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As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), small, large, and very large commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps are air-cooled, water-cooled, evaporatively cooled, or water source unitary air conditioners and heat pumps that are used for space conditioning of commercial and industrial buildings. 10 CFR 431.92. Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for small, large, and very large commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps since 1992.
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 Determination - Federal Register, 86FR37001 (July 14, 2021)
Notice of Proposed Determination - Federal Register, 85 FR 57149 (September 15, 2020)
DOE undertook a rulemaking process that concluded with a final rule in May 2012 pertaining to energy conservation standards for water cooled unitary air conditioners.
The rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-STD-0032 for energy conservation standard and test procedures for certain commercial heating, air conditioners, and water heating equipment (including water-cooled unitary air conditioners) 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 at this time.
Test Procedure
Request for Information - Federal Register, 82 FR 34427 (July 25, 2017)
DOE undertook a rulemaking process that concluded with a final rule in May 2012 pertaining to test procedures for water-cooled commercial packaged air conditioners.
The rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-STD-0018 for energy conservation standard and test procedures for certain commercial heating, air conditioners, and water heating equipment (including water-cooled unitary air conditioners) 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.
Water-cooled unitary air-conditioners 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 water-cooled unitary air-conditioners 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 water-cooled unitary air-conditioners.
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.
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