S-3000.1          _______________________________________________

 

                                 SENATE BILL 6014

                  _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1992 Regular Session

 

By Senator Conner

 

Read first time 01/13/92.  Referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.Warning about heat pump noise levels.


     AN ACT Relating to the noise levels of certain heat pumps; adding a new section to chapter 70.107 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.      The legislature finds that the performance standards set by the department may not permit the operation of certain heat pumps in some locations.  The legislature further finds that mitigating measures are available but not well known.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 70.107 RCW to read as follows:

     (1) After July 1, 1992, any heat pump sold or distributed in this state shall carry a warning sign in the form set forth in subsection (2) of this section which clearly informs consumers that the pump may not meet noise standards in all locations.  This sign shall be in the form of a sticker located in a visible and prominent position on the carton and also on the unit.  The sign shall be at least one hundred forty-four square inches in size, and the print shall be in at least twenty-four-point type.

     (2) CONSUMER WARNING!  HEAT PUMPS PRODUCE NOISE LEVELS WHICH MAY NOT BE APPROVED IN YOUR AREA.  CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS BEFORE PURCHASING OR INSTALLING A HEAT PUMP.  INFORMATION ON WAYS TO REDUCE HEAT PUMP NOISE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY.

     (3) Any person who furnishes a heat pump for sale, lease, or distribution of any kind in violation of this section is subject to the civil penalty in RCW 70.107.050.  The violation of this section is a misdemeanor.