidence'' can include the same sorts 
of evidence that DOE would use in any other rulemaking. But DOE will 
conclude it has ``clear and convincing evidence'' only when it is 
strongly convinced that it is highly likely to have reached appropriate 
findings. With respect to the findings discussed in this rulemaking, 
DOE does have that strong conviction.
    Consistent with this authority, DOE is adopting a test procedure 
that is generally consistent with the industry-based test procedure and 
in some instances contains deviations from the industry test procedure 
consistent with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3) and in 
satisfaction of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B). The justification and evidence 
supporting each provision adopted in this final rule are described in 
the sections that follow.

D. Fuel Input Rate Certification and Enforcement

    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed to standardize its terminology 
by introducing a definition for ``fuel input rate'' and proposed 
provisions for measuring and certifying the value for each basic model. 
Specifically, DOE proposed a procedure for determining the fuel input 
rate, which would be certified to DOE, by using the mean of measured 
values rounded to the nearest 1,000 Btu/h. DOE believed it was 
necessary to make this clarification because the fuel input rate 
determines the division of equipment classes and therefore the 
applicable Federal energy conservation standards for commercial 
packaged boilers.
    Bradford White recommended using the term ``rated input'' instead 
of ``fuel input rate.'' (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 6) AHRI suggested 
DOE drop its proposed definition and requirements for fuel input rate. 
(AHRI, No. 46 at p. 6) Lochinvar indicated that the boiler industry is 
not confused by the terms used for input rate and would be harmed by 
the DOE's proposed definition (and more significantly) use of the terms 
for input rate. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 10)
    AHRI, Burnham and Lochinvar stated that the maximum rated input is 
determined as part of the safety certification process, that this 
process occurs before efficiency testing, and that the safety 
certification agency requires that the maximum rated input for which 
the boiler is certified is used on the nameplate. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 
6; Burnham, No. 40 p. 7; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 10) AHRI stated that 
the manufacturer's first requirement is to design a model that will 
comply with all the safety standards and codes applicable to that 
boiler model, and that part of this design phase is establishing the 
maximum input rate of the boiler. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 7) They also 
stated that manufacturers do not conduct efficiency tests until they 
are certain of the model's compliance with the applicable safety 
requirements, and that manufacturers therefore cannot wait until their 
efficiency tests to determine the model's input rating. (AHRI, No. 46 
at p. 7) AHRI stated that with respect to efficiency testing the role 
of the maximum input rating is to assure that the unit is set up to 
fire at the rate at which the model was designed to operate. (AHRI, No. 
46 at p. 6) Lochinvar indicated that the input rate of a commercial 
packaged boiler is more likely to fall slightly below that found on the 
nameplate so as not to exceed its safety certification. (Lochinvar, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 117) Raypak also did not 
support DOE's proposed approach for the fuel input rate because the 
rated input is first established during safety certification testing, 
specifically in accordance with ANSI/CSA Z21.13 ``Gas-Fired Low 
Pressure Steam and Hot Water Boilers.'' Raypak further suggested DOE 
accept the fuel input rate from this process for its certification 
reports as is currently done. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 7)
    DOE proposed a certification procedure for fuel input rate in the 
March 2016 NOPR to standardize and clarify the method by which the fuel 
input rate for a basic model is determined. However, in light of 
comments received, DOE recognizes the precedence of the safety 
certification process during the design and development of commercial 
packaged boilers, particularly with respect to determining the rated 
input for a commercial packaged boiler. DOE acknowledges that in 
general manufacturers subject each model to testing witnessed or 
performed by safety certification organizations that ensure a 
commercial packaged boiler model fires on rate over a range of 
operating conditions and ignitions. DOE also acknowledges that once the 
safety certification body has verified the fuel input rate of a 
commercial packaged boiler, the manufacturer is often obligated to use 
that rate on the nameplate of the commercial packaged boiler and the 
accompanying product literature, and that rate has been the rate used 
when certifying compliance to DOE.
    Lochinvar stated that since the test method and efficiency metric 
change with the classification of the boiler, it makes sense that a 
fixed rating such as ``rated input'' would be used to determine the 
test that should be run. Lochinvar further commented that the DOE 
proposal to use the tested input rate to determine the product class 
creates a paradox where the necessary test is not determined until the 
test is done. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 10)
    AHRI suggested that the proposed definition for input rate would 
assure that the input rate of a model would change every time the 
efficiency test is conducted and that it also creates a paradox where 
the test to be conducted is based on its equipment class but that the 
equipment class is not determined until the test is conducted. (AHRI, 
No. 46 at p. 7) AHRI suggested that comparable models that could meet 
the same design load of a prospective customer would have different 
fuel input rates under DOE's proposal and that this creates a 
distinction without a difference. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 7) Burnham stated 
that under the proposed rule the manufacturer could be required to 
claim two slightly different inputs for the boiler--one for safety 
certification and one for meeting DOE requirements--and that this is 
burdensome and will create confusion in the field. (Burnham, No. 40 at 
p. 7) Burnham suggested that a boiler could fall into different 
standards categories depending on, for example, the higher heating 
value of the fuel used on the day the unit is tested. (Burnham, No. 40 
at p. 7)
    In light of the safety certification process, DOE is not adopting 
its proposed certification provisions for the fuel input rate. 
Manufacturers must use the rated input for the basic model as 
determined through the safety certification process, which results in 
the maximum rated input listed on the

[[Page 89284]]

nameplate and in manufacturer literature for the basic model. Based on 
the suggestions made by Bradford White, DOE will adopt the term ``rated 
input'' to mean the maximum rate at which a commercial packaged boiler 
has been rated to use energy as indicated by the nameplate or in the 
manual shipped with the commercial packaged boiler, and will adopt 
``fuel input rate'' to mean the rate at which any particular commercial 
packaged boiler uses energy and is determined using test procedures 
prescribed under Sec.  431.86.
    DOE also proposed in the March 2016 NOPR a set of enforcement 
provisions to confirm that the fuel input rate of a commercial packaged 
boiler being tested matched the certified value for rated input for the 
basic model. DOE proposed these provisions to clarify its process for 
determining compliance, specifically for determining the equipment 
class and therefore applicable standard for a commercial packaged 
boiler if it did not fire on rate (within 2-percent of the certified 
rated input value). In the case that a commercial packaged boiler did 
not fire on rate, DOE proposed the following steps:
     DOE will attempt to adjust the gas pressure in order to 
increase or decrease the fuel input rate as necessary;
     If still not on rate, DOE will then attempt to modify the 
gas inlet orifice (e.g., drill) accordingly;
     If still not on rate, DOE will use the measured fuel input 
rate when determining equipment class and the associated combustion 
and/or thermal efficiency standard level for the basic model.
    In response, Bradford White recommended that the following steps be 
taken: the manifold pressure is adjusted; followed by changing the gas 
pressure, if necessary; and lastly, modify the gas orifice(s). 
(Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 6) Bradford White also suggested that DOE 
should consult with the manufacturer on how to achieve desired 
conditions if adjustments do not allow a model to operate within 2-
percent of its rated input. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 6) Similarly, 
AHRI suggested that if, during testing, a unit cannot be put on rate 
and the input rate that is achieved in that situation would put the 
model in a different equipment class, DOE should ask the manufacturer 
for the documentation that confirms that the nameplate input rate is 
the value certified by the testing agency which certified the model's 
compliance with the applicable safety standards. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 7) 
Raypak opposed the proposal that DOE attempt to modify gas inlet 
orifices when the fuel input rate of a boiler is not within 2-percent 
of the certified value because several of its commercial packaged 
boilers use zero-governor technology that use a nozzle instead of an 
orifice. The nozzle cannot simply be drilled to gain more gas flow, and 
drilling would damage the nozzle. Raypak suggested that DOE consult 
manufacturer's instructions and input before attempting to adjust the 
input rate. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 7)
    DOE agrees with Bradford White that adjusting the manifold pressure 
of a commercial packaged boiler could bring the measured fuel input 
rate of a unit to within 2-percent of the rated input during testing. 
DOE notes that its proposed regulatory text stated that it would modify 
``gas pressure'' without specifying inlet or manifold, though both 
modifications would be attempted. In this final rule, DOE further 
specifies that it would attempt to alter both the manifold pressure and 
inlet pressure in order to bring the measured fuel input rate to within 
2-percent of the rated input. In response to Raypak's comments, DOE 
agrees that manufacturer's instructions should first be consulted and 
therefore is adopting additional language to clarify that this would 
occur before any attempts at adjustments to the commercial packaged 
boiler or test set-up are made. DOE also notes, however, that the 
proposed language stated that DOE would attempt each modification as 
specified in the test procedure. That language is being adopted in this 
final rule and DOE will therefore use its expertise and discretion in 
attempting each modification as may be required to bring the measured 
fuel input rate of a gas-fired unit to within 2-percent of rated input. 
If a commercial packaged boiler uses a nozzle rather than an orifice, 
DOE would not attempt to drill the nozzle as the provision clearly 
states that only a gas inlet orifice would be drilled (if the unit is 
equipped with one). DOE also clarifies that this set of attempts to 
bring a tested unit on rate apply only to gas-fired commercial packaged 
boilers, and that DOE would not attempt modifications for oil-fired 
equipment.
    Raypak suggested that rounding fuel input rates to the nearest 
1,000 Btu/h will create confusion and uncertainty. (Raypak, No. 47 at 
p. 7) Bradford White disagreed with the proposal that a model's 
measured input is to be rounded to the nearest 1,000 Btu/h and does not 
see a value in rounding the input. The model, if not already, must be 
adjusted to achieve its rated input 2-percent. (Bradford 
White, No. 39 at p. 6) DOE notes that the provision requiring rounding 
fuel input rates to the nearest 1,000 Btu/h was associated with the 
proposed certification process for fuel input rate and is not being 
adopted in this final rule. Raypak's and Bradford White's concerns are 
therefore now moot.

E. Testing of Large Commercial Packaged Boilers

    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE acknowledged that large commercial 
packaged boilers may not be fully assembled until they are installed at 
the field site, which may preclude them from being tested in a 
laboratory setting. DOE also recognized that, as the size of the 
equipment increases, testing costs incurred to condition the incoming 
water and air to the test procedure rating conditions, as well as 
management of the hot water generated during testing, also 
significantly increases. DOE therefore proposed several provisions for 
its commercial packaged boiler test procedure that would accommodate 
the testing of large units.
1. Optional Field Test
    DOE proposed a field test option for commercial packaged boilers 
with fuel input rates greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h. If electing to use 
this option, a manufacturer would test the combustion efficiency of a 
commercial packaged boiler once assembled in the field in order to 
certify compliance with the applicable energy conservation standard. As 
discussed in the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed this option in response 
to industry concerns that the DOE test procedure was difficult or 
impossible to conduct for large commercial packaged boilers. DOE 
recognized that commercial packaged boilers with high rated inputs 
(i.e., greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h) may not be fully assembled until 
they are installed at the field location which may preclude them from 
being tested in a laboratory setting. The proposed field test option 
would allow for compliance certification based on testing of only one 
unit, and would include exemptions for certain set-up, ambient 
condition, and water temperature requirements that would be difficult 
or impossible to meet in the field.
    In response, Farrelly supported the field testing option while 
several commenters did not. (Khan, No. 31 at p. 1; ABMA, No. 38 at p. 
2; Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 3; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 6; Burnham, No. 
40 at p. 2; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 3; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4; Weil-
McLain, No. 41 at p. 6, 14; Farrelly, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 
at p. 165) Although Bradford White did not agree with allowing 
commercial

[[Page 89285]]

packaged boilers to be tested in the field, it suggested that it is 
already common practice to field test boilers with inputs greater than 
5,000,000 Btu/h because laboratories are not able to test them. 
(Bradford White, No. 39 at pp. 2-3) Burnham suggested that the proposed 
optional field test violates 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B). (Burnham, No. 40 
at p. 2) AHRI stated that in the field a test cannot be conducted per 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. (AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 
at p. 144)
    In response to Burnham's suggestion that the proposed optional 
field test violates EPCA, as noted in section III.C, where the 
industry-based test method does not meet the requirements under 42 
U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3), DOE may deviate from the industry-based test 
method as necessary in order to adopt a test procedure that results in 
energy efficiency or energy use of a representative average use cycle 
and that is not unduly burdensome to conduct. As discussed in the March 
2016 NOPR, DOE received input from multiple stakeholders responding to 
the September 2013 Framework document and November 2014 Preliminary 
Analysis (Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0030) that indicated the existing DOE 
test procedure (referencing BTS-2000 \5\) was impractical for large 
commercial packaged boilers not only because of the size limitation of 
manufacturer and laboratory facilities, but also because these 
commercial packaged boilers are often not fully assembled until they 
are on site for installation. In response to the March 2016 NOPR, Weil-
McLain indicated that testing commercial packaged boilers with rated 
input 10,000,000 Btu/h and higher is cost prohibitive. (Weil-McLain, 
No. 41 at p. 6, 15) DOE proposed the field test option using the 
combustion efficiency measurement because such a test would be simpler, 
shorter in duration, and could be conducted in the field after a 
commercial packaged boiler has been assembled. Because ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 does not provide for a method of test that is not 
unduly burdensome to conduct for certain commercial packaged boilers, 
DOE's proposal, which provided an optional field test, satisfied both 
the requirements found at 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2) and 42 U.S.C. 
6314(a)(4)(B) to adopt a test procedure that is not unduly burdensome 
to conduct. Moreover, DOE solicited suggestions for alternatives to the 
field test option by which manufacturers could test large commercial 
packaged boilers but did not receive any such suggestions. Instead, 
commenters agreed that the industry standard did not provide a method 
of test that was feasible and that, for some commercial packaged 
boilers, to perform the industry standard test would be unduly 
burdensome. This stakeholder input demonstrates that the industry 
standard does not provide a test method for certain large commercial 
packaged boilers that is reasonably designed to produce test results 
which reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating 
costs during a representative average use cycle and that is not unduly 
burdensome to conduct.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 continues to use the same test 
methodology as BTS-2000 and while some specific changes, such as an 
increase in allowable steam pressure, make the test procedure more 
viable for large commercial packaged boilers it does not address the 
fundamental size, field assembly, and cost issues that commenters 
raised.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ABMA, Lochinvar, and Crown Boiler stated that meeting the required 
room temperature and humidity conditions would be difficult or 
impossible in the proposed field test. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 2; 
Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4; Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 
34 at p. 10, 151-152) (DOE notes that the proposed field test option in 
the March 2016 NOPR did not require ambient room temperature and 
relative humidity requirements to be met.) AHRI, Lochinvar and Raypak 
expressed concern that the field test would potentially decrease 
accuracy and repeatability of the test, and AHRI and Lochinvar 
suggested this is due to the lack of tightly controlled operating 
conditions. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 6; Lochinvar, No. 47 at p. 2; Raypak, 
No. 47 at p. 3) Lochinvar, Weil-McLain, and AERCO suggested that the 
field test option would not result in comparable ratings between 
equipment because laboratory tests would need to meet tight operating 
conditions while field tests would not. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 2, 4, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 149; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 
6, 14; AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 149-151) Weil-
McLain also suggested that a commercial packaged boiler tested using 
the field test option could meet the standard for its equipment class 
but not meet the standard when tested in a laboratory environment using 
the proposed test conditions. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 6)
    As was noted in the March 2016 NOPR, DOE agrees that a field test 
option will inherently be more variable than a test conducted in a 
laboratory environment. However, as DOE noted in this preamble, the 
field test option will accommodate testing of commercial packaged 
boilers that currently are difficult or impossible to test. 
Manufacturers are obligated to ensure that their equipment meets DOE 
standards as measured according to the DOE test procedure. While 
manufacturers have indicated that there are certain commercial packaged 
boilers that cannot be tested using the current DOE test procedure, 
they have generally opposed the field test option and have not put 
forth an alternative method of test that would address this. DOE again 
notes that, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2) and 42 U.S.C. 
6314(a)(4)(B), it is required to adopt test procedures that are not 
unduly burdensome to conduct and DOE is therefore adopting a the field 
test option to provide such a test procedure for commercial packaged 
boilers with high fuel input rates (i.e., greater than 5,000,000 Btu/
h).
    DOE notes that manufacturers will be required to submit certain 
parameters including water temperatures and ambient conditions as part 
of the compliance report for comparison to future tests of the same 
unit or another unit of the same basic model. A manufacturer may 
continue to use the standard laboratory method if it believes such a 
test would be more representative of the efficiency of its equipment. 
Additionally, for enforcement tests, DOE recognizes that a field test 
could not meet the existing laboratory accreditation requirements found 
at 10 CFR 429.110(a)(3) and therefore is adopting an exception in this 
section specifically for field tests of large commercial packaged 
boilers.
    Raypak stated that with respect to the field test, 10 CFR 
429.12(a), which requires that certification of equipment occur before 
distribution in commerce, would not be met if product is allowed to be 
advertised and sold before ratings are established. (Raypak, No. 47 at 
p. 3) Raypak stated that DOE must forbid the use of thermal efficiency 
advertising for models using the field testing method because testing 
will not have been performed yet to qualify those metrics. (Raypak, No. 
47 at p. 3) Lochinvar and AHRI expressed concern that with respect to 
field testing commercial packaged boilers could potentially be sold 
into commerce without having a rating beforehand. (Lochinvar, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 148; AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at p. 161) Weil-McLain suggested that if field testing is 
allowed, each unit should be required to be tested and the data from a 
field test unit should not be used to qualify that model for future 
sales without field testing every installation. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at 
p. 15)

[[Page 89286]]

    In response to Raypak's concern regarding certification of 
equipment prior to distribution in commerce, DOE notes that in the 
March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed a provision under 10 CFR 429.60 that 
would allow for certification of equipment not previously certified 
within 15 days of commissioning. This equipment-specific provision 
overrides the general provision of 429.12 requiring certification prior 
to distribution in commerce. In response to Raypak's suggestion that 
DOE should prohibit representations of thermal efficiency based on 
field testing because the field testing would not yet have been 
performed to substantiate the representation, DOE notes that 42 U.S.C. 
6314(d)(1) requires that representations of efficiency be based on 
testing in accordance with the DOE test procedure. If a manufacturer 
wishes to make representations of efficiency, the commercial packaged 
boiler basic model must first be tested, which DOE permits through its 
regulations as either using the normal laboratory test for thermal or 
combustion efficiency (as applicable pursuant to 10 CFR 431.87) or 
using an alternative efficiency determination method (AEDM). Such an 
AEDM could be based on testing for the smallest model in a basic model 
line and applied to the larger models. Likewise, representations for a 
commercial packaged boiler model that has been previously field tested 
(i.e., a subsequently distributed unit of the same basic model) could 
be made based on that test data.
    DOE does not agree with Weil-McLain's suggestion that each 
installation of a field tested model would always need to be tested. If 
a commercial packaged boiler basic model is certified using the field 
test method, the manufacturer is certifying that each unit of that 
basic model complies with the applicable energy conservation standard 
as is the case with any basic model that uses the laboratory method 
(i.e., not field tested) of testing and certification. DOE believes 
that requiring the testing and certification of each unit of a basic 
model in the field would be unduly burdensome. If the manufacturer is 
uncomfortable with its certification due to uncertainty whether 
subsequent units will comply with the standard, the manufacturer may 
choose to test each subsequent unit, but DOE does not require it to do 
so.
    ABMA does not support the field test option as proposed because 
once a boiler leaves a manufacturer's shipping dock, ownership 
transfers to the purchaser of the equipment and the boiler manufacturer 
has no further control over it. ABMA suggested that, even if an owner 
is willing to allow a field test, they are likely only willing to allow 
testing during summer (non-heating) months; however, the heating load 
available on the building during the summer is insufficient to perform 
a test even at night. ABMA further indicated that installation of the 
necessary equipment and instrumentation is unlikely to be allowed by 
the owner, particularly stack thermocouple grids and flow meters. 
(ABMA, No. 38 at p. 2, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 140-141) 
Similarly, Lochinvar indicated that conducting efficiency tests 
requires time and, depending on field installations, could involve some 
risk of damage to equipment. They suggested that building inspectors 
will not typically have the training to conduct the desired tests or 
verify proper execution of the test if they are providing oversight. 
Additionally, Lochinvar stated that a third-party inspector that 
delivers a non[hyphen]compliant result might find themselves the 
subject of a lawsuit questioning their methodology and results. 
(Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4)
    To allow for testing in factory fire test areas ABMA suggested 
modifying the definition of field test to mean a combustion efficiency 
test that is conducted in a location other than a laboratory setting. 
ABMA stated that doing so would reduce problems associated with field 
testing to a mostly manageable level. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 2) ABMA also 
stated that certification after distribution in commerce may be a 
worthwhile course of action provided that its other concerns for the 
field test provisions are accounted for. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 3)
    DOE agrees with ABMA's suggestion that a test performed in a 
factory fire test area (i.e., a manufacturer facility or space with 
fewer test capabilities than a laboratory) could meet the requirements 
of DOE's proposed field test while alleviating concerns regarding 
ownership and access to the installed commercial packaged boiler for 
testing. The regulatory language proposed in the March 2016 NOPR and 
being adopted in this final rule allows for such testing.
    AHRI suggested that DOE consider additional modifications to the 
AEDM to allow a means to certify that large input models comply with 
the applicable minimum efficiency standard; however, AHRI did not 
provide additional detail or suggest how this might be accomplished. 
(AHRI, No. 46 at p. 6) Lochinvar stated that, if DOE will allow the use 
of the ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 test method and AEDMs, there should 
be no need for field testing of boilers. Lochinvar further stated that 
it believes that the combination of testing according to ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015, conversion methodology and use of the AEDM should 
provide manufacturers adequate options to verify their boilers' 
performance. Lochinvar noted that this may require production of the 
smallest products in a given family for ``lab'' testing and encouraged 
DOE to allow some grace period for the production of these units and 
the accompanying test data to minimize the burden on these 
manufacturers. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4, 5) Lochinvar also noted that 
it understands that the performance of any commercial packaged boiler 
is to be verified before it is introduced to commerce and encouraged 
DOE to apply the appropriate rules fairly to all manufacturers. 
(Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4) ACEEE commented that allowing AEDMs for the 
certification of commercial packaged boilers that are too large for 
testing in a lab may be preferable to field tests. (ACEEE, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 148) ACEEE and ABMA also raised a 
concern that the AEDM process may not be feasible for large commercial 
packaged boilers because AEDMs are based on testing of multiple units 
of the same model and that commercial packaged boilers models with 
rated inputs above 5,000,000 Btu/h may only ever have one unit 
produced. (ACEEE, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 156; ABMA, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 157)
    DOE notes that representations based on the amended test procedure 
are not required until December 4, 2017, which allows manufacturers 
time to comply with the amended test procedure. Additionally, DOE 
believes that its provisions for AEDMs as they pertain to commercial 
packaged boilers adequately address AHRI's and Lochinvar's suggestions 
and mitigate test burden. An AEDM may be validated based on tests of 
any individual models in a validation class that meet or exceed the 
Federal energy conservation standard regardless of size. The tests 
could therefore be performed on the smallest individual model in a 
validation class and the AEDM could then be applied to certify the 
compliance of all other sizes. With respect to ACEEE and ABMA's concern 
regarding the number of units required for validating the AEDM, DOE 
notes that only one unit for each selected basic model (minimum two) of 
a validation class is required to be tested for comparison to the AEDM 
pursuant to 10 CFR 429.70(c)(2)(i).
    However, as noted in the March 2016 NOPR, DOE believes that field 
tests of

