PTAC Installation Emerges as Key Solution for NYC’s 2024 Carbon Neutral Building Standards

As New York City embarks on its ambitious journey toward carbon neutrality by 2050, building owners are facing unprecedented environmental compliance requirements that went into effect in 2024. Local Law 97 of 2019 as amended (LL97) is one of the most ambitious plans for reducing emissions in the nation. Under this groundbreaking law, most buildings over 25,000 square feet are required to meet new GHG emissions limits beginning in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030. For property owners and managers, understanding how PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning) systems can help meet these stringent requirements has become essential.

Understanding NYC’s New Environmental Compliance Landscape

New York City enacted Local Law 97 (LL97) in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, with the main goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Local Law 97 establishes carbon emission limits for New York City’s largest buildings. The financial implications are significant: Covered buildings that exceed annual emissions limits will face an annual financial penalty of $268 per ton of CO2 equivalent over the limit based on 2024 energy usage and emissions.

The law creates a tiered approach to compliance, with three compliance periods: 2024-2029, 2030-2034, and 2034-2050. Each compliance period has increasingly stringent emissions limits. While most buildings are already in compliance for the 2024-2029 period – only 11 percent were not on track to meet the requirements, the real challenge lies ahead as 63% are projected to exceed limits for the 2030-2034 period.

How PTAC Systems Support Environmental Compliance

PTAC units offer unique advantages for building owners navigating NYC’s new environmental standards. Every AC and PTAC unit we sell and service meets and usually exceeds environmental standards. Furthermore, our commitment to providing high-quality PTAC units and top-notch systems service always exceeds your expectations. These self-contained heating and cooling systems provide energy efficiency benefits that directly support Local Law 97 compliance.

Modern PTAC installations contribute to emissions reduction through several mechanisms. We install high-efficiency PTAC systems including air conditioners designed to conserve energy and save money. The efficiency gains from properly installed PTAC units can help buildings reduce their overall energy consumption, directly impacting their greenhouse gas emissions calculations.

The Financial Incentive for Efficient PTAC Installation

The city has introduced new incentives to encourage early adoption of efficient HVAC systems. As of April 2024, new rules under LL97 include a “Beneficial Electrification Credit.” This credit is awarded to buildings that install high-efficiency heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems before 2030. Buildings can receive higher credits if these systems are installed before 2026.

For building owners, this creates a compelling case for upgrading PTAC systems sooner rather than later. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: HVAC retrofits involve upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment, improving ventilation systems, and optimizing controls to improve system efficiency. Professional ptac installation services ensure these systems meet the latest efficiency standards while qualifying for available credits.

Lion Enterprises: Leading NYC’s PTAC Compliance Solutions

Located in Long Island City, Lion Enterprises’s headquarters are located at 3015 35th Ave, Long Island City, New York, the company has positioned itself as a leader in helping NYC buildings meet environmental compliance requirements. Lion Enterprises is the proud parent company of three leaders in the PTAC market: Accumtemp, Lion-Aire and Spectrum. Together, our business units specialize in the service, repair and replacement of PTAC units and thru-wall equipment.

The company’s approach aligns with the city’s environmental goals through its commitment to high-efficiency systems. We install high-efficiency HVAC systems including air conditioners designed to conserve energy and save money. In addition, we provide air filtration systems, humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help maintain healthy and clean indoor air quality.

Technical Requirements for Compliance

NYC’s energy conservation code establishes specific requirements for PTAC installations. PTAC units are typically not equipped with outdoor air economizers – so either outdoor air must be ducted to the space and controlled with the PTAC conditioning requirements, or Appendix CA must be followed. The requirements in Appendix CA (ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with NYC amendments) has similar economizer requirements, however there is no whole building limit of cooling systems without economizers.

Building owners must ensure their PTAC installations meet current code requirements. In accordance with §28-104.2.4, the HVAC units and associated controls must be brought into compliance with the current edition of the Energy Code in effect at the time of filing the application to legalize the units.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Stricter Standards

As NYC moves toward its 2050 carbon neutrality goal, building owners must plan for increasingly stringent requirements. Paralleling New York State’s emissions reductions mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), by 2030 covered buildings must reduce their carbon emissions by 40% compared to 2005 levels, increasing to 80% reductions by 2050.

The window for proactive compliance is narrowing. If your covered building is currently not in compliance with 2024 limits, you will need to modify your building this year in order to avoid paying steep fines next year. By 2030, many more New York City buildings will be out of compliance, so building owners should perform assessments now in order to develop compliance strategies, implement them, and begin seeing the benefits of owning and operating a low-energy building as soon as possible.

The Path Forward

For NYC building owners, the intersection of PTAC installation and environmental compliance represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With over 50 years of expertise, Lion Enterprises is the contractor of choice for apartment owners, building owners and managers throughout the New York area. Quite simply, we are King of the New York PTAC Market.

As the city continues its march toward carbon neutrality, strategic PTAC installations that prioritize energy efficiency will play a crucial role in helping buildings meet environmental standards while maintaining comfortable living and working environments. The combination of regulatory compliance, financial incentives, and long-term operational savings makes efficient PTAC installation a smart investment for NYC property owners navigating the new environmental compliance landscape.