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As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners” means a unit of commercial package air-conditioning equipment that is configured as a split system air conditioner incorporating a single refrigerant circuit, with one or more outdoor units, at least one variable-speed compressor or an alternate compressor combination for varying the capacity of the system by three or more steps, and multiple indoor fan coil units, each of which is individually metered and individually controlled by an integral control device and common communications network and which can operate independently in response to multiple indoor thermostats. Variable refrigerant flow implies three or more steps of capacity control on common, inter-connecting piping. 10 CFR 431.92
As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “variable refrigerant flow multi-split heat pumps” means a unit of commercial package air-conditioning and heating equipment that is configured as a split system heat pump that uses reverse cycle refrigeration as its primary heating source and which may include secondary supplemental heating by means of electrical resistance, steam, hot water, or gas. The equipment incorporates a single refrigerant circuit, with one or more outdoor units, at least one variable-speed compressor or an alternate compressor combination for varying the capacity of the system by three or more steps, and multiple indoor fan coil units, each of which is individually metered and individually controlled by a control device and common communications network and which can operate independently in response to multiple indoor thermostats. Variable refrigerant flow implies three or more steps of capacity control on common, inter-connecting piping. 10 CFR 431.92
Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for variable refrigerant flow air conditioners and heat pumps since 2012.
For the latest information on the VRF working group please visit the ASRAC website.
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.
Standards
Final Rule - Federal Register, 88FR18965 (March 30, 2023)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Three-Phase, Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps - Federal Register, 87FR18290 (March 30, 2022)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Clarification
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Notice of Working Group Public Meetings Notice of Data Availability - Federal Register, 84FR32328 (July 8, 2019)
- Frequently Asked Questions
The VRF energy conservation rulemaking docket EERE-2018-BT-STD-0003 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
Comment period is closed.
Test Procedure
Final Rule - Federal Register, 87FR63860 (October 20, 2022)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 86FR70644 (December 13, 2021)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 86FR70316 (December 9, 2021)
Notice of Working Group Public Meetings Request for Information - Federal Register, 82 FR 34427 (July 25, 2017)
The VRF working group rulemaking docket EERE-2018-BT-STD-0003 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.
Variable refrigerant flow air conditioners and 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 431.97.
To determine that variable refrigerant flow 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 431.96.
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 wavers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR part 431, subpart V.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for variable refrigerant flow air conditioners and heat pumps.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
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 431, subpart W.
For more information related to this product, please email:
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