[[Page 89287]]

commercial packaged boilers would not be a sufficient basis for AEDMs 
applied to models below the 5,000,000 Btu/h and therefore proposed that 
AEDMs validated using field test data could only be applied to 
commercial packaged boilers with fuel input rates greater than 
5,000,000 Btu/h. In response to the concern expressed by ACEEE and ABMA 
regarding the ability to develop an AEDM applicable to commercial 
packaged boilers with rated inputs greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h, DOE 
notes that manufacturers could develop the AEDM based on testing of 
commercial packaged boilers with rated inputs less than 5,000,000 Btu/h 
and applying the AEDM to larger models in that validation class, 
thereby mitigating this concern.
    ABMA believes the threshold for allowing the field test and 
conversion methodology should be reduced to 2,500,000 Btu/h from 
5,000,000 Btu/h to match normal capacity breaks in product lines. 
(ABMA, No. 38 at p. 3) AHRI indicated that it is feasible to conduct 
the thermal efficiency test on steam commercial packaged boilers with 
rated inputs greater than 2,500,000 Btu/h and less than or equal to 
5,000,000 Btu/h. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 8) However, Bradford White 
suggested that requiring laboratory tests for commercial packaged 
boilers between 2,500,000 Btu/h and 5,000,000 Btu/h would require 
laboratory upgrades totaling $300,000. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 2-
3) Lochinvar opposes all ``field testing;'' however, if allowed, 
Lochinvar suggested the lower limit for field constructed boilers must 
be no lower than 5,000,000 Btu/h because [commercial] packaged boilers 
are widely available in this input rate and should not be unequally 
tested and rated. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4) Weil-McLain suggested 
that if the field test option is kept that it only be available to 
10,000,000 Btu/h boilers and larger because testing these boilers is 
cost prohibitive. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 6, 15) Weil-McLain also 
indicated that testing water and steam commercial packaged boilers with 
inputs between 2,500,000 Btu/h and 5,000,000 Btu/h is already done in 
many facilities. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 14)
    The purpose of the field test option is to alleviate the test 
burden for large capacity commercial packaged boilers that is largely 
the result of laboratory facility limitations. As such, DOE believes 
that a minimum 5,000,000 Btu/h threshold for the field test option is 
appropriate as indicated in Lochinvar's and AHRI's comments, as well as 
Weil-McLain's indication that laboratory testing for commercial 
packaged boilers between 2,500,000 and 5,000,000 Btu/h is already 
common. In response to Bradford White's indication that incorporating 
commercial packaged boilers with inputs greater than 2,500,000 Btu/h 
and 5,000,000 Btu/h would impose costs, DOE does not believe costs 
associated with testing such units are prohibitive, as other parties 
have suggested that such testing is already commonly performed. In 
response to ABMA's comments that the threshold should be lowered to 
2,500,000 Btu/h, DOE does not agree that capacity breaks in product 
lines is sufficient justification for such an allowance. In response to 
Weil-McLain's suggestion to raise the threshold to 10,000,000 Btu/h, 
DOE notes that the field test is an option, not a requirement, and that 
raising the threshold to 10,000,000 Btu/h would likely result in 
manufacturers and laboratory facilities needing to make major 
investment in laboratory capabilities in order to be able to perform 
laboratory tests up to such a capacity.
2. Optional Conversion of Combustion Efficiency to Thermal Efficiency
    As an additional provision for accommodating large commercial 
packaged boilers (rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h) DOE 
proposed in the March 2016 NOPR a conversion from combustion efficiency 
to thermal efficiency for steam commercial packaged boilers. While hot 
water commercial packaged boilers of the same size must meet a Federal 
energy conservation standard using the combustion efficiency metric, 
steam commercial packaged boilers must meet a thermal efficiency 
standard. The thermal efficiency test uses a more complex set-up and 
instrumentation and would be difficult to conduct in the field. Under 
the proposal, manufacturers could test a steam commercial packaged 
boiler for combustion efficiency (in a laboratory or in the field) and 
convert to thermal efficiency using an equation.
    In response to this proposal, ABMA agreed with the concept of the 
conversion but did not agree that a single number (2-percent difference 
between combustion and thermal efficiency) is applicable across a broad 
range of sizes. They suggested that the difference should be capacity 
dependent and provided the following data for the difference between 
combustion and thermal efficiency: 4,185,000 Btu/h: 0.56 percent, 
10,463,000 Btu/h: 0.41 percent, 31,383,000 Btu/h: 0.24 percent, and 
50,220,000 Btu/h: 0.18 percent. Alternatively, ABMA suggested that a 
manufacturer could use size-specific data on radiation loss. (ABMA, No. 
38 at p. 3, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 87) Bradford White 
stated that the 2-percent difference was not appropriate and suggested 
reviewing active products in the AHRI directory. (Bradford White, No. 
39 at p. 3) Lochinvar stated that the proposed conversion method was 
appropriate; however, Lochinvar also stated that they did not agree 
with any attempt to convert between combustion and thermal efficiency. 
They further suggested that using a fixed conversion factor is not 
accurate or appropriate. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 4-5)
    Weil-McLain stated that the 2-percent difference between combustion 
and thermal efficiency is arbitrary and will not result in reliable 
thermal efficiency results. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 8) Weil-McLain 
also suggested that manufacturers could take advantage of the 
conversion by removing insulation which would increase jacket losses 
and combustion efficiency but not result in higher thermal efficiency. 
(Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 15) They also suggested that if thermal 
efficiency cannot be directly measured or derived based on jacket loss 
measurements then it should not be the specified efficiency method for 
that equipment class. Finally, Weil-McLain stated that the range of 
values for the difference between combustion and thermal efficiency is 
much larger than the 0.5 percent to 2.0-percent cited in the March 2016 
NOPR. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 15)
    Relatedly, AERCO commented that, if only the combustion efficiency 
test were required for large commercial packaged boilers, the test 
burden would be manageable. They indicated that investment in water 
pump and heat dissipation equipment may be necessary, but that running 
a test may amount to $30,000 to $40,000 which is considered reasonable 
when compared to the cost of some large commercial packaged boilers 
($100,000 to $200,000). (AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 
154) ABMA indicated that there would still be a limit to the size of 
commercial packaged boilers that could be tested even if performing 
only the combustion efficiency test. (ABMA, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at p. 154)
    DOE notes that the intent of the optional combustion to thermal 
efficiency methodology is to reduce test burden for manufacturers that 
have found it difficult to test the thermal efficiency of commercial 
packaged boilers with rated inputs greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h. This 
is supported by

[[Page 89288]]

AERCO's comment that performing a combustion test would be achievable 
for large commercial packaged boilers. Manufacturers have the option of 
continuing to use the thermal efficiency test if they believe it will 
result in a more accurate representation of their equipment's 
efficiency. As described in the March 2016 NOPR, DOE analyzed a subset 
of the AHRI directory (as of January 2015) \6\ in order to determine a 
value for the conversion; specifically, DOE considered the difference 
between rated combustion and thermal efficiency for all steam 
commercial packaged boilers with rated input larger than 5,000,000 Btu/
h. DOE found 52 basic models of steam commercial packaged boilers with 
a rated input larger than 5,000,000 Btu/h and the difference between 
rated combustion and thermal efficiency ranged between 0.5 percent and 
2.0-percent. DOE acknowledges that the range may be wider (and may 
include values for which the thermal efficiency is greater than the 
combustion efficiency) for other subsets of commercial packaged boilers 
or for all commercial packaged boilers as a whole. However, this 
methodology would only be available to steam commercial packaged 
boilers with rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h and therefore DOE 
used only that subset of data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Available at: https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DOE used a single value of 2.0 that represents the 
maximum difference between combustion and thermal efficiency for those 
commercial packaged boilers in order to generate conservative ratings 
for basic models certified using this methodology. If manufacturers 
believe their equipment is capable of achieving a higher thermal 
efficiency, they may elect to use the thermal efficiency test rather 
than the combustion efficiency test and conversion. DOE notes that the 
thermal efficiency test would be used for DOE enforcement testing; and 
therefore, DOE does not believe that manufacturers would be likely to 
manipulate the test to achieve an artificially better result as Weil-
McLain suggests.
    With respect to Weil-McLain's suggestion to use combustion 
efficiency as the metric for this equipment class, EPCA directs DOE to 
consider amending its energy conservation standards for commercial 
packaged boilers each time ASHRAE amends ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1. (42 
U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)(A)) Pursuant to EPCA, on July 22, 2009, DOE published 
a final rule adopting the thermal efficiency metric as the energy 
efficiency descriptor for eight of ten equipment classes of commercial 
packaged boilers in order to conform to ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2007. 
74 FR 36314. DOE is not reconsidering the efficiency metric used for 
any equipment class of commercial packaged boilers at this time.

F. Hot Water Temperatures

    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed modifications to the water 
temperatures for hot water tests of commercial packaged boilers. In the 
current DOE test procedure (which incorporates by reference BTS-2000), 
inlet water temperature for a non-condensing commercial packaged boiler 
can be between 35[emsp14][deg]F and 80[emsp14][deg]F and outlet water 
temperature must be 180[emsp14][deg]F 2[emsp14][deg]F. For 
a condensing commercial packaged boiler, inlet water temperature must 
be 80[emsp14][deg]F 5[emsp14][deg]F and outlet water 
temperature must be 180[emsp14][deg]F 2[emsp14][deg]F (at 
Point C in). ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, which replaced BTS-2000 and 
was proposed for incorporation by reference in the March 2016 NOPR, did 
not change these temperature requirements. These inlet and outlet 
temperature requirements result in a temperature rise across the heat 
exchanger ranging from 98[emsp14][deg]F to 147[emsp14][deg]F for a non-
condensing commercial packaged boiler and from 93[emsp14][deg]F to 
107[emsp14][deg]F for a condensing commercial packaged boiler. Also, 
BTS-2000 and ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 permit recirculating loops, 
allowing heated outlet water to be reintroduced into the incoming water 
thereby increasing the temperature of the inlet water entering the 
commercial packaged boiler (see further discussion in section III.F.2). 
As stated in the March 2016 NOPR, DOE identified several issues with 
these temperature requirements based on comments received in response 
to the October 2013 Framework document, February 2014 RFI, and the 
November 2014 Preliminary Analysis, as well as through manufacturer 
interviews and a review of the existing DOE test procedure. The issues 
included:
     The current temperature rise is unrepresentative of actual 
operating conditions;
     The current temperature rise may induce excessive stresses 
on some commercial packaged boilers; and
     The presence of recirculating loops during testing leads 
to significant variability in the actual temperature rise across the 
commercial packaged boiler.
    DOE therefore proposed modifications to the inlet and outlet water 
temperature requirements that would result in a consistent 
40[emsp14][deg]F nominal temperature rise for all commercial packaged 
boilers. For condensing commercial packaged boilers, DOE proposed an 
inlet temperature of 80[emsp14][deg]F and an outlet temperature of 
120[emsp14][deg]F, and for non-condensing commercial packaged boilers 
DOE proposed an inlet temperature of 140[emsp14][deg]F and an outlet 
temperature of 180[emsp14][deg]F. Additionally, while recirculating 
loops could still be used, DOE proposed that the inlet temperature 
would be measured downstream of where the loop would reenter the 
incoming water stream, immediately prior to the water entering the 
commercial packaged boiler.
1. General Comments
    Burnham, Weil-McLain, and the Efficiency Advocates agreed that the 
temperatures in the current test procedure (BTS-2000, or equivalently 
in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) were not representative of actual 
installation/field conditions for commercial packaged boilers. 
(Burnham, No. 40 at p. 3; Efficiency Advocates, No. 45 at p. 1-2; Weil-
McLain, No. 41 at p. 7) Weil-McLain further suggested that BTS-2000 was 
not intended to simulate actual installation conditions for the boiler 
and that a 100[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise would not have been used 
in BTS-2000 otherwise. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 17) Burnham further 
stated that, even though the water temperatures found in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 are not representative of those seen in the field, 
this does not necessarily mean that resulting efficiency measurements 
are not representative of what would be found in the field. (Burnham, 
No. 40 at p. 3)
    Bradford White, NEEA, and the Efficiency Advocates stated that 
DOE's proposed water temperatures would more accurately reflect 
operating temperatures found in the field. (Bradford White, No. 39 at 
p. 3; NEEA, No. 44 at p. 2; Efficiency Advocates, No. 45 at p. 1-2) 
AERCO also stated that continuing to use the 80[emsp14][deg]F inlet and 
180[emsp14][deg]F outlet temperatures is unrealistic and that this 
should be changed even if ratings are affected. (AERCO, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 12) NEEA stated that, for non-condensing 
commercial packaged boilers, hot water coils that provide heating are 
designed to provide a 20[emsp14][deg]F temperature drop across the coil 
with a design supply water temperature of 180[emsp14][deg]F on the 
coldest days and 160[emsp14][deg]F on mild days. NEEA stated that the 
20[emsp14][deg]F temperature drop across the coil prevents the return 
water from being less than 140[emsp14][deg]F (when the supply water 
temperature is 160[emsp14][deg]F), which prevents condensing from 
occurring, and that the 40[emsp14][deg]F rise proposed by DOE is more 
representative

[[Page 89289]]

than the range used in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. For condensing 
commercial packaged boilers, NEEA stated that the 40[emsp14][deg]F 
temperature rise is also more representative of typical conditions in a 
commercial building, and that water is typically supplied to the 
building at 120[emsp14][deg]F and returned to the commercial packaged 
boiler at 100[emsp14][deg]F. (NEEA, No. 44 at pp. 1-2) The Efficiency 
Advocates similarly commented that return water for a non-condensing 
commercial packaged boiler must be at or above 140[emsp14][deg]F to 
prevent condensing and possible corrosion. (Efficiency Advocates, No. 
45 at pp. 1-2)
    The Efficiency Advocates also suggested that the specificity of 
DOE's proposed inlet and outlet temperature requirements would improve 
consistency and repeatability across ratings and tests. (Efficiency 
Advocates, No. 45 at pp. 1-2) The Efficiency Advocates also supported 
the proposal to measure the inlet water temperature downstream of where 
inlet water enters the unit such that the actual temperature of the 
water entering the commercial packaged boiler would not be obscured. 
(Efficiency Advocates, No. 45 at p. 1) The CA IOUs supported DOE's 
proposal for a fixed inlet water temperature as opposed to the 
35[emsp14][deg]F to 80[emsp14][deg]F range currently allowed because 
consumers could more confidently compare the ratings of commercial 
packaged boiler models. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 2)
    However, several stakeholders including AHRI, Burnham, Raypak, 
Lochinvar and Weil-McLain, suggested that DOE's proposed water 
temperatures would impact ratings, and presented test results that 
showed a range of effects on thermal efficiency from a decrease of up 
to 1.4-percent to an increase of up to 1.8-percent. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 
3; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 4; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4; Lochinvar, No. 43 
at p. 7; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 4, 8, 10) AHRI stated that the 
current water temperature conditions specified in BTS-2000 and 
maintained in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 should be retained without 
change. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 3) AHRI further stated that the aggregate 
effect on ratings is irrelevant to a commercial packaged boiler model 
that just complies with the standard and whose rating is lowered by the 
proposed test procedure. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 3) Burnham suggested that 
the proposed water temperatures would trigger manufacturers to 
recertify and could result in non-compliance for some models, while 
Crown Boiler and Raypak suggested that all manufacturers would need to 
retest all models. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 4, 5; Crown Boiler, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 10; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4, 6) 
Lochinvar questioned why, if the amended test procedure is not expected 
to change ratings, manufacturers should be burdened with rerating their 
units. (Lochinvar, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 49) NEEA 
suggested that DOE create a crosswalk to convert old test data to new 
test data as a way of reducing testing burden. (NEEA, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 34) Burnham raised the concern that reducing 
the temperature rise would increase measurement error and therefore the 
thermal efficiency error by 2.5 times.\7\ (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ DOE believes that Burnham arrived at the factor of 2.5 by 
dividing a 100[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise by the proposed 
40[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise, and that Burnham is suggesting 
that the measurement error would increase in the same proportion as 
the decrease in temperature rise. DOE notes that such a scenario 
would only happen in those instances where recirculating loops are 
not currently used during testing, e.g., cast iron sectional 
commercial packaged boilers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Gas Associations suggested that DOE document specific 
differences in efficiency that result from the water temperature 
changes as compared to ratings produced by ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
so that manufacturers could evaluate the impacts the temperature 
changes would have on their specific models. (Gas Associations, No. 42 
at p. 2) The CA IOUs suggested that test data from Pacific Gas and 
Electric (PGE) showed changes in efficiency resulting from different 
inlet and outlet water temperatures, but that this testing was done 
according to a different test protocol and it remains unclear how the 
changes proposed in the March 2016 NOPR will impact the efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers on the market. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 4) 
More specifically, DOE understands the testing conducted by the CA IOUs 
was conducted in accordance with the test methodology in ASHRAE 
Standard 155P (currently in draft form), which is not representative of 
or comparable to DOE's proposed method of test or the methodology being 
adopted today. The ASHRAE Standard 155P test procedure has many 
differences in methodology--namely part loading and inlet water 
conditions as compared to the DOE methodology. Thus, DOE expects the 
results to be quite different and that data should not be considered as 
part of the comparison to the current Federal method and the 
methodology DOE proposed for an amended test procedure because it is 
not relevant.
    DOE is sensitive to concerns regarding the impact of the test 
procedure amendments on ratings, particularly for commercial packaged 
boilers that were not previously able to use a recirculating loop for 
reducing the temperature rise across the unit, as there was a 
significant difference in inlet water temperature in the March 2016 
NOPR for units not using a recirculating loop as compared to the 
current test method. (Recirculating loops are considered in section 
III.F.2.) However, DOE continues to believe that an inlet water 
temperature range of 35[emsp14][deg]F to 80[emsp14][deg]F as found in 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is an unnecessarily large range based on 
the capabilities of current test facilities, and that lower 
temperatures in that range are particularly unrepresentative of water 
temperatures found in the field. DOE again notes its obligation under 
42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B) to adopt a test procedure consistent with the 
amended industry standard unless it finds that such a procedure would 
not meet the statutory requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3), namely 
that it may not reflect a product's energy efficiency or use during a 
representative average use cycle and/or is unduly burdensome to 
conduct. As discussed, DOE has found that the water temperature 
provisions of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 would not produce results 
that reflect energy efficiency during a representative average use 
cycle because a wide range of allowable temperatures may result in an 
unrepeatable test and, in some cases, those temperatures are far lower 
than any temperatures that would ever be experienced in the field.
    In this final rule, DOE is therefore adopting an inlet temperature 
requirement of 80[emsp14][deg]F 5[emsp14][deg]F for non-
condensing commercial packaged boilers that do not utilize a 
recirculating loop, and the outlet temperature will remain 
180[emsp14][deg]F  2[emsp14][deg]F. (Note: this inlet water 
temperature is consistent with the existing inlet water temperature 
requirement for condensing commercial packaged boilers. See section 
III.F.3 for discussion of water temperatures for condensing commercial 
packaged boilers.) This range aligns with the existing allowable 
maximum temperature of 80[emsp14][deg]F for the inlet water temperature 
but reduces the total allowable range. DOE agrees with the Efficiency 
Advocates and CA IOUs that the March 2016 NOPR water temperatures would 
improve consistency due to their specificity, would remove ambiguity 
concerning the temperature of water entering a unit, and would provide 
assurance to consumers that commercial packaged boilers were rated 
similarly. Although

