Here at Air Dynamics, our dedication to air comfort and quality also entails being lifelong students of our ever-evolving profession. That includes always adding to our industry knowledge and sharing it with you.
Anyone who’s been following the news for the last decade knows there’s a lot of coverage of activity in our federal executive branch. What some of us might not be aware of is how our country’s executives have historically been involved with policy related to the HVAC industry.
Most of us in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL) depend on our HVAC throughout the year. As we continue focusing on your warmth and safety through March and into spring, we thought it’d be interesting and fun to review how certain U.S. presidents have influenced the evolution of HVAC in the last 100 years.
HVAC: A Quick History
The HVAC industry we think of began in the early 1900s with Willis Carrier’s invention of modern air conditioning. Before then, heating and cooling systems had appeared in different forms that foreshadowed the ones we know today.
In the mid-1700s and the 1800s, steam and hot-water heating systems were introduced in larger buildings. Years later in the 1920s and 30s, AC systems became increasingly common in businesses and movie theaters. Residential heating and cooling systems were then further established in the 1950s through the 1970s.
As of 2020, an estimated 88% of U.S. households included AC equipment, and 67% were using central AC systems. In 2022, central AC systems were adopted in 97% of new single-family homes.
With smart systems, eco-friendly refrigerants and increasingly energy-efficient technology, HVAC remains in a steady state of progress and change.
Presidential Policy for Heating & Cooling
During the last century the following U.S. presidents have helped shape the HVAC industry through legislation, executive orders and regulatory modifications that contributed to energy efficiency, environmental standards and new technologies.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945): New Deal Programs & Energy Infrastructure
Roosevelt’s New Deal indirectly impacted HVAC systems through programs that encouraged energy efficiency and infrastructure development. One such program was the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which helped create electricity infrastructure in the South, improving energy access and broadening the use of electric heating and cooling.Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969): Environmental Protection & Energy Conservation
LBJ’s Environmental Protection Act of 1965 and focus on conservation supported early efforts for energy-efficient technologies, including HVAC systems. He also laid the groundwork for greater environmental regulations that would influence HVAC.Richard Nixon (1969–1974): Energy Efficiency, Conservation Policies & the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
In response to the 1973 oil embargo, Nixon promoted energy-conservation measures that ultimately involved HVAC by encouraging more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. He also established the EPA in 1970, resulting in stricter regulations on HVAC refrigerants and energy use. The Clean Air Act of 1970 likewise set the stage for future regulations on refrigerants (e.g. bans on ozone-depleting CFCs).Jimmy Carter (1977–1981): Energy-Efficiency Initiatives
Carter promoted renewable energy and energy-efficient building designs, which shaped HVAC standards. He guided the nation further toward energy efficiency with the Energy Conservation and Production Act in 1976 and the National Energy Policy Plan of 1977, which included creating the Department of Energy (DOE). He also advocated for using heat pumps and better insulation for homes to reduce energy consumption.Ronald Reagan (1981–1989): Deregulation & Energy Policies
While Reagan’s administration focused more on deregulation, he also endorsed the Energy Policy Act of 1988, which set new standards for energy efficiency, including regulations for HVAC systems. His policies supported private-sector innovation in energy-efficient technologies for both residential and commercial HVAC.George H.W. Bush (1989–1993): Environmental Policies & the Montreal Protocol
Bush assisted global efforts such as the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which aimed to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs used in refrigeration and air conditioning. The phase-out led to developing more environmentally friendly refrigerants.Bill Clinton (1993–2001): Energy Star Program & Green Building
Under Clinton, the Energy Star program expanded to comprise a wider range of products, including HVAC equipment. His administration also advocated for building codes that prioritized energy-efficient systems and environmental sustainability, encouraging the wider adoption of energy-efficient HVAC technologies.George W. Bush (2001–2009): Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 introduced energy efficiency–related provisions such as tax credits for energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems. This policy also funded research into alternative energy sources and HVAC technologies that could reduce energy consumption.Barack Obama (2009–2017): Energy Efficiency Standards & the Clean Power Plan
Obama impacted HVAC standards with his focus on reducing carbon emissions. Under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, the DOE set higher efficiency standards for HVAC systems. The Clean Power Plan (2015) also aimed to reduce emissions from power plants, indirectly influencing HVAC technologies that rely on electricity. Obama further introduced incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades, including tax credits for installing high-efficiency HVAC systems.Donald Trump (2017–2021): Regulatory Changes
Trump adjusted some of the previous administrations’ energy-efficiency regulations, including those involving efficiency standards for some HVAC equipment. He still maintained certain standards, and his policies promoted fewer regulatory challenges for HVAC businesses.Joe Biden (2021–2025): Climate Change & Green-Energy Focus
Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (2022) offered incentives to homeowners and businesses for installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, including heat pumps and high-efficiency air conditioning. Biden also maintained the refrigerant phaseout and furthered the focus on low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
Speaking of Heat Pumps…
Homeowners in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL) who are interested in energy efficiency for their HVAC can still benefit from incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Under the act, homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000 for clean-energy upgrades such as heat pumps. Commonwealth Edison also offers a $1,400 rebate for the purchase and installation of a qualifying heat-pump system.
You could receive even more money back for your heat pump with Air Dynamics. We install Amana S-Series heat pumps featuring:
energy-efficiency rating of up to 17.5 SEER2 (greater than current federal requirements)
quiet mode for enhanced acoustical comfort with up to three different sound levels, operating as low as 45 dBA
seamless integration with the Amana smart thermostat for precise temperature control and energy management
intelligent-defrost mode that optimizes performance and efficiency during colder conditions
When you have your qualifying Amana S-Series heat pump installed by Air Dynamics between now and April 2025, you’ll receive a $900 instant rebate. That’s $1,400 from ComEd and $900 from Amana for a total of $2,300 in rebates, plus a possible tax credit of up to $2,000.
You could also receive even more from the state – visit the Illinois and Energy Star rebate pages to find out.
Furnace Repair, Replacement & Maintenance: Contact Us Today
When you need service, guidance and knowledge for your furnace in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield (IL), simply remember the local HVAC team that’s always ready to support and inform you. Just give us a call at (630) 731-1550!
