Water-Source Unitary Heat Pumps

DOE has published a Federal Register notice final rule amending its test procedure for water-source heat pumps to expand the scope of applicability of the test procedure, incorporate by reference a new industry consensus test standard for water-source heat pumps, adopt a seasonal cooling efficiency metric, and specify more representative test conditions used for measuring heating performance. DOE has determined that the amended test procedure will produce results that are more representative of an average use cycle and be more consistent with current industry practice without being unduly burdensome to conduct. Additionally, DOE is adopting provisions governing public representations of efficiency for this equipment.

• The effective date of this rule is January 3, 2024.
• The amendments will be mandatory for equipment testing starting November 29, 2024.
• The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in the rule is approved by the director of the Federal Register on January 3, 2024.

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.

DOE undertook a rulemaking process that concluded with a final rule in July 2015. The rulemaking docket EERE-2014-BT-STD-0015 for energy conservation standard for water-source unitary heat pumps 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 rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-TP-0029 for energy conservation standard for water-source unitary heat pumps 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-source 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(c).

To determine that water-source 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 water-source 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:
[email protected]