[[Page 89290]]

the temperatures being adopted in this final rule are different from 
those proposed, DOE believes that the final rule will still achieve 
these results. DOE believes that this final rule results in a test 
procedure that is more representative of efficiencies found in the 
field by increasing the allowable inlet water temperature and more 
repeatable because of the narrower allowable range of inlet water 
temperatures, while mitigating concerns regarding the impact on 
ratings. DOE believes that the concerns regarding impacts on ratings 
due to the proposed 140[emsp14][deg]F inlet water temperature are 
mitigated with the temperature requirements it is adopting in this 
final rule. Therefore, DOE does not believe it is necessary to produce, 
as the Gas Associations and NEEA suggested, a conversion methodology 
between the existing and amended test procedures. Moreover, a 
manufacturer would only need to recertify a basic model if it 
determines its test results no longer represent the efficiency of the 
basic model as tested under the amended test procedure. Such a 
determination should be possible based on a review of the water 
temperatures used to generate prior test data and an understanding of 
the potential effects on the resulting efficiency.
2. Recirculating Loops
    DOE noted in the March 2016 NOPR that the presence of recirculating 
loops during testing obscures the actual temperature rise that the 
commercial packaged boiler experiences. Section 8.5.1.1.1 of BTS-2000, 
which is incorporated by reference in the current DOE test procedure, 
states that such a loop may be used ``for tubular boilers that require 
a greater flow rate to prevent boiling.'' In such instances, the same 
section also requires that the temperature rise through the boiler 
itself not be less than 20[emsp14][deg]F. Section 5.3.5.3 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015, which replaces BTS-2000, expands the use of 
recirculating loops by removing the requirement that a boiler be 
``tubular'' to use a recirculating loop, such that a recirculating loop 
may be used ``for [any] boilers that require a greater flow rate to 
prevent boiling.'' In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed inlet water 
temperature requirements immediately preceding the commercial packaged 
boiler, thereby allowing all commercial packaged boiler tests to use 
the recirculating loop to achieve a 140[emsp14][deg]F or 
80[emsp14][deg]F inlet water temperature for non-condensing and 
condensing units, respectively. (See section III.F.3 for discussion of 
water temperatures for condensing commercial packaged boilers.) DOE 
also sought comment specifically on the prevalence of recirculating 
loops during testing. DOE received the following feedback:
     ABMA stated that recirculating loops are used for fire-
tube type boilers. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 4)
     Bradford White stated that recirculating loops are used 
for low mass boilers to prevent boiling. (Bradford White, no. 39 at p. 
4)
     AHRI stated that recirculating loops are used for water-
tube type boilers that require forced water circulation to operate, and 
that the AHRI certification program is consistent with this. (AHRI, No. 
46 at p. 3)
     Burnham stated that recirculation loops are not used 
unless absolutely necessary (though they did not indicate what 
conditions would require the recirculating loop) and indicated that 
BTS-2000 only explicitly permits recirculating loops for water-tube 
type boilers. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 5)
     Raypak stated that they use a recirculating loop on all 
non-condensing boilers. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 6)
     Lochinvar stated that recirculation loops are common on 
tube-type boilers and uncommon on cast sectional boilers but that this 
is not universally true. They also stated that a recirculating loop is 
needed for copper fin tube boilers but not stainless steel tube 
boilers. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 7, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 
at p. 43)
     Weil-McLain stated that it is not true that most 
manufacturers use a recirculation loop with sectional cast iron 
boilers. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 9)
     Crown Boiler stated that they do not use a recirculating 
loop in testing most of their boilers except for those that require a 
higher flow rate, and that they believe this is characteristic of most 
other manufacturers. (Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 
at p. 42-43)
     AERCO stated they do not use a recirculating loop unless 
it is during the winter and the water entering the building is 
40[emsp14][deg]F to 50[emsp14][deg]F. (AERCO, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 44)
    DOE understands that Raypak currently does not manufacture 
sectional cast iron commercial packaged boilers, and therefore their 
statement that recirculating loops are only used for their non-
condensing models is consistent with the current allowance only for 
``tubular'' or tube-type commercial packaged boilers in the DOE test 
procedure (BTS-2000, section 8.5.1.1.1). Raypak also stated that it 
specifies minimum and maximum flow rates in its installation and 
operation manuals to prevent boiling and erosion in the tubes, and that 
it uses recirculation loops to maintain these flow rates during 
testing. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 6) Burnham further suggested that 
excessive stresses caused by the current temperature rise are not a 
problem because of the short duration of the test, and that 
recirculation loops are used only when necessary because they create 
additional set-up complexity and may negatively impact efficiency. 
(Burnham, No. 40 at p. 4-5) AHRI suggested that the change in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 to make recirculating loops available for all models 
addresses concerns for damaging the commercial packaged boiler. (AHRI, 
No. 46 at p. 3) In response to the March 2016 NOPR, the CA IOUs 
supported the proposed inlet water temperature location because it 
would remove ambiguity. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 2)
    In response to the comments, DOE continues to believe that there is 
sufficient variation in test set-ups and temperatures so as to warrant 
adopting additional specifications for water temperatures. DOE believes 
that the expansion of the use of recirculating loops to any commercial 
packaged boilers as alluded to by AHRI is further justification for 
moving the location of the inlet water temperature constraint to 
immediately preceding the commercial packaged boiler inlet. The 
allowance for a recirculating loop as written in ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 could result in inlet water temperatures entering the unit of 
anywhere from the temperature of the incoming water to the test 
facility (between 35[emsp14][deg]F and 80[emsp14][deg]F as described in 
section III.F.1) to 160[emsp14][deg]F (based on the minimum 
20[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015). DOE 
concludes that such provisions would not meet the statutory 
requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)-(3) in that they would not reflect 
a product's energy efficiency or use during a representative average 
use cycle, as the wide range of allowable temperatures can result in an 
unrepeatable test; DOE is therefore deviating from the industry 
standard in this instance to add more specificity that is needed for 
repeatable testing. DOE is adopting the non-condensing temperatures 
proposed in the March 2016 NOPR (140[emsp14][deg]F inlet as measured 
immediately preceding the commercial packaged boiler and 
180[emsp14][deg]F outlet) for those commercial packaged boilers that 
use a recirculating loop as allowable by ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
(i.e., to prevent boiling). This will ensure that

[[Page 89291]]

all commercial packaged boilers using a recirculating loop during 
testing use the same boiler temperature rise of 40[emsp14][deg]F and 
will remove ambiguity, increase consistency, and provide for a more 
representative test of efficiency. DOE notes that a temperature 
requirement at this location allows manufacturers and laboratories the 
flexibility of either using a recirculating loop or an external heat 
source (e.g., another boiler) to maintain the required inlet water 
temperature.
3. Condensing Commercial Packaged Boilers
    Burnham suggested that DOE's proposed water temperatures make the 
test less representative of actual operating conditions because 
condensing boilers will experience an increase in efficiency due to the 
reduction in outlet water temperature. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 4) Raypak 
also stated that the proposed condensing temperatures are not 
representative of typical temperature rises and that these same 
temperatures are used in ASHRAE Standard 155P only to provide a 
``boundary condition test'' as part of the efficiency map that that 
test procedure will produce. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 3)
    Burnham and Crown Boiler also suggested that non-condensing and 
condensing commercial packaged boilers are often used at the same water 
temperatures (Burnham suggested this therefore overstates the relative 
efficiency of condensing commercial packaged boilers) and Raypak stated 
that condensing boilers will see water temperatures closer to the 
proposed non-condensing test temperatures and that the March 2016 NOPR 
did not address this. (Burnham, No. 40 p. 2, 4; Crown Boiler, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 10, 57; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 4) 
Burnham suggested this violates 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B), which states 
DOE must amend the test procedure as necessary to be consistent with 
the amended industry test procedure or rating procedure unless it 
determines that to do so, supported by clear and convincing evidence, 
would not meet the requirements for test procedures to be 
representative of energy efficiency during an average use cycle and to 
be not unduly burdensome to conduct. (Burnham, No. 40 p. 2, 4) Weil-
McLain suggested that, if the proposed water temperatures are adopted, 
all commercial packaged boilers (non-condensing and condensing) should 
be tested at the non-condensing temperatures but have the option to 
test at the condensing temperatures (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 5) 
Bradford White also suggested that different temperature conditions for 
condensing and non-condensing boilers would not result in fair 
comparisons. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 3)
    Raypak similarly suggested that condensing boilers be tested and 
certified at both proposed temperature conditions (non-condensing and 
condensing) to provide engineers, building owners, and architects an 
understanding of the true efficiency that would be obtained; they also 
stated that separate temperature ranges for condensing and non-
condensing commercial packaged boilers would introduce confusion in the 
market. (Raypak, No. 47 at pp. 3-4, 8) AERCO suggested rating 
condensing equipment at the same water temperatures as non-condensing 
equipment. (AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 44-45) PGE 
suggested requiring two separate metrics for condensing commercial 
packaged boilers, one for condensing and one for non-condensing 
operation. (PGE, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 55-57) 
However, Crown Boiler, Lochinvar, and AHRI opposed this concept. (Crown 
Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 58; Lochinvar, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 60-61; AHRI, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 59) Raypak stated that not requiring 
condensing boilers to be certified at both conditions would give 
condensing boilers an unfair advantage because they are often installed 
in non-condensing applications or experience periods of non-condensing 
operation. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4, 8) Finally, Raypak stated that 
their test results indicated an 8.5-percentage point reduction in 
thermal efficiency when testing a condensing boiler at the non-
condensing temperatures as opposed to the condensing temperatures, and 
that this difference needs to be addressed in DOE's test procedure. 
(Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4)
    DOE acknowledges concerns that condensing commercial packaged 
boilers often in application do not experience temperatures that induce 
condensing operation. DOE's proposed water temperatures for condensing 
equipment in the March 2016 NOPR preserved the existing nominal inlet 
water temperature of 80[emsp14][deg]F but reduced the outlet water 
temperature from 180[emsp14][deg]F to 120[emsp14][deg]F to achieve a 
more realistic temperature rise of 40[emsp14][deg]F, consistent with 
the temperature rise that was proposed for non-condensing equipment. As 
noted by Raypak, these temperatures also aligned with the anticipated 
temperatures in ASHRAE Standard 155P, which several commenters have 
recommended DOE adopt in the future once it is published. DOE 
recognizes that these temperatures (80[emsp14][deg]F inlet and 
120[emsp14][deg]F outlet), as Raypak suggested, are intended to provide 
a boundary condition test for ASHRAE Standard 155P--one in which a 
condensing commercial packaged boiler is assured to fully condense due 
to the average temperature between inlet and outlet water 
(100[emsp14][deg]F) being well below the temperature at which 
condensing begins to occur (approximately 130-140[emsp14][deg]F). 
Condensing commercial packaged boilers could therefore potentially gain 
higher efficiencies under the proposed water temperatures, and while 
this would not require manufacturers to rerate existing models, it may 
result in rated efficiencies that are not achieved in application. DOE 
is, therefore, maintaining the inlet and outlet water temperatures in 
the existing test procedure for condensing commercial packaged boilers 
in this final rule. DOE notes that the existing inlet water temperature 
requirement for condensing commercial packaged boilers 
(80[emsp14][deg]F  5[emsp14][deg]F, maintained in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015) are repeatable because a much smaller temperature 
range is already specified. Therefore, DOE does not believe that its 
concerns regarding repeatability apply to the condensing water 
temperatures and does not find reason to deviate from the industry 
standard in this instance.
4. Test Facility Water Flow Rate Capabilities
    Bradford White, AHRI, Raypak, Lochinvar, and Weil-McLain suggested 
that the reduction in the temperature rise from 100[emsp14][deg]F to 
40[emsp14][deg]F would reduce the capacity of laboratory facilities or 
that facility upgrades would be necessary because of a proportional 
increase in water flow rate. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 4; AHRI, No. 
46 at p. 3; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 6; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 7; Weil-
McLain, No. 41 at p. 14) AHRI suggested that this would be most 
noticeable for cast-iron and oil-fired boilers, which have not been 
tested with a recirculating loop. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 4) ABMA suggested 
that DOE's estimated costs in the March 2016 NOPR for a 10 million Btu/
h boiler were inadequate and that it is not abnormal for a boiler to be 
three times as large. They suggested that without an AEDM the ratio 
(three times) would be applied to the pump (equaling $9,000) and new 
weigh tanks and scales in order to accommodate a flow rate of up to 
1,500 gallons per minute (gpm), as well as a new cooling tower that 
could reach $750,000. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 5) AHRI

[[Page 89292]]

stated that DOE incorrectly assumed that a recirculating loop would 
resolve the issue of higher water flow rates and higher total volume 
necessary for the proposed water temperatures. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 3-4)
    In response to concerns regarding water flow rates DOE believes 
that the temperatures adopted in this final rule mitigate the need for 
higher flow rates (and therefore additional costs, as ABMA suggests). 
For commercial packaged boilers that cannot utilize a recirculation 
loop, DOE is adopting a temperature rise that is similar to what is 
used currently (nominal 100[emsp14][deg]F, whereas the current test 
procedure allows for a temperature rise between 98[emsp14][deg]F and 
147[emsp14][deg]F) and therefore DOE anticipates similar flow rates 
will be used during testing. For commercial packaged boilers that 
utilize a recirculating loop to prevent boiling (in keeping with ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015, incorporated by reference in this final rule), 
the inlet water temperature requirement, measured immediately preceding 
the commercial packaged boiler inlet, standardizes the temperature for 
these commercial packaged boilers. Currently, this temperature is not 
required to meet any specific range. However, DOE anticipates based on 
product literature that the current use of recirculating loops results 
in a similar inlet water temperature to the 140[emsp14][deg]F 
temperature requirements adopted in this final rule, and therefore does 
not result in any substantive change to the water flow requirements. 
DOE therefore does not anticipate increased water flow rates needed to 
meet the amended test procedure, and does not believe test laboratories 
will experience a reduction in capacity.
5. Other Issues Related to Water Temperatures
    Several commenters raised other issues associated with water 
temperatures for commercial packaged boilers. Bradford White stated 
that some commercial packaged boilers may not be capable of being 
tested with a 40[emsp14][deg]F difference between inlet and outlet 
water temperatures and that they should instead be tested with a 
temperature rise as close to 40[emsp14][deg]F as possible as allowed by 
manufacturer instructions. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 3) AHRI and 
Lochinvar stated that DOE already has a process in place by which 
instructions regarding testing of particular models could be provided. 
(AHRI, No. 46 at p. 8; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 6) Weil-McLain noted 
that if a boiler could previously be tested with a 100[emsp14][deg]F 
temperature rise then there is no reason that it could not be tested 
with a 40[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 
16) Raypak suggested that the proposed test procedure would allow 
manufacturers to select the temperature rise that works best for their 
product because of the proposed allowance for manufacturer instructions 
to specify a maximum temperature rise that would be used during 
testing. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 6) DOE notes that, with the temperature 
requirements being adopted in this final rule, the concerns presented 
by these commenters apply only to commercial packaged boilers that use 
a recirculating loop during testing because only such units would be 
required to have a 40[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise.
    Consistent with Weil-McLain's comments and based on its review of 
product literature, DOE is not aware of any commercial packaged boilers 
models that could not be tested using the 40[emsp14][deg]F temperature 
rise and is therefore adopting this temperature rise for commercial 
packaged boilers that cannot be tested using the standard 
100[emsp14][deg]F temperature rise. Manufacturers may continue to 
provide supplementary instructions pursuant to 10 CFR part 429; 
however, these supplementary instructions do not supplant the 
requirements of the DOE test procedure. Manufacturers may, however, 
submit a petition for waiver for any commercial packaged boilers model 
that cannot be tested to the DOE test procedure pursuant to 10 CFR 
431.401 on the grounds that that either the basic model contains one or 
more design characteristics that prevent testing of the basic model 
according to the prescribed test procedures or cause the prescribed 
test procedures to evaluate the basic model in a manner so 
unrepresentative of its true energy or water consumption 
characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data.
    Multiple stakeholders, including Bradford White, AHRI, Burnham, 
Lochinvar, Raypak, and Weil-McLain did not support DOE's proposed 
tolerance of 1[emsp14][deg]F for the inlet and outlet water 
temperatures. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 3; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 4, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 47; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 5; 
Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 1; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 3; Weil-McLain, No. 41 
at p. 5) Burnham and Raypak suggested that the proposed tolerances 
would not improve the accuracy of efficiency measurements, and Weil-
McLain suggested that using a tolerance of 2[emsp14][deg]F 
would not impact the accuracy of the measurement compared to 1[emsp14][deg]F because the actual temperature measured during 
the test is accounted for in the calculations for efficiency. (Burnham, 
No. 40 at p. 5; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 3; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 5) 
Lochinvar, Weil-McLain, and Crown Boiler indicated that maintaining the 
water temperatures over the course of a test to within the proposed 
1[emsp14][deg]F band for the necessary water flow rates 
would be difficult or impossible. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at pp. 1, 7, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 48; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 
4; Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 48) Bradford 
White suggested that the average of the inlet and outlet water 
temperatures individually be held to a 1[emsp14][deg]F 
tolerance through the test duration, while any given reading would have 
a tolerance of 2[emsp14][deg]F. (Bradford White, No. 39 at 
p. 3) AERCO suggested allowing the temperature to vary by more than 
1[emsp14][deg]F but conducting the test for 2 hours so that 
variations from the target temperature will not bias the result. 
(AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 51)
    DOE concurs with Weil-McLain's assessment that the calculations for 
efficiency use the actual temperature rise measured during the test and 
therefore maintaining the temperatures within certain tolerances is 
less important. DOE notes that the tolerances instead provide an 
additional verification that the system is operating at a steady-state 
and provide for a repeatable test procedure. DOE also acknowledges that 
keeping the outlet temperature of a large commercial packaged boiler 
within 1[emsp14][deg]F may pose technical challenges that 
are not justified given the use of the measured average temperature in 
the efficiency calculations. DOE is therefore not adopting the proposed 
temperature tolerances of 1[emsp14][deg]F and is instead 
adopting tolerances from ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    AERCO stated that multipoint water temperature measurements or 
mixing before a single point reading is critical because a large source 
of error in efficiency calculations is the temperature. Measurement 
error can occur because of stratification of the water temperature. 
(AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 52, 172-173) DOE 
acknowledges that ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 incorporated set-up 
changes to induce mixing at the outlet in order to prevent 
stratification and therefore reduce measurement error. DOE is therefore 
adopting similar set-up changes at the inlet of the commercial packaged 
boilers in order to reduce the error associated with inlet water 
temperature measurement. Water entering the commercial packaged boiler 
must first pass through two plugged tees in order to induce mixing, 
with the

[[Page 89293]]

temperature measurement taking place in the plugged end of the second 
tee.

