Consumer Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

DOE has published a Federal Register final rule pertaining to test procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (CAC/HPs). This final rule amends test procedure for CAC/HPs to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the relevant industry consensus test standard, AHRI 210/240-2024 (I-P) for the current test procedure for CAC/HPs (appendix M1) for measuring the current cooling and heating metrics—seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) and heating seasonal performance factor 2 (HSPF2). DOE is incorporating by reference the new industry consensus test standard, AHRI 1600-2024 (I-P), for a new test procedure (appendix M2) for CAC/HPs that adopts two new metrics—seasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency (SCORE) and seasonal heating and off-mode rating efficiency (SHORE). Testing to the SCORE and SHORE metrics would not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE is amending certain provisions of DOE’s regulations related to representations and enforcement for CAC/HPs. 

• The effective date of this rule is February 6, 2025.
• The amendments to appendix M1 will be mandatory for product testing starting July 7, 2025.
• Manufacturers will be required to use the amended appendix M1 test procedure until the compliance date of any final rule establishing amended energy conservation standards based on the newly established test procedure in appendix M2. At such time, manufacturers will be required to begin using the newly established test procedure.
• The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register on February 6, 2025.

For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.

The residential central air conditioners and heat pumps energy conservation standard rulemaking docket EERE–2014–BT–STD–0048 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Public Meeting Information

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.

The residential central air conditioners and heat pumps test procedure rulemaking docket EERE-2022-BT-TP-0028 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Public Meeting Information

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.

Enforcement of Regional Standards

DOE has issued final guidance pertaining to the certification and compliance of energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, particularly on how these topics relate to regional standards for these products.

The residential central air conditioners and heat pumps enforcement of regional standards rulemaking docket EERE-2011-BT-CE-0077 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Residential central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(c)(5).

To determine that residential central air conditioners and heat pumps that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 430.23(m).

Compliance

DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.

Waivers

For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.

For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.

Exceptions

DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has authorized exception relief for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps.

For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.

Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions

DOE has issued final guidance pertaining to the certification and compliance of energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, particularly on how these topics relate to regional standards for these products.

For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.

State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption

DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.

ENERGY STAR®

DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.

For more information related to this product, please email:
[email protected]