G. Ambient Conditions

    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed new constraints on ambient 
temperature and relative humidity. DOE's existing test procedure limits 
the humidity of the room during testing of condensing boilers to 80-
percent (10 CFR 431.86(c)(2)(ii)) and establishes ambient room 
temperature requirements. BTS-2000 (incorporated by reference) and 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 both require that test air temperature, as 
measured at the burner inlet, be within 5[emsp14][deg]F of 
the ambient temperature, where ambient temperature is measured within 6 
feet of the front of the unit at mid-height. ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 prescribes an allowable ambient temperature during the test 
between 30[emsp14][deg]F and 100[emsp14][deg]F (section 5.3.8) with the 
relative humidity not exceeding 80-percent in the test room or chamber 
(section 5.3.9). DOE proposed to require that ambient relative humidity 
at all times be 60-percent 5-percent and ambient room 
temperature 75[emsp14][deg]F 5[emsp14][deg]F during thermal 
and combustion efficiency testing of commercial packaged boilers.\8\ 
DOE proposed the same ambient conditions for all commercial packaged 
boilers (non-condensing and condensing).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Absolute 
humidity is the water content of air. Relative humidity, expressed 
as a percent, measures the current absolute humidity relative to the 
maximum for that temperature. Specific humidity is a ratio of the 
water vapor content of the mixture to the total air content on a 
mass basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to the March 2016 NOPR, ABMA, AHRI, Burnham, and 
Lochinvar indicated that current testing typically takes place in 
uncontrolled environments, spaces that are not sealed and tightly 
controlled with respect to ambient conditions, or spaces that could not 
be maintained within the proposed ambient parameters for all sizes of 
commercial packaged boilers. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 6, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 75; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 4; Burnham, No. 40 at 
p. 6; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 8) Weil-McLain indicated that combustion 
air is typically not conditioned; that for direct exhaust systems and 
direct vent or sealed units, combustion air is provided directly to the 
unit and therefore the ambient room air is often warmer than the air 
used for combustion. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 2) Because the air is 
brought in from outside and is unconditioned, several manufacturers 
suggested that the proposed ambient requirements would limit the times 
of year during which testing could be performed. (Bradford White, No. 
39 at p. 4; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 5; Weil-
McLain, No. 41 at p. 2)
    Several commenters suggested that the proposed ambient conditions 
would result in additional test burden by forcing manufacturers to 
spend significant resources in upgrading facilities and HVAC 
capabilities. (ABMA, No. 38 at pp. 4, 6; Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 
4; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; CA IOUs, No. 48 at pp. 3-4; AHRI, No. 46 at 
p. 4; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 5; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 8; Weil-McLain, 
No. 41 at pp. 2, 14) Weil-McLain suggested that DOE understated the 
costs associated with laboratory facility upgrades. (Weil-McLain, No. 
41 at p. 2) Bradford White estimated that the cost of an environmental 
chamber would be approximately $120,000; AHRI suggested the cost could 
be from $100,000 to over $1,000,000; Burnham suggested that the cost 
would be approximately $125,000 for a 20-ton cooling capacity 
laboratory HVAC system; and Raypak estimated that a facility capable of 
conditioning combustion air to support a 4,000,000 Btu/h boiler would 
be $500,000 to $1,500,000. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 4; AHRI, No. 
46 at p. 4; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 6)
    Multiple stakeholders suggested that DOE had not provided 
sufficient evidence that tighter ambient condition restrictions are 
justified. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 4; Weil-McLain, 
No. 41 at p. 2; Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 5) ABMA acknowledged, 
however, that ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 was written primarily based 
on testing of smaller boilers and that it is possible it does not 
account for the sensitivity of larger boilers to certain test 
conditions. (ABMA, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 82) AHRI 
suggested that ambient requirements were being considered as part of 
the development of ASHRAE Standard 155P, particularly as they pertain 
to jacket losses. (AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 80-
81) Weil-McLain also stated that the premise that ambient temperature 
limits would improve repeatability is false, while CA IOUs stated that 
a range of allowable ambient temperatures of 30 to 100 degrees 
Fahrenheit (found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) can result in 
efficiency ratings that vary because heat convection from the 
commercial packaged boiler to the room would increase as the ambient 
room temperature decreases. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 2; CA IOUs, No. 
48 at p. 1). CA IOUs therefore supported the ambient room temperature 
requirement to be 75[emsp14][deg]F 5[emsp14][deg]F and 
stated that it should be achievable by most testing facilities. 
However, CA IOUs also suggested that variations in relative humidity 
have little effect on efficiency rating and therefore did not justify 
the added test burden. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at pp. 3-4) Similarly, Crown 
Boiler questioned whether the limits for relative humidity were 
justified, but suggested that an allowable range of 0 to 60-percent 
relative humidity would be more reasonable. (Crown Boiler, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 74-75) Raypak stated that they concur 
with the conclusion reached in the residential boiler test procedure 
rulemaking that ambient temperature and relative humidity do not have 
any impact on efficiency. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4) Bradford White also 
suggested that the changes to the DOE test procedure may in fact have 
an effect on ratings in light of DOE's consideration that ambient 
temperature and relative humidity have a noticeable effect on 
efficiency. (Bradford White, No. 39 at pp. 4-5, 6-7)
    In light of comments received DOE is maintaining the current 
maximum ambient relative humidity of 80-percent consistent with ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015. At this time, DOE does not believe the added 
test burden of controlling ambient humidity is justified, given the 
amount of combustion air required for commercial packaged boilers 
approaching 5,000,000 Btu/h rated input (larger than this size would be 
eligible for the optional field test for which ambient relative 
humidity would not be constrained). DOE is adopting tighter 
restrictions for ambient room temperature as compared to ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015, as it does not believe that the incremental test 
burden associated with maintaining reasonable room temperatures is 
excessive. However, in light of the concerns raised about fluctuations 
in test spaces, DOE is adopting a wider range of allowable ambient room 
temperatures as compared to those in the March 2016 NOPR. For 
condensing commercial packaged boilers, room ambient temperature will 
be required to be between 65[emsp14][deg]F and 85[emsp14][deg]F and for 
non-condensing commercial packaged boilers ambient room temperature 
will be required to be between 65[emsp14][deg]F and 100[emsp14][deg]F. 
DOE believes that deviating from the ambient temperature requirements 
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is necessary in order to satisfy its 
obligation under 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(2) to provide a test procedure 
that produces results that reflect energy efficiency that is 
representative of

[[Page 89294]]

equipment during an average use cycle, as the wide range of allowable 
ambient temperatures (as permitted by ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) may 
affect jacket losses and would result in a less repeatable test. DOE 
also believes that these temperatures are consistent with ASHRAE 
Standard 155P,\9\ which several commenters have requested DOE adopt 
once it is published. DOE is also requiring that the average ambient 
relative humidity and average ambient room temperature be included in 
certification reports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ An Advisory Public Review Draft of ASHRAE Standard 155P was 
published in August 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, Burnham and Raypak commented specifically that the 
2[emsp14][deg]F tolerance with respect to the mean ambient 
temperature would be difficult or impossible to maintain given the size 
of equipment and make-up air requirements. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; 
Raypak, No.47 at p. 5) In light of these concerns, DOE is widening the 
allowable tolerance by which the room ambient temperature can vary with 
respect to the average ambient room temperature during the test from 
2[emsp14][deg]F as proposed to 5[emsp14][deg]F. 
DOE proposed similar requirements (2[emsp14][deg]F 
variation from average ambient room temperature) in its test procedure 
NOPR for commercial water heating equipment, published in the Federal 
Register on May 9, 2016. 81 FR 28587. In response, Bradford White, 
AHRI, and A.O. Smith (owner of Lochinvar) supported an allowable 
variation of 5[emsp14][deg]F as opposed to 2[emsp14][deg]F, and Bradford White and A.O. Smith suggested that 
maintaining temperature with such allowable variation would be 
achievable without additional burden to manufacturers. (Docket EERE-
2014-BT-TP-0008: Bradford White, No. 19 at p. 3; AHRI, No. 26 at p. 7; 
A. O. Smith, No. 27 at p. 18) \10\ DOE notes that Bradford White and 
A.O. Smith (Lochinvar) manufacture both commercial water heating 
equipment and commercial packaged boilers, and DOE expects that 
laboratory facilities are comparable for testing both types of 
equipment. DOE is therefore adopting a tolerance of 5[emsp14][deg]F with respect to the average room ambient 
temperature for commercial packaged boilers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The rulemaking docket for the commercial water heating 
equipment test procedure can be found at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2014-BT-TP-0008.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    AERCO suggested that the altitude of a unit undergoing a field test 
could impact the test result, and the CA IOUs suggested that barometric 
pressure variation has a greater impact on test ratings than relative 
humidity and possibly temperature. (AERCO, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at p. 160; CA IOUs, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 76) 
DOE was not provided data that indicate to what extent barometric 
pressure affects efficiency ratings for commercial packaged boilers. 
DOE has not found it necessary to regulate the ambient barometric 
pressure of test rooms for any heating products. Accordingly, DOE is 
not adopting barometric pressure requirements in this final rule.

H. Set-Up and Instrumentation

    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed several clarifications to set-
up and instrumentation for its commercial packaged boiler test 
procedure, including steam piping configuration, digital data 
acquisition, and calibration requirements.
    In general, ACEEE suggested that DOE not specify instrumentation to 
the level of detail being proposed, but rather indicate only how DOE 
would test for enforcement cases because it is the manufacturer's 
responsibility to ensure the accuracy of its certifications. (ACEEE, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 108-109) DOE disagrees, as 
manufacturers need to have test data to assess whether a product is 
compliant prior to distribution that is just as reliable as the test 
data DOE uses when bringing an enforcement case. DOE establishes test 
provisions that both DOE and manufacturers (as well as other 
stakeholders) must use when conducting an efficiency test. Although DOE 
does establish separate enforcement provisions, such provisions 
typically do not establish an alternative method of test but instead 
establish a methodology to grant latitude to manufacturers for key 
metrics such as those used to determine equipment class. Establishing a 
consistent test methodology, including calibration procedures, is 
fundamental to EPCA, as it ensures that all parties have a standardized 
method for assessing compliance with standards and for generating 
efficiency information for consumers. Therefore, DOE is adopting 
calibration procedures as part of its test procedure in this final rule 
that all parties must use when using the DOE test procedure.
1. Steam Piping
    In the March 2016 NOPR DOE proposed provisions in order to clarify 
steam riser and header geometry. The proposed additional specifications 
were as follows:
     No reduction in diameter shall be made in any horizontal 
header piping, as a reduction in pipe diameter in the horizontal header 
prevents entrained water from draining properly and typically leads to 
non-steady-state operation. In the case of commercial packaged boilers 
with multiple steam risers, the cross-sectional area of the header must 
be no less than 80-percent of the summed total cross-sectional area of 
the risers, and the header pipe must be constant in diameter along its 
entire length.
     The diameter of the vertical portion of the steam 
condensate return pipe that is above the manufacturer's recommended 
water level may be reduced to no less than one half of the header pipe 
diameter to ensure adequate operation of the return loop and draining 
of entrained water back into the commercial packaged boiler.
    In the event the manufacturer's literature does not specify 
necessary height and dimension characteristics for steam risers, 
headers, and return piping, DOE also proposed the following 
requirements to ensure consistent and repeatable testing:
     The header pipe diameter must be the same size as the 
commercial packaged boiler's steam riser (steam take-off) pipe 
diameter. In the case of commercial packaged boilers with multiple 
steam risers, the cross-sectional area of the header must be no less 
than 80-percent of the summed total cross-sectional area of the risers, 
and the header pipe must be constant in diameter along its entire 
length.
     The height measured from the top of the header to the 
manufacturer's recommended water level must be no less than the larger 
of 24 inches or 6 times the header pipe diameter.
     The distance between the vertical steam riser (steam take-
off) leading to the water separator and the elbow leading to the 
condensate return loop must be a minimum of three (3) header pipe 
diameters to prevent entrained water from entering the separator 
piping.
     If a water separator is used, piping must pitch downward 
to the separator at a rate of at least \1/4\ inch per foot of pipe 
length in order to assure proper collection of moisture content and 
steady-state operation during testing.
     A vented water seal is required in steam moisture 
collection plumbing to prevent steam from escaping through the moisture 
collection plumbing.
    In response, the CA IOUS supported the modified language for steam 
riser and header geometry, steam condensate return pipe and pipe 
installation requirements because they would improve test accuracy and 
quality. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 3) AHRI suggested that the test 
procedure should refer to manufacturer's installation instructions

[[Page 89295]]

with regard to steam riser, header, and return water loop requirements. 
(AHRI, No. 46 at p. 8) Weil-McLain suggested that the steam quality 
requirement (98-percent per BTS-2000 and ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) 
is sufficient and that the proposed configuration requirements do not 
reflect common installation practices. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 7) 
Crown Boiler also suggested that the geometry requirements in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 are sufficient because pipe sizes can vary by 
manufacturer and are listed in manufacturer's specifications. They also 
suggested that the requirement for the steam riser diameter to be half 
of the diameter of the header is not needed because there is generally 
no flow in the pipe and that the size of the pipe is sometimes 
determined experimentally. (Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at p. 85)
    While DOE believes that its proposed requirements could be met in 
most cases, DOE cannot anticipate all commercial packaged boiler 
designs and configurations. For commercial packaged boiler designs for 
which the proposed steam piping configurations would not be feasible, 
manufacturers would need to seek waiver or, for commercial packaged 
boilers with rated inputs greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h, may need to use 
the field test where they otherwise could have performed a laboratory 
test. DOE agrees with Weil-McLain that the steam quality requirement is 
sufficient for ensuring steady operation of the commercial packaged 
boiler, in conjunction with the requirement in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 that steam pressure not fluctuate by more than 5-percent. DOE 
believes that using only the steam quality and pressure measurement 
requirements are sufficient to ensure a repeatable test, and that the 
additional burden and reduced flexibility in test set-up are not 
justified by the additional improvement in repeatability that would 
result from the proposed steam piping requirements. DOE is therefore 
withdrawing these proposed steam pipe set-up provisions.
    DOE also proposed insulation conductivity and thickness 
requirements for steam piping. AHRI commented that certifying 
compliance with an R-value as opposed to thickness and conductivity may 
be simpler. (AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 90) DOE 
notes that the proposed insulation requirements are taken from ASHRAE/
IES Standard 90.1 and conversion to R-values would result in fractions 
which may present confusion. The proposed steam piping insulation 
provisions are therefore adopted in this final rule for consistency 
with the industry standard. The March 2016 NOPR included rows for fluid 
temperatures up to 250[emsp14][deg]F; however, this final rule adopts 
the full table from ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, which include fluid 
temperatures up to 350[emsp14][deg]F, in order to account for 
superheated steam.
2. Digital Data Acquisition
    DOE proposed to require digital data acquisition at 30-second 
intervals in the March 2016 NOPR. Bradford White supported this 
proposal. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 5) However, AHRI, Burnham, 
Lochinvar, and Weil-McLain suggested that the requirement was not 
justified. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 5; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 7; Lochinvar, 
No. 43 at pp. 6, 9; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 6) ABMA suggested that 
digital data acquisition may have benefits. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 5) 
Multiple stakeholders, including AHRI, ABMA, Lochinvar, Raypak, and 
Weil-Mclain, also raised concern about the cost burden of this 
requirement. (AHRI, No. 46 at p. 5; ABMA, No. 38 at p. 5, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 101; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 6; 
Raypak, No. 47 at p. 4; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at pp. 5-6)
    Burnham indicated that most laboratories can log temperatures at 
30-second intervals although they may not be able to do so with 
instrumentation having the required accuracy of  
0.2[emsp14][deg]F. (Burnham, No. 40 at p. 7) Weil-McLain noted that DOE 
did not identify a calibration methodology for the digital data 
acquisition equipment. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 5) Raypak suggested 
that the data acquisition system would require costs for a flow meter, 
gas meter, flue gas analyzer, gas chromatograph, pressure transducers, 
barometric pressure and humidity interface controls and would cost four 
to five times DOE's estimate. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 8) Lochinvar 
suggested that water temperature readings should be digitized but that 
higher heating value, barometric pressure, and relative humidity should 
not be digitized. (Lochinvar, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 
102-103)
    DOE believes digital data acquisition is a valuable tool for 
ensuring that the various parameters and requirements of the test 
procedure are met for the duration of the test. Temperatures vary over 
the course of a test, and DOE does not believe that 15-minute interval 
data as required by ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is sufficient for 
verifying that the test procedure has been met or that the measured 
efficiency has not been influenced by variance in certain parameters. 
DOE considered the cost burden of adding digital data acquisition in 
the March 2016 NOPR and has revised its estimates in section IV.B, and 
continues to believe that the costs are not overly burdensome in 
comparison to the overall cost of testing for a manufacturer's product 
line. DOE is therefore adopting the requirement for obtaining data 
digitally for temperatures, specifically ambient room temperature, flue 
gas temperature, and water temperatures. Because DOE is not, at this 
time, adopting tighter tolerances on the ambient relative humidity, DOE 
also will not require digital data acquisition for this parameter and 
will continue to use 15-minute intervals. DOE does not believe it is 
necessary to specify calibration in light of the accuracy requirements 
already part of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    Weil-McLain suggested that DOE provide details on integration and 
averaging methods for each data type as well as rules on how to treat 
data points that fall outside of the requirements when the average or 
integrated values for the test are within requirements. (Weil-McLain, 
No. 41 at p. 6, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 65) AHRI 
similarly suggested DOE include a table that lists which measurements 
are to be averaged and which are to be totaled over the test period. 
(AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 104-105) DOE has 
modified the tables in the test procedure to clarify that any 
individual digital reading falling out of its required range per the 
DOE test procedure constitutes an invalid test. DOE is modifying the 
original 30-second interval to 1-minute intervals as a means of 
reducing the burden that the constraint may pose by invalidating a test 
due to one 30-second interval reading of one parameter not being within 
tolerance. Each 1-minute interval reading for each of the parameters 
required to be obtained through digital data acquisition must therefore 
fall within the specified range per the DOE test procedure. In this 
final rule, DOE has also added specificity regarding averaging and 
integration for each measurement, as applicable.
3. Calibration
    DOE proposed in the March 2016 NOPR that instrumentation be 
calibrated at least once per year. Bradford White and Lochinvar 
expressed support for this proposal, and DOE did not receive any 
comments objecting. (Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 5; Lochinvar, No. 43 
at p. 9) DOE is therefore adopting this requirement in this final rule. 
Weil-McLain, however, suggested that the proposed calibration 
procedures did not address whether pre-

[[Page 89296]]

test and post-test calibration is required. For example, they suggest 
that it is unclear what implications, if any, there are if a previously 
calibrated instrument is used and on the next calibration the 
instrument fails or is damaged. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 18) DOE 
clarifies that it is not adopting provisions by which a test is 
invalidated because an instrument fails a subsequent calibration.
    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed to require calibration of gas 
chemistry instrumentation using standard gases with purities of greater 
than 99.9995 percent for all constituents analyzed. In response, AHRI, 
Bradford White, Burnham, Raypak, Lochinvar, Weil-McLain, and Crown 
Boiler suggested that the requirement was too stringent. (AHRI, No. 46 
at p. 5; Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 5; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 7; 
Raypak, No. 47 at pp. 7-8; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 9; Weil-McLain, No. 
41 at p. 18; Crown Boiler, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 99) 
Raypak noted that its supplier, Airgas Specialty Gases, uses ultra-high 
purity gases of 99.99 percent for CO2 and 99.5 percent for 
CO, and that they indicated that 99.9995 percent purity CO2 
is significantly more expensive and the maximum available for CO is 
99.99 percent. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 7) Lochinvar suggested that the 
excessive purity proposed in the March 2016 NOPR was both prohibitively 
expensive and posed significant toxicity and flammability risks. They 
further suggested that calibration references should be 4 to 10 times 
more accurate than the required accuracy of the equipment being 
calibrated. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 9) Bradford White suggested that a 
typical cylinder of calibration gas costs approximately $400 and lasts 
approximately 8 weeks, assuming the analyzer is calibrated daily; they 
also provided a sample gas calibration certificate. (Bradford White, 
No. 39 at p. 5 and Attachment)
    After further consideration, DOE acknowledges that gas meeting the 
proposed ultra-high purity gas calibration standards may be difficult 
or expensive to obtain. Additionally, DOE recognizes that there are 
requirements for the accuracy of gas chemistry instrumentation found in 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 that are being adopted in this final rule. 
DOE believes that the requirements for gas chemistry instrumentation 
accuracy (specifically 0.1 percent for CO2 and 
O2 testers and the greater of 10 ppm or 5-percent of reading for CO testers) are sufficient for the 
purposes of the commercial packaged boiler test procedure and that 
requiring a specific calibration gas purity beyond the accuracy of the 
instrument itself may be duplicative. Accordingly, DOE is not adopting 
this proposal.
4. Other Set-up and Instrumentation Comments
    ABMA requested that straight vent stacks be allowed as an 
alternative to the double 90-degree elbow configuration in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 to accommodate commercial packaged boilers with 
forced draft burners firing into combustion chambers under positive 
pressure. They further stated that automated draft control systems are 
used on installations having tall stacks, thus there is typically no 
dilution of flue gas in the vent system. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 2-3) DOE 
agrees that such commercial packaged boilers should be permitted to 
test using straight vent stacks and has included a provision in this 
final rule accordingly.
    The CA IOUs suggested that the test procedure should be revised to 
eliminate ambiguity in how CO2 concentrations are measured 
during the test. They indicated that during tests of commercial 
packaged boilers conducted by PGE, the CO2 concentration 
could change depending on where the CO2 probe was placed in 
the flue gas stream. (CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 2) DOE reviewed the 
submitted data and acknowledges that there appears to be an effect on 
the CO2 measurement based on horizontal position of the flue 
gas probe. Additionally, DOE notes that there is ambiguity, as CA IOUs 
suggest, in the placement of the flue gas probe for vent configurations 
like the one CA IOUs presented in their comment. Specifically, DOE 
believes the unit tested by PGE was an outdoor commercial packaged 
boiler because there was no stack attached to the unit. However, CA 
IOUs did not suggest which position should be used in the DOE test 
procedure. DOE notes that section C2.5.2 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 specifies that sampling from a rectangular plane be collected 
``using a sampling tube located so as to obtain an average flue gas 
sample.'' DOE agrees that this is ambiguous. DOE is therefore adopting 
a requirement that three samples be taken at evenly spaced intervals 
(\1/4\, \1/2\, and \3/4\ of the distance from one end) in the longer 
dimension and along the centerline halfway between the edges in the 
shorter dimension of the rectangle and that the average be calculated.
    Weil-McLain noted that ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 specifies 
different fuel oil analysis requirements (fuel oil grade under ASTM 
D396-14a, heating value under ASTM D240-09, hydrogen and carbon content 
under ASTM D5291-10, and density and American Petroleum Institute (API) 
gravity \11\ under ASTM D396-14a) for commercial packaged boilers than 
are required for residential boilers under ASHRAE 103-1993 annual fuel 
utilization efficiency (AFUE) (e.g., gravity and viscosity uses ASTM 
D396-90A and fuel oil analysis requirements are different than for 
commercial). Weil-McLain suggested DOE correct this to allow the same 
fuel oil analysis for both residential and commercial efficiency 
testing. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 13) DOE reviewed the fuel oil 
specifications of ASTM D396-14a and the requirements found in ASHRAE 
Standard 103-1993 (incorporated by reference for the DOE test procedure 
for residential boilers found at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix 
N). While they are similar, they are not identical and DOE could not 
confirm that they would yield similar results. Weil-McLain did not 
provide any evidence that the two methods were equivalent. Therefore, 
DOE is not adopting additional provisions for fuel oil analysis at this 
time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The American Petroleum Institute gravity, or API gravity, 
is a measure of how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to 
water: If its API gravity is greater than 10, it is lighter and 
floats on water; if less than 10, it is heavier and sinks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Weil-McLain noted that ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 allows for two 
different water meter calibrating methods, one of which does not meet 
certain accuracy requirements found in table C1 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015, and therefore recommends that DOE require water meters in 
all cases to meet table C1 in order to avoid inaccurate efficiency 
results. (Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 13) DOE notes that the March 2016 
NOPR did not propose to adopt section C2.7.2.2.2, which is the 
alternative water meter calibration method that Weil-Mclain referred 
to. This final rule adopts only the instrument accuracy requirements of 
Table C1 in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 and not section C2.7.2.2.2 
about which Weil-McLain expressed concern.

I. Other Issues

1. Burners for Oil-Fired Commercial Packaged Boilers
    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed a set of provisions for 
determining the burner to be used in testing an oil-fired commercial 
packaged boiler. DOE proposed that the unit be tested with the 
particular make and model of burner certified by the manufacturer. If 
multiple burners are specified in the installation and

[[Page 89297]]

operation manual or in one or more certification reports, then DOE 
proposed that any of the listed burners may be used for testing and all 
must be certified to the Department.
    In response, AHRI requested additional specificity in the test 
procedure for a situation in which manufacturer's specifications do not 
prescribe a specific burner or burners, particularly with respect to 
firing rate and/or spray geometry. (AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 34 at pp. 93-94) DOE notes that under its proposed regulations in 
the March 2016 NOPR, manufacturers would be required to certify the 
make and model of the burner used during certification testing, and 
that this make and model would be used for testing. DOE believes this 
is sufficiently clear and is adopting the language it proposed in the 
March 2016 NOPR.
2. Certification and Enforcement Provisions
    DOE proposed a provision in the March 2016 NOPR that it would 
conduct enforcement testing in both steam mode and hot water mode for 
those commercial packaged boilers capable of producing both and both 
results must demonstrate compliance with the applicable energy 
conservation standards. Lochinvar objected to the proposal, stating 
that there is already a method in place for determining hot water 
commercial packaged boiler efficiency based on the rating in steam 
mode, and that the requirement would add test burden. (Lochinvar, No. 
43 at p. 11) In response, DOE notes that this is not a certification 
requirement for manufacturers, but is a provision that indicates the 
procedure DOE will follow when conducting its own enforcement testing. 
Namely, DOE would conduct an enforcement test in each mode (steam and 
hot water) for those commercial packaged boilers models capable of 
operating in either mode rather than using the measured efficiency for 
steam mode to determine compliance in hot water mode. DOE would use the 
appropriate result to evaluate compliance with the respective 
standards. DOE notes that this does not add test burden for 
manufacturers and is adopting this provision as part of this final 
rule.
3. Part-Load Testing
    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE tentatively concluded that part-load 
testing was not warranted and therefore did not propose any new test 
procedure provisions towards that end. In response, Lochinvar supported 
this conclusion and, along with NEEA, the Efficiency Advocates, and the 
CA IOUs, suggested using ASHRAE Standard 155P in the future to capture 
part-load performance. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 11; NEEA, No. 44 at 
pp.2-3; Efficiency Advocates, No. 45 at p. 3; CA IOUs, No. 48 at p. 5) 
Weil-McLain suggested that part-load efficiency should not be mandated, 
but also that it would be prudent to regulate how part-load efficiency 
is measured in order to ensure comparable part-load ratings. (Weil-
McLain, No. 41 at p. 19) DOE does not intend to develop a test 
procedure at this time for the purpose of measuring part-load 
efficiency. DOE believes the ratings produced by its test procedure 
provide a sufficient basis to give the purchaser enough information 
when choosing between commercial packaged boilers models. DOE may in 
the future adopt a test procedure that includes part-load measurements.
4. Stack Temperature Adjustment
    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed a calculation to adjust the 
stack temperature when using steam mode combustion efficiency ratings 
to represent the combustion efficiency in hot water mode. DOE's 
existing test procedure allows commercial packaged boilers with fuel 
input rate greater than 2,500,000 Btu/h capable of producing steam and 
hot water to use the combustion efficiency as measured in steam mode to 
represent the combustion efficiency in hot water mode. 10 CFR 
431.86(c)(2)(iii)(B). DOE received waiver requests from Cleaver-Brooks, 
Johnston Boiler, Superior Boiler Works, and York-Shipley (AESYS) that 
asked to use an adjustment to the stack temperature when using this 
rating method in order to more accurately reflect the combustion 
efficiency of a commercial packaged boiler operating in hot water mode. 
The adjustment is given by Equation 1:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.022

where TF,SS,adjusted is the adjusted steady-state flue 
temperature used for subsequent calculations of combustion efficiency, 
TF,SS is the measured steady-state flue temperature during 
combustion efficiency testing in steam mode, Tsat is the 
saturated steam temperature that corresponds to the measured steam 
pressure, and 180 is the hot water outlet temperature.
    In response, Lochinvar agreed with adopting the method and 
indicated that the theory behind the correction is sound and results 
should be conservative. (Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 10) Weil-McLain did 
not support adopting the method because not all boiler designs are the 
same and the method may not reflect accurate ratings for water mode. 
(Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 7) Crown Boiler suggested that the 
adjustment may be unreliable, and ABMA questioned to what extent 
testing was done to develop the equation. (Crown Boiler, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 34 at p. 133-135; ABMA, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 
34 at p. 133-135)
    DOE considered data from the AHRI directory \12\ (as of May 2015) 
for commercial packaged boilers with rated inputs greater than 
2,500,000 and for which differing combustion and thermal efficiencies 
were listed for the same model (57 models). DOE found that on average 
combustion efficiency in hot water mode was approximately 0.8-percent 
higher than that for steam and would anticipate a similar adjustment 
from the proposed methodology. However, while several manufacturers 
requested the adjustment methodology as part of the waiver process, no 
data were submitted to validate the equation. DOE is therefore not 
adopting this adjustment methodology. Manufacturers wishing to rate a 
basic model with a higher combustion efficiency in hot water mode can 
perform a separate combustion efficiency test in that mode.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Available at: https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Oxygen Combustion Analyzer
    ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 includes a methodology for using an 
O2 combustion analyzer for measurements of combustion 
efficiency, and DOE proposed adopting this methodology by incorporating 
by reference this industry standard. AHRI expressed its support for the 
provision because the the O2 methodology is essentially 
equivalent to the CO2 methodology (required in BTS-2000 and 
the current DOE test procedure and included optionally in ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015) and noted that AHRI had completed analysis to 
verify this equivalency. (AHRI, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at p. 
95)

[[Page 89298]]

DOE is adopting this provision in the final rule.
6. Rounding Requirements
    DOE proposed to clarify its rounding procedures by requiring that 
the combustion and thermal efficiency results be rounded to the nearest 
tenth of one percent. In response, ACEEE suggested that reporting to 
such a level of precision means little to the customer, has little 
justification when considering the 5-percent tolerance on the final 
rating, and instead suggested rounding to a whole number. (ACEEE, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 34 at pp. 126-128) Bradford White 
similarly did not see value in rounding to the nearest tenth of a 
percent and instead recommended rounding to the nearest percent. 
(Bradford White, No. 39 at p. 6) Lochinvar, however, supported the DOE 
proposal to round to the nearest tenth of a percent. (Lochinvar, No. 43 
at p. 10)
    DOE notes that the AHRI certification program,\13\ which uses BTS-
2000 for certification testing, expresses thermal and combustion 
efficiency ratings to the nearest tenth of one percent. Also, the 
energy conservation standards for commercial packaged boilers at 10 CFR 
431.87 are expressed to the tenth of one percent. DOE is therefore 
adopting a provision in this final rule to clarify that thermal and 
combustion efficiency ratings are to be rounded to the nearest tenth of 
one percent as was proposed in the March 2016 NOPR. DOE notes that an 
AEDM may be up to five percent off from a single verification test 
result without invalidating the AEDM or the rating, but there is not an 
absolute five-percent tolerance on ratings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ For AHRI directory, see: https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/cblr/defaultSearch.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Waiver Requests
    As mentioned in section III.I.4, DOE received waiver requests from 
Cleaver-Brooks, Johnston Boiler, Superior Boiler Works, and York-
Shipley (AESYS). In addition to their request to use an adjustment to 
the stack temperature, the petitioners requested the use of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015. The petitioners noted that ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 addressed several deficiencies in BTS-2000, particularly with 
regard to the inability to test large commercial packaged boilers at 
steam pressures of 2 psi or below as required in BTS-2000. As described 
in III.C, DOE is adopting certain sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 in its test procedure for commercial packaged boilers and 
therefore DOE believes that this final rule addresses the petitioners' 
concerns. Because the need for a waiver has been overtaken by DOE's 
adoption of a method of test for the basic models for which each of the 
petitioners sought a waiver, DOE is denying these petitions for waiver. 
Petitioners may begin using this test procedure as of the effective 
date of the final rule.
    With respect to interim waivers that have been granted,\14\ DOE 
notes that this final rule addresses the issues presented in those 
waivers and as such those interim waivers will terminate on December 4, 
2017. 10 CFR 431.401(h)(2). Parties that have received an interim 
waiver may being using this test procedure as of the effective date of 
the final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See Cleaver-Brooks (81 FR 22252 (April 15, 2016)), Johnston 
Boiler Company (81 FR 38161 (June 13, 2016)), Superior Boiler Works 
(81 FR 22249 (April 15, 2016)), York-Shipley Global (81 FR 22255 
(April 15, 2016)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that test 
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory 
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory 
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this 
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires that 
when an agency promulgates a final rule under 5 U.S.C. 553, after being 
required by that section or any other law to publish a general notice 
of proposed rulemaking, the agency shall prepare a final regulatory 
flexibility analysis (FRFA), unless the agency certifies that the rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper 
Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 
(August 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on February 
19, 2003 to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on small 
entities are properly considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68 
FR 7990. DOE has made its procedures and policies available on the 
Office of the General Counsel's Web site: http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    This final rule prescribes test procedure amendments that will be 
used to determine compliance with energy conservation standards for 
commercial packaged boilers. The amendments (1) clarify the definitions 
for commercial packaged boilers; (2) incorporate by reference the 
industry standard ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015; (3) establish 
provisions for verifying rated input during enforcement testing; (4) 
adopt an optional field test and an optional metric conversion 
calculation; (5) modify the inlet water temperature requirements for 
hot water tests of non-condensing boilers; (6) and establish new 
ambient temperature limits.
    DOE reviewed this rule under the provisions of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and DOE's own procedures and policies published on 
February 19, 2003. 68 FR 7990. DOE has concluded that this rule will 
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for this certification is as follows.
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers a business entity 
to be a small business, if, together with its affiliates, it employs 
less than a threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121. 
These size standards and codes are established by the North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS). The threshold number for NAICS 
classification code 333414, which applies to ``heating equipment 
(except warm air furnaces) manufacturing' and includes commercial 
packaged boilers, is 500 employees.
    To estimate the number of companies that could be small business 
manufacturers of the equipment affected by this rulemaking, DOE 
conducted a market survey using available public information to 
identify potential small manufacturers. DOE's research involved 
reviewing the DOE Compliance Certification Database (CCD), AHRI 
directory (a product database), individual company Web sites, and 
marketing research tools (e.g., Hoover's reports) to create a list of 
all domestic small business manufacturers of equipment affected by this 
rulemaking. DOE identified 21 \15\ manufacturers of commercial packaged 
boilers as domestic small business manufacturers. DOE was able to 
discuss the DOE test procedures with 5 of these small businesses prior 
to publication of the March 2016 NOPR. DOE also obtained information 
about small businesses and potential impacts on small businesses

[[Page 89299]]

while interviewing manufacturers in the context of the standards 
rulemaking. However, DOE did not receive any detailed quantifications 
about the incremental burden small businesses would face as compared to 
larger businesses in light of the proposed methods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE identified 23 small businesses; 
however, of those 23, one small manufacturer left the market and 
another is considered large and therefore the count is now 21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to potential costs associated with the test procedure 
amendments, DOE notes that several amendments are clarifications or 
clerical changes that will not impose costs on small manufacturers. The 
clarifications made to the definitions relevant for commercial packaged 
boilers do not modify the scope of the test procedure nor do they 
impose additional test burden. DOE is not modifying the scope of 
coverage or substantively modifying its definitions in such a way that 
would result in the need to certify compliance for equipment for which 
certification is not already required. As a result, manufacturers that 
are small businesses are not expected to have to certify commercial 
packaged boilers for which they are not already certifying compliance.
    Also, updating the referenced test procedure to ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 is not anticipated to impose additional costs on 
manufacturers. ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is an industry standard 
that replaces BTS-2000, which is currently incorporated by reference in 
the DOE test procedure. ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 uses essentially 
the same test method found in BTS-2000. While ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015 removed outdated instrumentation references from BTS-2000, DOE 
does not believe manufacturers are using instrumentation that could not 
meet the requirements found in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 also increases the allowable steam pressure for 
steam tests as compared to BTS-2000, which accommodates testing of 
larger commercial packaged boilers but does not impose additional costs 
on manufacturers, including small manufacturers.
    DOE is not adopting its proposed provisions for certification of 
fuel input rate, which had the potential of requiring manufacturers to 
re-certify previously certified commercial packaged boilers. The 
provisions DOE adopts in this final rule regarding rated input pertain 
only to the process DOE will use when conducting assessment and 
enforcement testing and are for manufacturer information only. 
Therefore, these changes will pose no additional burden to small 
manufacturers of commercial packaged boilers.
    DOE is adopting several provisions in this final rule that may 
reduce the burden associated with certifying compliance for commercial 
packaged boilers. Currently, laboratory testing for thermal or 
combustion efficiency, as applicable, is required for the certification 
of all commercial packaged boilers regardless of size. As described in 
the March 2016 NOPR and in section III.E, DOE acknowledges that some 
commercial packaged boilers because of their size may only be fully 
assembled at their site of installation and therefore the requirement 
to test for efficiency in a laboratory would require a manufacturer to 
assemble the unit at the laboratory for testing, tear it down and ship 
it to the site for installation, and re-build it--a process that may be 
expensive, if not impracticable. DOE is adopting an optional field test 
methodology based on the combustion efficiency test for commercial 
packaged boilers with rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h as part 
of this final rule. As described in the March 2016 NOPR, the optional 
field test is intended to reduce test burden as compared to the 
existing DOE test procedure for thermal efficiency. DOE has previously 
noted that the combustion efficiency test is less burdensome because of 
its shorter duration and reduced instrumentation as compared to the 
thermal efficiency test. Therefore, by providing a simpler, shorter 
test method that only requires a unit to be assembled once, the 
optional field test provisions are anticipated to reduce test burden 
for small manufacturers that manufacturer these large commercial 
packaged boilers, as compared to the current test procedure.
    Similarly, DOE is adopting an optional conversion calculation to 
obtain a thermal efficiency rating from a combustion efficiency test. 
The calculation allows small manufacturers to test the combustion 
efficiency (in a laboratory, manufacturer facility, or in the field) 
for steam commercial packaged boilers with rated input greater than 
5,000,000 Btu/h and convert to a thermal efficiency rating. As 
described regarding the field test option, this optional calculation is 
anticipated to reduce test burden by allowing manufacturers of large 
equipment to use a simpler and shorter test (the combustion efficiency 
test, either in a laboratory or in the field).
    Some test procedure amendments in this final rule may require 
additional costs for manufacturers, including small manufacturers. DOE 
is adopting more specific inlet piping provisions based on comments on 
the March 2016 NOPR that will increase the accuracy of the inlet water 
temperature measurement. The set-up change will require additional 
segments of pipe and tee connections, and a temperature sensor, however 
DOE believes most if not all manufacturers already have these items. 
The set-up change may result in a longer set-up time which DOE 
estimates to be one additional hour per test. Based on current wage 
information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for a mechanical 
engineering technician,\16\ DOE estimates the additional cost per test 
(hourly labor cost multiplied by number of hours) to be $41.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ Hourly labor cost is estimated by multiplying the hourly 
wage for a mechanical engineering technician by 1.5 to account for 
benefits. Based on data from the BLS, the mean hourly wage for a 
mechanical engineering technician (occupation code 17-3027) is 
$27.11. See: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes173027.htm#nat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE is also adopting water temperature limits in this final rule 
that will reduce ambiguity in ratings and provide for a more repeatable 
test. In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE considered that a reduction in the 
temperature rise across a commercial packaged boilers would 
proportionally increase the water flow rate required. Such an increase 
may have necessitated facility improvements for manufacturer and third-
party laboratories, specifically by installing larger pumps to meet the 
increase water demand, and DOE received several comments suggesting 
this would be the case in response to the March 2016 NOPR. ABMA 
suggested that the proposed test procedure could be particularly 
harmful to small entities. ABMA indicated that the example DOE provided 
for a 10 million Btu/h was inadequate and that it is not abnormal for a 
boiler to reach 3 times that size. They suggested that without an AEDM, 
the ratio would apply to the required larger pump size, weigh tanks, 
scales etc. and that applying the scaling factor of 3 to the $3,000 
pump cost in the March 2016 NOPR would result in a $9,000 pump. 
Additionally, ABMA stated that scaling the 500 gpm flow rate would 
yield 1,500 gpm requiring new weigh tanks and scales and possibly a new 
cooling tower which could reach nearly $750,000. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 5) 
However, in this final rule DOE is adopting water temperature limits 
that are more closely aligned with the current test procedure and 
reduce the allowable range of inlet water temperature for non-
condensing commercial packaged boilers. For non-condensing commercial 
packaged boilers that already utilize a recirculating loop during 
testing, the amended test procedure standardizes

[[Page 89300]]

the temperature rise across the commercial packaged boiler which may 
require slight adjustment of flow rates compared to current tests but 
does not require any additional set-up. For non-condensing commercial 
packaged boilers that do not currently use a recirculating loop, 
manufacturers may choose to use a recirculating loop in order to 
achieve the 80[emsp14][deg]F  5[emsp14][deg]F inlet water 
temperature. DOE estimates the additional set-up time required to be 
one hour per test, and this additional cost per test to be $41 (hourly 
labor cost for mechanical engineering technician multiplied by number 
of hours). For condensing commercial packaged boilers, DOE is not 
modifying the water temperature requirements.
    In the March 2016 NOPR DOE proposed that steam tests occur at the 
lowest steam pressure at which the steam quality requirement of 98-
percent is achieved by starting at atmospheric pressure and increasing 
incrementally. In response ABMA and Weil-McLain commented that the 
requirement to incrementally increase steam pressure would impose undue 
test burden. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 4; Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p. 16) 
However, in the March 2016 NOPR DOE estimated the cost of the time and 
fuel consumed for each test to be approximately $253 based on two 
additional hours of mechanical engineering technician labor and natural 
gas use for a 10 million Btu/h commercial packaged boiler.\17\ DOE 
continues to believe this amount is modest in comparison to the overall 
cost of product development and certification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ The price of natural gas is the 5-year average (May 2009 to 
May 2014) obtained from the ``U.S. Price of Natural Gas Sold to 
Commercial Consumers'' from U.S. Energy Information Administration 
(EIA) (Available at: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/hist/n3020us3m.htm).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to ambient conditions, based on comments received 
regarding the additional burden of tightly constraining ambient 
temperature and humidity, DOE is not adopting tighter restrictions on 
the ambient humidity and is adopting a broader range of allowable 
ambient temperatures as compared with the March 2016 NOPR. Several 
commenters suggested that the proposed ambient conditions in the March 
2016 NOPR would result in additional test burden by forcing 
manufacturers to spend significant resources in upgrading facilities 
and HVAC capabilities. (ABMA, No. 38 at pp. 4, 6; Bradford White, No. 
39 at p. 4; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; CA IOUs, No. 48 at pp. 3-4; AHRI, 
No. 46 at p. 4; Raypak, No. 47 at p. 5; Lochinvar, No. 43 at p. 8; 
Weil-McLain, No. 41 at pp. 2, 14) Weil-McLain suggested that DOE 
understated the costs associated with laboratory facility upgrades. 
(Weil-McLain, No. 41 at p.2) Bradford White estimated that the cost of 
an environmental chamber would be approximately $120,000; AHRI 
suggested the cost could be from $100,000 to over $1,000,000; Burnham 
suggested that the cost would be approximately $125,000 for a 20-ton 
cooling capacity laboratory HVAC system; and Raypak estimated that a 
facility capable of conditioning combustion air to support a 4,000,000 
Btu/h boiler would be $500,000 to $1,500,000. (Bradford White, No. 39 
at p. 4; AHRI, No. 46 at p. 4; Burnham, No. 40 at p. 6; Raypak, No. 47 
at p. 6) Lochinvar indicated that adding the additional water and 
environmental test limitations beyond those in AHRI 1500 will have a 
substantial impact on all manufacturers which will be more significant 
for small manufacturers with less well equipped labs. (Lochinvar, No. 
43 at p. 11)
    However, DOE is not adopting the ambient condition requirements it 
proposed in the March 2016 NOPR. For ambient humidity, DOE is 
maintaining the current 80% maximum relative humidity requirement and 
is adopting a broader range of allowable ambient temperatures than 
proposed in the March 2016 NOPR. With regard to the ambient room 
temperature requirements in this final rule, DOE notes that the ranges 
of 65[emsp14][deg]F to 100[emsp14][deg]F for non-condensing commercial 
packaged boilers and 65[emsp14][deg]F to 85[emsp14][deg]F for 
condensing commercial packaged boilers are intended to prevent the test 
from being conducted in extreme ambient conditions, and that these 
allowable temperature ranges are typical for building heating, 
ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in normal operating 
conditions. Additionally, the temperature ranges being adopted are 
consistent with those found in DOE's test procedure for residential 
boilers (10 CFR part 430 subpart B appendix N) and in the draft version 
of ASHRAE Standard 155P published in August 2016 for public review, 
which several commenters have requested DOE adopt in the future as the 
basis for the DOE commercial packaged boiler test procedure. DOE does 
not believe that the ambient temperature requirements being adopted 
will require facility or equipment upgrades.
    In the March 2016 NOPR, DOE proposed requiring digital data 
acquisition for certain parameters in the commercial packaged boilers 
test procedure. DOE acknowledged that the requirement would have some 
one-time costs for manufacturers that do not currently have the 
necessary equipment. ABMA stated that digital data acquisition has its 
benefits, however it may create heavy financial burden for small 
manufacturers and should therefore be optional. (ABMA, No. 38 at p. 5) 
Raypak believed that the proposed digital data acquisition was too 
burdensome, particularly for small business manufacturers who would 
need to purchase data acquisition equipment at costs substantially 
higher than DOE estimates in the March 2016 NOPR. (Raypak, No. 47 at p. 
4) However, commenters did not present specific cost estimates for 
necessary equipment. DOE nevertheless reexamined its estimates for 
digital data acquisition and added instrumentation that may also be 
necessary to meet the requirements and the revised cost estimates are 
found in Table IV.1. The data acquisition system could be used by the 
manufacturer or laboratory to test all commercial packaged boiler 
models going forward.

    Table IV.1--Estimated One-Time Costs Associated With Digital Data
                               Acquisition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Description                           Cost  ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laptop.......................................................      1,500
Data Acquisition Module......................................      2,000
Data Acquisition Software....................................      3,000
Instrumentation (Resistance Temperature Detectors,                 1,000
 Thermocouples)..............................................
Initial Purchase, Installation and Setup (40 hours laboratory      1,640
 technician time x $41/hour).................................
                                                              ----------
  Total......................................................      9,140
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE does not believe that manufacturers are required to re-test and 
re-certify existing basic models that are already certified as 
complying with DOE's energy conservation standards as a result of this 
test procedure final rule. As part of its energy conservation standards 
rulemaking for commercial packaged boilers, DOE found that there are 
595 individual models attributed to 8 small manufacturers in the CCD. 
While this results in an average of 74 individual models per small 
manufacturer, DOE estimates that small manufacturers on average certify 
10 basic models (approximately 7 individual models per basic model). 
Based on discussions with third-party test laboratories, DOE estimates 
that a laboratory test using a third-party laboratory would cost a 
manufacturer approximately $5,000. If a small manufacturer were to test 
7 basic

[[Page 89301]]

models with a third-party laboratory, DOE estimates that this would 
cost $35,000 which represents approximately 0.1-percent of revenue. 
(Note: DOE believes this is a conservative estimate, as most 
manufacturers would use their own laboratories for testing at a lower 
cost.)
    For small business manufacturers that use their own facilities and 
conduct tests in-house, as shown in Table IV.1, DOE estimates the one-
time costs associated with data acquisition to be $9,140. DOE continues 
to believe these costs are modest in comparison to small manufacturer 
revenues and to the overall cost of product development and 
certification. For water tests, the additional burden due to the inlet 
piping set-up and recirculating loop total two additional hours of 
mechanical engineering technician labor or $82. For steam tests, DOE 
estimated that two additional hours of mechanical engineering 
technician labor and natural gas use would cost approximately $253. DOE 
believes that these additional costs for each test attributable to the 
inlet piping set-up, recirculating loop set-up, and steam pressure 
adjustment to be modest in comparison to the overall cost of testing.
    Further, DOE notes that manufacturers may use the AEDM process for 
certifying compliance in order to reduce burden. Manufacturers may 
develop an AEDM based on test data for smaller units in a basic model 
group and apply the AEDM for larger sizes of commercial packaged 
boilers. Additionally, the field test option adopted in this final rule 
provides a test method by which a manufacturer of large equipment (i.e. 
greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h rated input) can test and certify such 
commercial packaged boilers in the field if they do not have facilities 
capable of meeting the requirements of the standard laboratory test 
method.
    Additional compliance flexibilities may be available for small 
manufacturers through other means. Section 504 of the Department of 
Energy Organization Act, 42 U.S.C. 7194, provides authority for the 
Secretary to adjust a rule issued under EPCA in order to prevent 
``special hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens'' that 
may be imposed on that manufacturer as a result of such rule. 
Manufacturers should refer to 10 CFR part 1003 for additional details.
    For the reasons stated previously, DOE concludes that this final 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities, and as such has not prepared a regulatory 
flexibility analysis for this rulemaking. DOE has provided its 
certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Manufacturers of commercial packaged boilers must certify to DOE 
that their equipment complies with any applicable energy conservation 
standards. To certify compliance, manufacturers must first obtain test 
data for their equipment according to the DOE test procedures, 
including any amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has 
established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping 
requirements for all covered consumer products and commercial 
equipment, including commercial packaged boilers. (See generally 10 CFR 
part 429.) The collection-of-information requirement for the 
certification and recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by 
OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been 
approved by OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting 
burden for the certification is estimated to average 30 hours per 
manufacturer, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this final rule, DOE amends its test procedure for commercial 
packaged boilers. DOE has determined that this rule falls into a class 
of actions that are categorically excluded from review under the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this 
rule amends an existing rule without affecting the amount, quality or 
distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, will not result in any 
environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical 
Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any 
rulemaking that interprets or amends an existing rule without changing 
the environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 
1999), imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and 
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that 
have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to 
examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any 
action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and 
to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order 
also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure 
meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications. 
On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the 
intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the 
development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE examined this final 
rule and determined that it will not have a substantial direct effect 
on the States, on the relationship between the national government and 
the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
the various levels of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal 
preemption of State regulations as to energy conservation for the 
products that are the subject of this final rule. States can petition 
DOE for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and based on 
criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is 
required by Executive Order 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal 
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) 
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to 
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected 
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification 
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable 
effort to ensure that the regulation (1) clearly specifies the 
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct

[[Page 89302]]

while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the 
retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) 
addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general 
draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. 
Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to 
review regulations in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) 
and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to 
meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and 
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this final rule meets 
the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a regulatory action resulting in a rule that may cause the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year 
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, 
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for 
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820; also available 
at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel. DOE examined this final 
rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy and determined that 
the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate 
that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, 
so these requirements do not apply.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This final rule will not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity 
of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it 
is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation will not 
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth 
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most 
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines 
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by 
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and 
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has 
reviewed this final rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has 
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those 
guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB, 
a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy action. A 
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final 
rule, and that (1) is a significant regulatory action under Executive 
Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any significant energy action, the 
agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy 
supply, distribution, or use if the regulation is implemented, and of 
reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on 
energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This regulatory action is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has 
it been designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator 
of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and, 
accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 
1974

    Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act 
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the 
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal 
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) 
Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed 
rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of 
proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of 
such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with 
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission 
(FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on 
competition.
    The modifications to the test procedure for commercial packaged 
boilers adopted in this final rule incorporate testing methods 
contained in certain sections of the commercial standard ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015. DOE has evaluated this standard and is unable to 
conclude whether it fully complies with the requirements of section 
32(b) of the FEAA (i.e., whether it was developed in a manner that 
fully provides for public participation, comment, and review). DOE has 
consulted with both the Attorney General and the Chairwoman of the FTC 
about the impact on competition of using the methods contained in this 
standard and has received no comments objecting to their use.

M. Congressional Notification

    As required by 5 U.S.C. 801, DOE will report to Congress on the 
promulgation of this rule before its effective date. The report will 
state that it has been determined that the rule is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

[[Page 89303]]

N. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference

    In this final rule, DOE incorporates by reference the following:
    Part 429--ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015''), ``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space 
Heating Boilers,'' ANSI approved November 28, 2014: Figure C9, 
Suggested Piping Arrangement for Hot Water Boilers.
    Part 431--ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015''), ``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space 
Heating Boilers,'' ANSI approved November 28, 2014: Section 3, 
``Definitions,'' Section 5, ``Rating Requirements,'' Appendix C, 
``Methods of Testing for Rating Commercial Space Heating Boilers--
Normative,'' Appendix D, ``Properties of Saturated Steam--Normative,'' 
and Appendix E, ``Correction Factors for Heating Values of Fuel Gases--
Normative.''
    ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is an industry-accepted test procedure 
that provides methods, requirements, and calculations for determining 
the thermal and/or combustion efficiency of a commercial space heating 
boiler. ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is available at: http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/standards%20pdfs/ANSI%20standards%20pdfs/ANSI.AHRI_Standard_1500-2015.pdf.

V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final 
rule.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Incorporation 
by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 431

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation test procedures, Incorporation by 
reference, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Test procedures.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 28, 2016.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE amends parts 429 and 
431 of Chapter II of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as set forth 
below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
2. Section 429.4 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.4  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015''), 
``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space Heating 
Boilers,'' ANSI approved November 28, 2014: Figure C9, Suggested Piping 
Arrangement for Hot Water Boilers; IBR approved for Sec.  429.60.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 429.11 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.11  General sampling requirements for selecting units to be 
tested.

* * * * *
    (b) The minimum number of units tested shall be no less than two, 
except where:
    (1) A different minimum limit is specified in Sec. Sec.  429.14 
through 429.65 of this subpart; or
    (2) Only one unit of the basic model is produced, in which case, 
that unit must be tested and the test results must demonstrate that the 
basic model performs at or better than the applicable standard(s). If 
one or more units of the basic model are manufactured subsequently, 
compliance with the default sampling and representations provisions is 
required.

0
4. Section 429.60 is amended by:
0
 a. Revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and (a)(1)(i);
0
 b. Adding paragraphs (a)(3) and (4);
0
 c. Revising paragraph (b)(2); and
0
 d. Adding paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and (b)(5).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  429.60  Commercial packaged boilers.

    (a) Determination of represented value. Manufacturers must 
determine the represented value, which includes the certified rating, 
for each basic model of commercial packaged boilers either by testing 
in accordance with Sec.  431.86 of this chapter, in conjunction with 
the applicable sampling provisions, or by applying an AEDM.
    (1) * * *
    (i) If the represented value is determined through testing, the 
general requirements of Sec.  429.11 are applicable, except that, if 
the represented value is determined through testing pursuant to Sec.  
431.86(c) of this chapter, the number of units selected for testing may 
be one; and
* * * * *
    (3) The rated input for a basic model reported in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section must be the maximum rated input listed 
on the nameplate and in manufacturer literature for the commercial 
packaged boiler basic model. In the case where the nameplate and the 
manufacturer literature are not identical, DOE will use the nameplate 
on the unit for determining the rated input.
    (4) For a model of commercial packaged boiler capable of supplying 
either steam or hot water, representative values for steam mode must be 
based on efficiency in steam mode and representative values for hot 
water mode must be based on either the efficiency in hot water mode or 
steam mode in accordance with the test procedure in Sec.  431.86 of 
this chapter and the provisions of this section.
    (b) * * *
    (2) Pursuant to Sec.  429.12(b)(13), a certification report must 
include the following public, equipment-specific information:
    (i) If oil-fired, the manufacturer (including brand, if applicable) 
and model number of the burner;
    (ii) The rated input in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h);
    (iii) The combustion efficiency in percent (%) to the nearest tenth 
of one percent or thermal efficiency in percent (%) to the nearest one 
tenth of one percent, as specified in Sec.  431.87 of this chapter; and
    (iv) For a basic model of commercial packaged boiler that cannot be 
tested using the standard inlet temperatures required in appendix A to 
subpart E of part 431, the average inlet water temperature measured at 
Point B in Figure C9 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  429.4) at which the model was tested.
    (3) * * *
    (iii) For basic models of commercial packaged boilers that have a 
rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h, a declaration about whether 
the certified efficiency rating is based on testing conducted pursuant 
to Sec.  431.86(c) of this chapter.
* * * * *

[[Page 89304]]

    (5) Any field tested pursuant to Sec.  431.86(c) of this chapter 
basic model of a commercial packaged boiler that has not been 
previously certified through testing or an AEDM must be certified 
within 15 days of commissioning.
* * * * *

0
5. Section 429.70 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(D) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  429.70  Alternative methods for determining energy efficiency and 
energy use.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (D) An AEDM that is validated based on test results obtained from 
one or more field tests (pursuant to Sec.  431.86(c)) can only be used 
to certify the performance of basic models of commercial packaged 
boilers with a certified rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h.
* * * * *

0
6. Section 429.110 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(3) and adding 
paragraph (c)(1)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.110  Enforcement testing.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Testing will be conducted at a laboratory accredited to the 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International 
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ``General requirements for the 
competence of testing and calibration laboratories,'' ISO/IEC 
17025:2005(E) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  429.4). If testing 
cannot be completed at an independent laboratory, DOE, at its 
discretion, may allow enforcement testing at a manufacturer's 
laboratory, so long as the lab is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005(E) 
and DOE representatives witness the testing. In addition, for 
commercial packaged boilers with rated input greater than 5,000,000 
Btu/h, DOE, at its discretion, may allow enforcement testing of a 
commissioned commercial packaged boiler in the location in which it was 
commissioned for use, pursuant to the test provisions at Sec.  
431.86(c) of this chapter, for which accreditation to ISO/IEC 
17025:2005(E) would not be required.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Previously commissioned commercial packaged boilers with a 
rated input greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h. DOE may test a sample of at 
least one unit in the location in which it was commissioned for use.
* * * * *

0
7. Section 429.134 is amended by adding paragraph (m) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.134  Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (m) Commercial packaged boilers--(1) Verification of fuel input 
rate. The fuel input rate of each tested unit will be measured pursuant 
to the test requirements of Sec.  431.86 of this chapter. The results 
of the measurement(s) will be compared to the value of rated input 
certified by the manufacturer. The certified rated input will be 
considered valid only if the measurement(s) (either the measured fuel 
input rate for a single unit sample or the average of the measured fuel 
input rates for a multiple unit sample) is within two percent of the 
certified rated input.
    (i) If the measured fuel input rate is within two-percent of the 
certified rated input, the certified rated input will serve as the 
basis for determination of the appropriate equipment class(es) and the 
mean measured fuel input rate will be used as the basis for calculation 
of combustion and/or thermal efficiency for the basic model.
    (ii) If the measured fuel input rate for a gas-fired commercial 
packaged boiler is not within two-percent of the certified rated input, 
DOE will first attempt to increase or decrease the gas manifold 
pressure within the range specified in manufacturer's installation and 
operation manual shipped with the commercial packaged boiler being 
tested (or, if not provided in the manual, in supplemental instructions 
provided by the manufacturer pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of this 
chapter) to achieve the certified rated input (within two-percent). If 
the fuel input rate is still not within two-percent of the certified 
rated input, DOE will attempt to increase or decrease the gas inlet 
pressure within the range specified in manufacturer's installation and 
operation manual shipped with the commercial packaged boiler being 
tested (or, if not provided in the manual, in supplemental instructions 
provided by the manufacturer pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4)) to achieve 
the certified rated input (within two-percent). If the fuel input rate 
is still not within two-percent of the certified rated input, DOE will 
attempt to modify the gas inlet orifice if the unit is equipped with 
one. If the fuel input rate still is not within two percent of the 
certified rated input, the mean measured fuel input rate (either for a 
single unit sample or the average of the measured fuel input rates for 
a multiple unit sample) will serve as the basis for determination of 
the appropriate equipment class(es) and calculation of combustion and/
or thermal efficiency for the basic model.
    (iii) If the measured fuel input rate for an oil-fired commercial 
packaged boiler is not within two-percent of the certified rated input, 
the mean measured fuel input rate (either for a single unit sample or 
the average of the measured fuel input rates for a multiple unit 
sample) will serve as the basis for determination of the appropriate 
equipment class(es) and calculation of combustion and/or thermal 
efficiency for the basic model.
    (2) Models capable of producing both hot water and steam. For a 
model of commercial packaged boiler that is capable of producing both 
hot water and steam, DOE may measure the thermal or combustion 
efficiency as applicable (see Sec.  431.87 of this chapter) for steam 
and/or hot water modes. DOE will evaluate compliance based on the 
measured thermal or combustion efficiency in steam and hot water modes, 
independently.

PART 431--ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND 
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
8. The authority citation for part 431 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


0
9. Section 431.82 is amended by:
0
 a. Revising the definitions for ``Combustion efficiency,'' and 
``Commercial packaged boiler;''
0
 b. Adding in alphabetical order definitions for ``Field-constructed'' 
and ``Fuel input rate;''
0
 c. Revising the definition for ``Packaged boiler;''
0
 d. Removing the definitions for ``Packaged high pressure boiler'' and 
``Packaged low pressure boiler;'' and
0
 e. Adding in alphabetical order a definition for ``Rated input.''
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  431.82  Definitions concerning commercial packaged boilers.

* * * * *
    Combustion efficiency for a commercial packaged boiler is a 
measurement of how much of the fuel input energy is converted to useful 
heat in combustion and is calculated as 100-percent minus percent 
losses due to dry flue gas, incomplete combustion, and moisture formed 
by combustion of hydrogen, as determined with the test

[[Page 89305]]

procedures prescribed under Sec.  431.86 of this chapter.
    Commercial packaged boiler means a packaged boiler that meets all 
of the following criteria:
    (1) Has rated input of 300,000 Btu/h or greater;
    (2) Is, to any significant extent, distributed in commerce for 
space conditioning and/or service water heating in buildings but does 
not meet the definition of ``hot water supply boiler'' in this part;
    (3) Does not meet the definition of ``field-constructed'' in this 
section; and
    (4) Is designed to:
    (i) Operate at a steam pressure at or below 15 psig;
    (ii) Operate at or below a water pressure of 160 psig and water 
temperature of 250[emsp14][deg]F; or
    (iii) Operate at the conditions specified in both paragraphs (4)(i) 
and (ii) of this definition.
* * * * *
    Field-constructed means custom-designed equipment that requires 
welding of structural components in the field during installation. For 
the purposes of this definition, welding does not include attachment 
using mechanical fasteners or brazing; any jackets, shrouds, venting, 
burner, or burner mounting hardware are not structural components.
* * * * *
    Fuel input rate for a commercial packaged boiler means the measured 
rate at which the commercial packaged boiler uses energy and is 
determined using test procedures prescribed under Sec.  431.86 of this 
chapter.
* * * * *
    Packaged boiler means a boiler that is shipped complete with 
heating equipment, mechanical draft equipment, and automatic controls 
and is usually shipped in one or more sections. If the boiler is 
shipped in more than one section, the sections may be produced by more 
than one manufacturer, and may be originated or shipped at different 
times and from more than one location.
* * * * *
    Rated input means the maximum rate at which the commercial packaged 
boiler has been rated to use energy as indicated by the nameplate and 
in the manual shipped with the commercial packaged boiler.
* * * * *

0
10. Section 431.85 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  431.85  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (b) AHRI. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201, (703) 524-8800, or 
go to: http://www.ahrinet.org.
    (1) AHRI Standard 1500-2015, (``ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015''), 
``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space Heating 
Boilers,'' ANSI approved November 28, 2014, IBR approved for appendix A 
to subpart E as follows:
    (i) Section 3--Definitions (excluding introductory text to section 
3, introductory text to 3.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.7, 3.6, 3.12, 3.13, 3.20, 3.23, 
3.24, 3.26, 3.27, and 3.31);
    (ii) Section 5--Rating Requirements, 5.3 Standard Rating 
Conditions: (excluding introductory text to section 5.3, 5.3.5, 5.3.8, 
and 5.3.9);
    (iii) Appendix C--Methods of Testing for Rating Commercial Space 
Heating Boilers--Normative, excluding C2.1, C2.7.2.2.2, C3.1.3, C3.5-
C3.7, C4.1.1.1.2, C4.1.1.2.3, C4.1.2.1.5, C4.1.2.2.2, C4.1.2.2.3, C4.2, 
C5, C7.1, C7.2.12, C7.2.20;
    (iv) Appendix D. Properties of Saturated Steam--Normative.
    (v) Appendix E. Correction Factors for Heating Values of Fuel 
Gases--Normative.
    (2) [Reserved].

0
11. Section 431.86 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  431.86  Uniform test method for the measurement of energy 
efficiency of commercial packaged boilers.

    (a) Scope. This section provides test procedures, pursuant to the 
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, which must be 
followed for measuring the combustion efficiency and/or thermal 
efficiency of a gas- or oil-fired commercial packaged boiler.
    (b) Testing and Calculations. Determine the thermal efficiency or 
combustion efficiency of commercial packaged boilers by conducting the 
appropriate test procedure(s) indicated in Table 1 of this section.

                   Table 1--Test Requirements for Commercial Packaged Boiler Equipment Classes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Test procedure
                                                                                               (corresponding to
                                                        Certified rated        Standards           standards
       Equipment category             Subcategory        input  Btu/h      efficiency metric  efficiency  metric
                                                                            (Sec.   431.87)    required  by Sec.
                                                                                                    431.87)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Water.......................  Gas-fired.........  >=300,000 and       Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=2,500,000.                            Section 2.
Hot Water.......................  Gas-fired.........  >2,500,000........  Combustion          Appendix A,
                                                                           Efficiency.         Section 3.
Hot Water.......................  Oil-fired.........  >=300,000 and       Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=2,500,000.                            Section 2.
Hot Water.......................  Oil-fired.........  >2,500,000........  Combustion          Appendix A,
                                                                           Efficiency.         Section 3.
Steam...........................  Gas-fired (all*)..  >=300,000 and       Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=2,500,000.                            Section 2.
Steam...........................  Gas-fired (all*)..  >2,500,000 and      Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=5,000,000.                            Section 2.
                                                      >5,000,000........  Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                                                               Section 2.
                                                                                              OR
                                                                                              Appendix A,
                                                                                               Section 3 with
                                                                                               Section 2.4.3.2.
Steam...........................  Oil-fired.........  >=300,000 and       Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=2,500,000.                            Section 2.
Steam...........................  Oil-fired.........  >2,500,000 and      Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                       <=5,000,000.                            Section 2.
                                                      >5,000,000........  Thermal Efficiency  Appendix A,
                                                                                               Section 2.
                                                                                              OR
                                                                                              Appendix A,
                                                                                               Section 3. with
                                                                                               Section 2.4.3.2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Equipment classes for commercial packaged boilers as of July 22, 2009 (74 FR 36355) distinguish between gas-
  fired natural draft and all other gas-fired (except natural draft).


[[Page 89306]]

    (c) Field Tests. The field test provisions of appendix A may be 
used only to test a unit of commercial packaged boiler with rated input 
greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h.

0
12. Section 431.87 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  431.87  Energy conservation standards and their effective dates.

    (a) Each commercial packaged boiler listed in Table 1 of this 
section and manufactured on or after the effective date listed must 
meet the indicated energy conservation standard.

                        Table 1--Commercial Packaged Boiler Energy Conservation Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Efficiency level--  effective
        Equipment category               Subcategory       Certified rated input       date:  March 2, 2012*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Water Commercial Packaged       Gas-fired............  >=300,000 Btu/h and    80.0% ET.
 Boilers.                                                   <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Hot Water Commercial Packaged       Gas-fired............  >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  82.0% EC.
 Boilers.
Hot Water Commercial Packaged       Oil-fired............  >=300,000 Btu/h and    82.0% ET.
 Boilers.                                                   <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Hot Water Commercial Packaged       Oil-fired............  >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  84.0% EC.
 Boilers.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--all,        >=300,000 Btu/h and    79.0% ET.
                                     except natural draft.  <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--all,        >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  79.0% ET.
                                     except natural draft.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--natural     >=300,000 Btu/h and    77.0% ET.
                                     draft.                 <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--natural     >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  77.0% ET.
                                     draft.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Oil-fired............  >=300,000 Btu/h and    81.0% ET.
                                                            <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Oil-fired............  >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  81.0% ET.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Where EC is combustion efficiency and ET is thermal efficiency.

    (b) Each commercial packaged boiler listed in Table 2 of this 
section and manufactured on or after the effective date listed in Table 
2 must meet the indicated energy conservation standard.

                        Table 2--Commercial Packaged Boiler Energy Conservation Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Efficiency level--  Effective
        Equipment category               Subcategory       Certified rated input       Date:  March 2, 2022*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--natural     >=300,000 Btu/h and    79.0% ET.
                                     draft.                 <=2,500,000 Btu/h.
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers.  Gas-fired--natural     >2,500,000 Btu/h.....  79.0% ET.
                                     draft.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Where ET is thermal efficiency.


0
13. Add appendix A to subpart E of part 431 to read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart E of Part 431-- Uniform Test Method for the 
Measurement of Thermal Efficiency and Combustion Efficiency of 
Commercial Packaged Boilers

    Note: Prior to December 4, 2017, manufacturers must make any 
representations with respect to the energy use or efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers in accordance with the results of 
testing pursuant to this Appendix or the test procedures as they 
appeared in 10 CFR 431.86 revised as of January 1, 2016. On and 
after December 4, 2017, manufacturers must make any representations 
with respect to energy use or efficiency in accordance with the 
results of testing pursuant to this appendix.

    1. Definitions.
    For purposes of this appendix, the Department of Energy 
incorporates by reference the definitions established in section 3 
of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 
1500, ``2015 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial Space 
Heating Boilers,'' beginning with 3.1 and ending with 3.35 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85; hereafter ``ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015''), excluding the introductory text to section 3, 
the introductory text to section 3.2, ``Boiler''; 3.2.4, ``Heating 
Boiler''; 3.2.7, ``Packaged Boiler''; 3.6, ``Combustion 
Efficiency''; 3.12, ``Efficiency, Combustion''; 3.13, ``Efficiency, 
Thermal''; 3.20, ``Gross Output''; 3.23, ``Input Rating''; 3.24, 
``Net Rating''; 3.26, ``Published Rating''; 3.26.1, ``Standard 
Rating''; 3.27, ``Rating Conditions''; 3.27.1, ``Standard Rating 
Conditions''; and 3.31, ``Thermal Efficiency.'' In cases where there 
is a conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix 
takes precedence over ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    1.1. In all incorporated sections of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015, references to the manufacturer's ``specifications,'' 
``recommendations,'' ``directions,'' or ``requests'' mean the 
manufacturer's instructions in the installation and operation manual 
shipped with the commercial packaged boiler being tested or in 
supplemental instructions provided by the manufacturer pursuant to 
Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of this chapter. For parameters or considerations 
not specified in this appendix, refer to the manual shipped with the 
commercial packaged boiler. Should the manual shipped with the 
commercial packaged boiler not provide the necessary information, 
refer to the supplemental instructions for the basic model pursuant 
to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of this chapter. The supplemental instructions 
provided pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of this chapter do not 
replace or alter any requirements in this appendix nor do they 
override the manual shipped with the commercial packaged boiler. In 
cases where these supplemental instructions conflict with any 
instructions or provisions provided in the manual shipped with the 
commercial packaged boiler, use the manual shipped with the 
commercial packaged boiler.
    1.2. Unless otherwise noted, in all incorporated sections of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, the term ``boiler'' means a commercial 
packaged boiler as defined in Sec.  431.82.
    1.3. Unless otherwise noted, in all incorporated sections of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, the term ``input rating'' means 
``rated input'' as defined in Sec.  431.82.
    2. Thermal Efficiency Test.
    2.1. Test Setup.
    2.1.1. Instrumentation. Use instrumentation meeting the minimum 
requirements found in Table C1 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85).
    2.1.2. Data collection and sampling. Record all test data in 
accordance with Table 2.1 and Table 2.2. Do not use Section C5 and

[[Page 89307]]

Table C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.

              Table 2.1--Data To Be Recorded Before Testing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Item recorded                   Additional  instruction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Test..............................  None.
Manufacturer..............................  None.
Commercial Packaged Boiler Model Number...  None.
Burner Model Number & Manufacturer........  None.
Nozzle description and oil pressure.......  None.
Oil Analysis--H, C, API Gravity, lb/gal     None.
 and Btu/lb.
Gas Manifold Pressure.....................  Record at start and end of
                                             test.
Gas line pressure at meter................  Measurement may be made
                                             manually.
Gas temperature...........................  Measurement may be made
                                             manually.
Barometric Pressure (Steam and Natural Gas  Measurement may be made
 Only).                                      manually.
Gas Heating Value, Btu/ft \3\*............  Record at start and end of
                                             test.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Multiplied by correction factors, as applicable, in accordance with
  Appendix E of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.


[[Page 89308]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.023

    2.1.3. Instrument Calibration. Instruments must be calibrated at 
least once per year and a calibration record, containing at least 
the date of calibration and the method of calibration, must be kept 
as part of the data

[[Page 89309]]

underlying each basic model certification, pursuant to Sec.  429.71 
of this chapter.
    2.1.4. Test Setup and Apparatus. Set up the commercial packaged 
boiler for thermal efficiency testing according to the provisions of 
Section C2 (except section C2.1) of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85).
    2.1.4.1. For tests of oil-fired commercial packaged boilers, 
determine the weight of fuel consumed using one of the methods 
specified in the following sections 2.1.4.1.1. or 2.1.4.1.2. of this 
appendix:
    2.1.4.1.1. If using a scale, determine the weight of fuel 
consumed as the difference between the weight of the oil vessel 
before and after each measurement period, as specified in sections 
2.1.4.1.3.1. or 2.1.4.1.3.2. of this appendix, determined using a 
scale meeting the accuracy requirements of Table C1 of Appendix C of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    2.1.4.1.2. If using a flow meter, first determine the volume of 
fuel consumed as the total volume over the applicable measurement 
period as specified in 2.1.4.1.3.1. or 2.1.4.1.3.2. of this appendix 
and as measured by a flow meter meeting the accuracy requirements of 
Table C1 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 upstream of 
the oil inlet port of the commercial packaged boiler. Then determine 
the weight of fuel consumed by multiplying the total volume of fuel 
over the applicable measurement period by the density of oil as 
determined pursuant to C3.2.1.1.3. of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015.
    2.1.4.1.3. The applicable measurement period for the purposes of 
determining fuel input rate must be as specified in section 
2.1.4.1.3.1. of this appendix for the ``Warm-Up Period'' or section 
2.1.4.1.3.2. of this appendix for the ``Test Period.''
    2.1.4.1.3.1. For the purposes of confirming steady-state 
operation during the ``Warm-Up Period,'' the measurement period must 
be 15 minutes and tT in Equation C2 in Section C7.2.3.1 
of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 must be 0.25 hours to 
determine fuel input rate.
    2.1.4.1.3.2. For the purposes of determining thermal efficiency 
during the ``Test Period,'' the measurement period and tT 
are as specified in sections 2.3.4 and 2.3.5 of this appendix.
    2.1.4.2 For tests of gas-fired commercial packaged boilers, 
install a volumetric gas meter meeting the accuracy requirements of 
Table C1 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 upstream of 
the gas inlet port of the commercial packaged boiler. Record the 
accumulated gas volume consumed for each applicable measurement 
period. Use Equation C7.2.3.2. of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 to calculate fuel input rate.
    2.1.4.2.1. The applicable measurement period for the purposes of 
determining fuel input rate must be as specified in section 
2.1.4.2.1.1. of this appendix for the ``Warm-Up Period'' and 
2.1.4.2.1.2. of this appendix for the ``Test Period.''
    2.1.4.2.1.1. For the purposes of confirming steady-state 
operation during the ``Warm-Up Period,'' the measurement period must 
be 15 minutes and tT in Equation C2 in Section C7.2.3.1 
of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 must be 0.25 hours to 
determine fuel input rate.
    2.1.4.2.1.2. For the purposes of determining thermal efficiency 
during the ``Test Period,'' the measurement period and tT 
are as specified in sections 2.3.4 and 2.3.5 of this appendix.
    2.1.4.3 In addition to the provisions of Section C2.2.1.2 of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, vent gases may alternatively be 
discharged vertically into a straight stack section without elbows. 
R-7 minimum insulation must extend 6 stack diameters above the flue 
collar, the thermocouple grid must be located at a vertical distance 
of 3 stack diameters above the flue collar, and the sampling tubes 
for flue gases must be installed within 1 stack diameter beyond the 
thermocouple grid. If dilution air is introduced into the flue gases 
before the plane of the thermocouple and flue gas sampling points, 
utilize an alternate plane of thermocouple grid and flue gas 
sampling point located downstream from the heat exchanger and 
upstream from the point of dilution air introduction.
    2.1.5. Additional Requirements for Outdoor Commercial Packaged 
Boilers. If the manufacturer provides more than one outdoor venting 
arrangement, the outdoor commercial packaged boiler (as defined in 
Section 3.2.6 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015; incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  431.85) must be tested with the shortest total 
venting arrangement as measured by adding the straight lengths of 
venting supplied with the equipment. If the manufacturer does not 
provide an outdoor venting arrangement, install the outdoor 
commercial packaged boiler venting consistent with the procedure 
specified in Section C2.2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015.
    2.1.6. Additional Requirements for Steam Tests. In addition to 
the provisions of Section C2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85), the 
following requirements apply for steam tests.
    2.1.6.1. Insulate all steam piping from the commercial packaged 
boiler to the steam separator, and extend insulation at least one 
foot (1 ft.) beyond the steam separator, using insulation meeting 
the requirements specified in Table 2.3 of this appendix.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.024

    2.1.6.2. A temperature sensing device must be installed in the 
insulated steam piping prior to the water separator if the 
commercial packaged boiler produces superheated steam.
    2.1.6.3. Water entrained in the steam and water condensing 
within the steam piping must be collected and used to calculate the 
quality of steam during the ``Test Period.'' Steam condensate must 
be collected and measured using either a cumulative (totalizing) 
flow rate or by measuring the mass of the steam condensate. 
Instrumentation used to determine the amount of steam condensate 
must meet the requirements identified in Table C1 in Appendix C of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    2.1.7. Additional Requirements for Water Tests. In addition to 
the provisions of section C2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85), the 
following requirements apply for water tests.
    2.1.7.1. Insulate all water piping between the commercial 
packaged boiler and the location of the temperature measuring 
equipment, including one foot (1 ft.) beyond the sensor, using 
insulation meeting the requirements specified in Table 2.3 of this 
appendix.
    2.1.7.2. Install a temperature measuring device at Point B of 
Figure C9 of ANSI/AHRI

[[Page 89310]]

Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85). 
Water entering the commercial packaged boiler must first enter the 
run of a tee and exit from the top outlet of the tee. The remaining 
connection of the tee must be plugged. Measure the inlet water 
temperature at Point B in the run of a second tee located 12  2 pipe diameters downstream from the first tee and no more 
than the greater of 12 inches or 6 pipe diameters from the inlet of 
the commercial packaged boiler. The temperature measuring device 
shall extend into the water flow at the point of exit from the side 
outlet of the second tee. All inlet piping between the temperature 
measuring device and the inlet of the commercial packaged boilers 
must be wrapped with R-7 insulation.
    2.1.7.3. Do not use Section C2.7.2.2.2 or its subsections of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 for water meter calibration.
    2.1.8. Flue Gas Sampling. In section C2.5.2 of Appendix C of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, replace the last sentence with the 
following: When taking flue gas samples from a rectangular plane, 
collect samples at \1/4\, \1/2\, and \3/4\ the distance from one 
side of the rectangular plane in the longer dimension and along the 
centerline midway between the edges of the plane in the shorter 
dimension and use the average of the three samples. The tolerance in 
each dimension for each measurement location is  1 inch.
    2.2. Test Conditions.
    2.2.1. General. Use the test conditions from Section 5 and 
Section C3 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85) for thermal efficiency 
testing but do not use the following sections:

(1) 5.3 Introductory text
(2) 5.3.5 (and subsections; see sections 2.2.3. and 2.2.4. of this 
appendix)
(3) 5.3.8 (see section 2.2.5. of this appendix)
(4) 5.3.9 (see section 2.2.6. of this appendix)
(5) C3.1.3 (and subsections)
(6) C3.5 (including Table C2; see section 2.2.7. of this appendix)
(7) C3.6 (see section 2.2.5. of this appendix)
(8) C3.7 (see section 2.2.6. of this appendix)

    2.2.2. Burners for Oil-Fired Commercial Packaged Boilers. In 
addition to section C3.3 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015, the following applies: For oil-fired commercial packaged 
boilers, test the unit with the particular make and model of burner 
as certified (or to be certified) by the manufacturer. If multiple 
burners are specified in the certification report for that basic 
model, then use any of the listed burners for testing.
    2.2.3. Water Temperatures. Maintain the outlet temperature 
measured at Point C in Figure C9 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 at 180[emsp14] [deg]F  2[emsp14] [deg]F and 
maintain the inlet temperature measured at Point B at 80[emsp14] 
[deg]F  5[emsp14] [deg]F during the ``Warm-up Period'' 
and ``Test Period'' as indicated by 1-minute interval data pursuant 
to Table 2.2 of this appendix. Each reading must meet these 
temperature requirements. Use the inlet temperature and flow rate 
measured at Point B in Figure C9 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 for calculation of thermal efficiency.
    2.2.4 Exceptions to Water Temperature Requirements. For 
commercial packaged boilers that require a higher flow rate than 
that resulting from the water temperature requirements of sections 
2.2.3 of this appendix to prevent boiling, use a recirculating loop 
and maintain the inlet temperature at Point B of Figure C9 of 
Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 at 140[emsp14] [deg]F 
 5[emsp14] [deg]F during the ``Warm-up Period'' and 
``Test Period'' as indicated by 1-minute interval data pursuant to 
Table 2.2 of this appendix. Each reading must meet these temperature 
requirements. Use the inlet temperature and flow rate measured at 
Point A in Figure C9 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
for calculation of thermal efficiency.
    2.2.5 Air Temperature. For tests of non-condensing boilers, 
maintain ambient room temperature between 65[emsp14] [deg]F and 
100[emsp14] [deg]F at all times during the ``Warm-up Period'' and 
``Test Period'' (as described in Section C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015) as indicated by 1-minute interval data 
pursuant to Table 2.2 of this appendix. For tests of condensing 
boilers, maintain ambient room temperature between 65[emsp14] [deg]F 
and 85[emsp14] [deg]F at all times during the ``Warm-up Period'' and 
``Test Period'' (as described in Section C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015) as indicated by 1-minute interval data 
pursuant to Table 2.2 of this appendix. The ambient room temperature 
may not differ by more than  5[emsp14] [deg]F from the 
average ambient room temperature during the entire ``Test Period'' 
at any reading. Measure the room ambient temperature within 6 feet 
of the front of the unit at mid height. The test air temperature, 
measured at the air inlet of the commercial packaged boiler, must be 
within  5[emsp14] [deg]F of the room ambient temperature 
when recorded at the 1-minute interval defined by Table 2.2 of this 
appendix.
    2.2.6. Ambient Humidity. For condensing boilers, maintain 
ambient room relative humidity below 80-percent at all times during 
both the ``Warm-up Period'' and ``Test Period'' (as described in 
Section C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) pursuant 
to Table 2.2 of this appendix. Measure the ambient humidity in the 
same location as ambient air temperature in section 2.2.5 of this 
appendix.
    2.2.7. Flue Gas Temperature. The flue gas temperature during the 
test must not vary from the flue gas temperature measured at the 
start of the Test Period (as defined in Section C4 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015) when recorded at the interval defined in Table 
2.2 of this appendix by more than the limits prescribed in Table 2.4 
of this appendix.

                       Table 2.4--Flue Gas Temperature Variation Limits During Test Period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Fuel type                    Non-condensing                           Condensing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas..............................   2 percent...  Greater of  3 percent and 
                                                               5 [deg]F
Light Oil........................   2 percent...
Heavy Oil........................  Greater of  3
                                    percent and 
                                    5 [deg]F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2.3. Test Method.
    2.3.1. General. Conduct the thermal efficiency test as 
prescribed in Section C4 ``Test Procedure'' of Appendix C of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
431.85) excluding sections:

(1) C4.1.1.1.2 (see section 2.3.1.1 of this appendix)
(2) C4.1.1.2.3 (see 2.3.4 of this appendix)
(3) C4.1.2.1.5 (see section 2.3.2. of this appendix)
(4) C4.1.2.2.2
(5) C4.1.2.2.3 (see 2.3.5 of this appendix)
(6) C4.2
(7) C4.2.1
(8) C4.2.2

    2.3.1.1. Adjust oil or non-atmospheric gas to produce the 
required firebox pressure and CO2 or O2 
concentration in the flue gas, as described in Section 5.3.1 of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Conduct steam tests with steam 
pressure at the pressure specified in the manufacturer literature 
shipped with the commercial packaged boiler or in the manufacturer's 
supplemental testing instructions pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of 
this chapter, but not exceeding 15 psig. If no pressure is specified 
in the manufacturer literature shipped with the commercial packaged 
boiler or in the manufacturer's supplemental testing instructions 
(pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of this chapter), or if a range of 
operating pressures is specified, conduct testing at a steam 
pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. If necessary to maintain 
steam quality as required by Section 5.3.7 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015, increase steam pressure in 1 psig increments by 
throttling with a valve beyond the separator until the test is 
completed and the steam quality requirements have been satisfied, 
but do not increase the steam pressure to greater than 15 psig.
    2.3.2. Water Test Steady-State. Ensure that a steady-state is 
reached by confirming that three consecutive readings have been 
recorded at 15-minute intervals pursuant to Table 2.2 of this 
appendix that indicate that the measured fuel input rate is within 
 2-percent of the rated input. Water temperatures must 
meet the conditions specified in sections 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 of this 
appendix as applicable.
    2.3.3. Condensate Collection for Condensing Commercial Packaged 
Boilers.

[[Page 89311]]

Collect condensate in a covered vessel so as to prevent evaporation.
    2.3.4. Steam Test Duration. Replace Section C4.1.1.2.3 of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015 with the following: The test period is one 
hour in duration if the steam condensate is measured or two hours if 
feedwater is measured. The test period must end with a 15-minute 
reading (steam condensate or feedwater and separator weight reading) 
pursuant to Table 2.2 of this appendix. When feedwater is measured, 
the water line at the end of the test must be within 0.25 inches of 
the starting level.
    2.3.5. Water Test Duration. Replace Section C4.1.2.2.3 of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015 with the following: The test period is one 
hour for condensing commercial packaged boilers and 30 minutes for 
non-condensing commercial packaged boilers, and ends with a 15-
minute interval reading pursuant to Table 2.2 of this appendix.
    2.4. Calculations.
    2.4.1. General. To determine the thermal efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers, use the variables in section C6 of 
Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 and calculation procedure 
for the thermal efficiency test specified in section C7.2 of 
Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, excluding sections 
C7.2.12 and C7.2.20.
    2.4.2. Use of Steam Properties Table. If the average measured 
temperature of the steam is higher than the value in Table D1 in 
Appendix D of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 that corresponds to the 
average measured steam pressure, then use Table 2.5 of this appendix 
to determine the latent heat of superheated steam in (Btu/lb). Use 
linear interpolation for determining the latent heat of steam in 
Btu/lb if the measured steam pressure is between two values listed 
in Table D1 in Appendix D of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 or in 
Table 2.5 of this appendix.

[[Page 89312]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.025


[[Page 89313]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.026

    2.4.3. Alternative Thermal Efficiency Calculation for Large 
Steam Commercial Packaged Boilers. To determine the thermal 
efficiency of commercial packaged boilers with a fuel input rate 
greater than 5,000,000 Btu/h according to the steam test pursuant to 
Section C4.1.1 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, either:
    2.4.3.1. Calculate the thermal efficiency of commercial packaged 
boiler models in steam mode in accordance with the provisions of 
section 2.4.1 of this appendix, or
    2.4.3.2. Measure and calculate combustion efficiency 
Effyss in steam mode according to Section 3. Combustion 
Efficiency Test of this appendix and convert to thermal efficiency 
using the following equation:

EffyT = Effyss - 2.0

where EffyT is the thermal efficiency and 
EFFYss is the combustion efficiency as defined in C6 of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. The combustion efficiency 
Effyss is as calculated in Section C7.2.14 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015.
    2.4.4. Rounding. Round the final thermal efficiency value to 
nearest one tenth of one percent.
    3. Combustion Efficiency Test.
    3.1. Test Setup.
    3.1.1. Instrumentation. Use instrumentation meeting the minimum 
requirements found in Table C1 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85).
    3.1.2. Data collection and sampling. Record all test data in 
accordance with Table 3.1 and Table 3.2 of this appendix. Do not use 
Section C5 and Table C4 of Appendix C in ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015.

              Table 3.1--Data To Be Recorded Before Testing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Item recorded                   Additional instruction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Test..............................  None.
Manufacturer..............................  None.

[[Page 89314]]

 
Commercial Packaged Boiler Model Number...  None.
Burner Model Number & Manufacturer........  None.
Nozzle description and oil pressure.......  None.
Oil Analysis--H, C, API Gravity, lb/gal     None.
 and Btu/lb.
Gas Manifold Pressure.....................  Record at start and end of
                                             test.
Gas line pressure at meter................  Measurement may be made
                                             manually.
Gas temperature...........................  Measurement may be made
                                             manually.
Barometric Pressure (Steam and Natural Gas  Measurement may be made
 Only).                                      manually.
Gas Heating Value, Btu/ft \3\ *...........  Record at start and end of
                                             test.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Multiplied by correction factors, as applicable, in accordance with
  Appendix E of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.


[[Page 89315]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09DE16.027

    3.1.3. Instrument Calibration. Instruments must be calibrated at 
least once per year and a calibration record, containing at least 
the date of calibration and the method of calibration, must be kept 
as part of the data

[[Page 89316]]

underlying each basic model certification, pursuant to Sec.  429.71 
of this chapter.
    3.1.4. Test Setup and Apparatus. Set up the commercial packaged 
boiler for combustion efficiency testing according to the provisions 
of Section C2 (except section C2.1) of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015.
    3.1.4.1. For tests of oil-fired commercial packaged boilers, 
determine the weight of fuel consumed using one of the methods 
specified in sections 3.1.4.1.1. or 3.1.4.1.2. of this appendix:
    3.1.4.1.1. If using a scale, determine the weight of fuel 
consumed as the difference between the weight of the oil vessel 
before and after each measurement period, as specified in sections 
3.1.4.1.3.1. or 3.1.4.1.3.2. of this appendix, determined using a 
scale meeting the accuracy requirements of Table C1 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015.
    3.1.4.1.2. If using a flow meter, first determine the volume of 
fuel consumed as the total volume over the applicable measurement 
period, as specified in sections 3.1.4.1.3.1. or 3.1.4.1.3.2. of 
this appendix, and as measured by a flow meter meeting the accuracy 
requirements of Table C1 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 upstream of 
the oil inlet port of the commercial packaged boiler. Then determine 
the weight of fuel consumed by multiplying the total volume of fuel 
over the applicable measurement period by the density of oil, in 
pounds per gallon, as determined pursuant to Section C3.2.1.1.3. of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    3.1.4.1.3. The applicable measurement period for the purposes of 
determining fuel input rate must be as specified in section 
3.1.4.1.3.1. of this appendix for the ``Warm-Up Period'' or 
3.1.4.1.3.2. of this appendix for the ``Test Period.''
    3.1.4.1.3.1. For the purposes of confirming steady-state 
operation during the ``Warm-Up Period,'' the measurement period must 
be 15 minutes and tT in Equation C2 in Section C7.2.3.1 
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 must be 0.25 hours to determine fuel 
input rate.
    3.1.4.1.3.2. For the purposes of determining combustion 
efficiency during the ``Test Period,'' the measurement period and 
tT are 0.5 hours pursuant to section 3.3.1.1. of this 
appendix.
    3.1.4.2 For tests of gas-fired commercial packaged boilers, 
install a volumetric gas meter meeting the accuracy requirements of 
Table C1 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 upstream of the gas inlet 
port of the commercial packaged boiler. Record the accumulated gas 
volume consumed for each applicable measurement period. Use Equation 
C7.2.3.2. of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 to calculate fuel input 
rate.
    3.1.4.2.1. The applicable measurement period for the purposes of 
determining fuel input rate must be as specified in section 
3.1.4.2.1.1. of this appendix for the ``Warm-Up Period'' and 
3.1.4.2.1.2. of this appendix for the ``Test Period.''
    3.1.4.2.1.1. For the purposes of confirming steady-state 
operation during the ``Warm-Up Period,'' the measurement period must 
be 15 minutes and tT in Equation C2 in Section C7.2.3.1 
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 must be 0.25 hour to determine fuel 
input rate.
    3.1.4.2.1.2. For the purposes of determining combustion 
efficiency during the ``Test Period,'' the measurement period and 
tT are 0.5 hour pursuant to section 3.3.1.1. of this 
appendix.
    3.1.4.3. In addition to the provisions of Section C2.2.1.2 of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, vent gases may alternatively be 
discharged vertically into a straight stack section without elbows. 
R-7 minimum insulation must extend 6 stack diameters above the flue 
collar, the thermocouple grid must be located at a vertical distance 
of 3 stack diameters above the flue collar, and the sampling tubes 
for flue gases must be installed within 1 stack diameter beyond the 
thermocouple grid. If dilution air is introduced into the flue gases 
before the plane of the thermocouple and flue gas sampling points, 
utilize an alternate plane of thermocouple grid and flue gas 
sampling point located downstream from the heat exchanger and 
upstream from the point of dilution air introduction.
    3.1.5. Additional Requirements for Outdoor Commercial Packaged 
Boilers. If the manufacturer provides more than one outdoor venting 
arrangement, the outdoor commercial packaged boiler (as defined in 
section 3.2.6 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  431.85) must be tested with the shortest total 
venting arrangement as measured by adding the straight lengths of 
venting supplied with the equipment. If the manufacturer does not 
provide an outdoor venting arrangement, install the outdoor 
commercial packaged boiler venting consistent with the procedure 
specified in Section C2.2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015.
    3.1.6. Additional Requirements for Field Tests.
    3.1.6.1 Field tests are exempt from the requirements of Section 
C2.2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Measure the flue 
gas temperature according to Section C2.5.1 of Appendix C of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015 and the thermocouple grids identified in 
Figure C12 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, with the following 
modification: the thermocouple grid may be staggered vertically by 
up to 1.5 inches to allow the use of instrumented rods to be 
inserted through holes drilled in the venting.
    3.1.6.2. Field tests are exempt from the requirements of Section 
C2.6.3 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015.
    3.1.7. Additional Requirements for Water Tests. In addition to 
the provisions of Section C2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85) the 
following requirements apply for water tests:
    3.1.7.1. Insulate all water piping between the commercial 
packaged boiler and the location of the temperature measuring 
equipment, including one foot (1 ft.) beyond the sensor, using 
insulation meeting the requirements specified in Table 2.3 of this 
appendix.
    3.1.7.2. Install a temperature measuring device at Point B of 
Figure C9 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Water entering the 
commercial packaged boiler must first enter the run of a tee and 
exit from the top outlet of the tee. The remaining connection of the 
tee must be plugged. Measure the inlet water temperature at Point B 
in the run of a second tee located 12  2 pipe diameters 
downstream from the first tee and no more than the greater of 12 
inches or 6 pipe diameters from the inlet of the commercial packaged 
boiler. The temperature measuring device shall extend into the water 
flow at the point of exit from the side outlet of the second tee. 
All inlet piping between the temperature measuring device and the 
inlet of the commercial packaged boilers must be wrapped with R-7 
insulation. Field tests must also measure the inlet water 
temperature at Point B in Figure C9, however they are not required 
to use the temperature measurement piping described in this section 
3.1.7. of this appendix.
    3.1.7.3. Do not use Section C2.7.2.2.2 or its subsections of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 for water meter calibration.
    3.1.8. Flue Gas Sampling. In section C2.5.2 of Appendix C of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015, replace the last sentence with the 
following: When taking flue gas samples from a rectangular plane, 
collect samples at \1/4\, \1/2\, and \3/4\ the distance from one 
side of the rectangular plane in the longer dimension and along the 
centerline midway between the edges of the plane in the shorter 
dimension and use the average of the three samples. The tolerance in 
each dimension for each measurement location is  1 inch.
    3.2. Test Conditions.
    3.2.1. General. Use the test conditions from Sections 5 and C3 
of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  431.85) for combustion efficiency testing but 
do not use the following sections:

(1) 5.3 Introductory text
(2) 5.3.5 (and subsections; see sections 3.2.3, 3.2.3.1, and 3.2.3.2 
of this appendix)
(3) 5.3.7 (excluded for field tests only)
(4) 5.3.8 (see section 3.2.4 of this appendix)
(5) 5.3.9 (see section 3.2.5 of this appendix)
(6) C3.1.3 (and subsections)
(7) C3.5 (including Table C2; see section 3.2.6 of this appendix)
(8) C3.6 (see section 3.2.4 of this appendix)
(9) C3.7 (see section 3.2.5 of this appendix)

    3.2.2. Burners for Oil-Fired Commercial Packaged Boilers. In 
addition to Section C3.3 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-
2015, the following applies: for oil-fired commercial packaged 
boilers, test the unit with the particular make and model of burner 
as certified (or to be certified) by the manufacturer. If multiple 
burners are specified in the certification report for that basic 
model, then use any of the listed burners for testing.
    3.2.3. Water Temperatures. Maintain the outlet temperature 
measured at Point C in Figure C9 at 180[emsp14][deg]F  
2[emsp14][deg]F and maintain the inlet temperature measured at Point 
B at 80[emsp14][deg]F  5[emsp14][deg]F during the 
``Warm-up Period'' and ``Test Period'' as indicated by 1-minute 
interval data pursuant to Table 3.2 of this appendix. Each reading 
must meet these temperature requirements. Field tests are exempt 
from this requirement and instead must comply with the requirements 
of section 3.2.3.1 of this appendix.

[[Page 89317]]

    3.2.3.1. For field tests, the inlet temperature measured at 
Point A and Point B in Figure C9 and the outlet temperature measured 
and Point C in Figure C9 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 must be 
recorded in the data underlying that model's certification pursuant 
to Sec.  429.71 of this chapter, and the difference between the 
inlet (measured at Point B) and outlet temperature (measured at 
Point C) must not be less than 20[emsp14][deg]F at any point during 
the ``Warm-up Period'' and ``Test Period,'' after stabilization has 
been achieved, as indicated by 1-minute interval data pursuant to 
Table 3.2 of this appendix.
    3.2.3.2 For commercial packaged boilers that require a higher 
flow rate than that resulting from the water temperature 
requirements of sections 3.2.3 of this appendix to prevent boiling, 
use a recirculating loop and maintain the inlet temperature at Point 
B of Figure C9 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 at 140[emsp14][deg]F 
 5[emsp14][deg]F during the ``Warm-up Period'' and 
``Test Period'' as indicated by 1-minute interval data pursuant to 
Table 3.2 of this appendix. Each reading must meet these temperature 
requirements.
    3.2.4. Air Temperature. For tests of non-condensing boilers 
(except during field tests), maintain ambient room temperature 
between 65[emsp14][deg]F and 100[emsp14][deg]F at all times during 
the ``Warm-up Period'' and ``Test Period'' (as described in Section 
C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) as indicated by 1-
minute interval data pursuant to Table 3.2 of this appendix. For 
tests of condensing boilers (except during field tests), maintain 
ambient room temperature between 65[emsp14][deg]F and 
85[emsp14][deg]F at all times during the ``Warm-up Period'' and 
``Test Period'' (as described in Section C4 of Appendix C of ANSI/
AHRI Standard 1500-2015) as indicated by 1-minute interval data 
pursuant to Table 3.2 of this appendix. The ambient room temperature 
may not differ by more than  5[emsp14][deg]F from the 
average ambient room temperature during the entire ``Test Period'' 
at any 1-minute interval reading. Measure the room ambient 
temperature within 6 feet of the front of the unit at mid height. 
The test air temperature, measured at the air inlet of the 
commercial packaged boiler, must be within  
5[emsp14][deg]F of the room ambient temperature when recorded at the 
1-minute interval defined by Table 3.2 of this appendix. For field 
tests, record the ambient room temperature at 1-minute intervals in 
accordance with Table 3.2 of this appendix.
    3.2.5. Ambient Humidity. For condensing boilers (except during 
field tests), maintain ambient room relative humidity below 80-
percent relative humidity at all times during both the ``Warm-up 
Period'' and ``Test Period'' (as described in Section C4 of Appendix 
C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015) pursuant to Table 3.2 of this 
appendix. Measure the ambient humidity in the same location as 
ambient air temperature. For field tests of condensing boilers, 
record the ambient room relative humidity in accordance with Table 
3.2 of this appendix.
    3.2.6. Flue Gas Temperature. The flue gas temperature during the 
test must not vary from the flue gas temperature measured at the 
start of the Test Period (as defined in Section C4 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015) when recorded at the interval defined in Table 
3.2 by more than the limits prescribed in Table 3.3 of this 
appendix. For field tests, flue gas temperature does not need to be 
within the limits in Table 3.3 of this appendix but must be recorded 
at the interval specified in Table 3.2 of this appendix.

                       Table 3.3--Flue Gas Temperature Variation Limits During Test Period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Fuel type                    Non-condensing                           Condensing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas..............................   2 percent...  Greater of  3 percent and 
                                                               5 [deg]F.
Light Oil........................   2 percent...
Heavy Oil........................  Greater of  3
                                    percent and 
                                    5 [deg]F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3.3. Test Method.
    3.3.1. General. Conduct the combustion efficiency test using the 
test method prescribed in Section C4 ``Test Procedure'' of Appendix 
C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 excluding sections:

(1) C4.1.1.1.2 (see section 3.3.1.2 of this appendix)
(2) C4.1.1.2.3
(3) C4.1.2.1.5 (see section 3.3.2 of this appendix)
(4) C4.1.2.2.2
(5) C4.1.2.2.3
(6) C4.2
(7) C4.2.1
(8) C4.2.2

    3.3.1.1. The duration of the ``Test Period'' for combustion 
efficiency outlined in sections C4.1.1.2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.85) and 
C4.1.2.2 of Appendix C of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 is 30 
minutes. For condensing commercial packaged boilers, condensate must 
be collected for the 30 minute Test Period.
    3.3.1.2. Adjust oil or non-atmospheric gas to produce the 
required firebox pressure and CO2 or O2 
concentration in the flue gas, as described in section 5.3.1 of 
ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015. Conduct steam tests with steam 
pressure at the pressure specified in the manufacturer literature 
shipped with the commercial packaged boiler or in the manufacturer's 
supplemental testing instructions pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4) of 
this chapter, but not exceeding 15 psig. If no pressure is specified 
in the manufacturer literature shipped with the commercial packaged 
boiler or in the manufacturer's supplemental testing instructions 
(pursuant to Sec.  429.60(b)(4)) of this chapter, or if a range of 
operating pressures is specified, conduct testing at a steam 
pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. If necessary to maintain 
steam quality as required by section 5.3.7 of ANSI/AHRI Standard 
1500-2015, increase steam pressure in 1 psig increments by 
throttling with a valve beyond the separator until the test is 
completed and the steam quality requirements have been satisfied, 
but do not increase the steam pressure to greater than 15 psig.
    3.3.2. Water Test Steady-State. Ensure that a steady-state is 
reached by confirming that three consecutive readings have been 
recorded at 15-minute intervals that indicate that the measured fuel 
input rate is within  2-percent of the rated input. 
Water temperatures must meet the conditions specified in sections 
3.2.3, 3.2.3.1, and 3.2.3.2 of this appendix as applicable.
    3.3.3. Procedure for the Measurement of Condensate for a 
Condensing Commercial Packaged Boiler. Collect flue condensate using 
a covered vessel so as to prevent evaporation. Measure the 
condensate from the flue gas during the ``Test Period.'' Flue 
condensate mass must be measured within 5 minutes after the end of 
the ``Test Period'' (defined in C4.1.1.2 and C4.1.2.2 of ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 1500-2015) to prevent evaporation loss from the sample. 
Determine the mass of flue condensate for the ``Test Period'' by 
subtracting the tare container weight from the total weight of the 
container and flue condensate measured at the end of the ''Warm-up 
Period.''
    3.4. Calculations.
    3.4.1. General. To determine the combustion efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers, use the variables in Section C6 and 
calculation procedure for the combustion efficiency test specified 
in Section C7.3 of Appendix C (including the specified subsections 
of C7.2) of ANSI/AHRI Standard 1500-2015 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  431.85).
    3.4.2. Rounding. Round the final combustion efficiency value to 
nearest one tenth of a percent.

[FR Doc. 2016-29081 Filed 12-6-16; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P