The minimum allowable energy efficiency for residential air conditioners is changing on Jan. 1, 2015, as discussed in our last update on this topic. See http://www.ac-heatingconnect.com/regional-efficiency-standards-update/
The Department of Energy (DOE) periodically increases energy efficiency standards as technology evolves and higher efficiency systems become more affordable.
This time, however, the change is different from previous changes. In the past, the whole country had one minimum efficiency level (for example, the current minimum is 13 SEER for AC), but beginning on Jan. 1, 2015, the new energy standard is regional, which means that depending on the region (North, Southeast or Southwest), the minimum allowable efficiency can be different for air conditioners. This creates complications for enforcement.
In the past, manufacturers were prohibited from making lower efficiency products after a certain date. But this time, the current 13 SEER split-system AC units can still be installed in the North, but they cannot be installed in the Southeast and Southwest. Hence, manufacturers cannot be completely prohibited from making 13 SEER units since they are allowed to build them for the North region. To find a way to enforce the standards, the DOE appointed a working group consisting of representatives from various stakeholders. This working group made their recommendation to the DOE on Oct. 30, 2014. The following is a summary of the group’s recommendations.
- All systems produced before the Jan. 2015 deadline will have the current SEER rating label (hang tag) and these systems can be sold in all regions (including the Southeast and Southwest regions) for an 18-month period, which ends on July 1, 2016.
- All systems produced after the Jan. 1, 2015, deadline will have a “new” SEER rating label. The current design for this label features a range for the SEER level that can be achieved with various options for indoor coil matches.
- Starting March 1, 2015, manufacturers will add a new permanent label to the outdoor unit, identifying in which states the unit is prohibited.
- The DOE will provide information regarding the regulations on their website and provide means to report violations.
- Reports of violations can be emailed to:
EnergyEfficiencyEnforcement@hq.doe.gov - A dedicated voicemail number will also be set up in future
- Reports of violations can be emailed to:
- If the DOE determines a contractor to be a repeat violator, they will be tagged as a “routine violator,” and their names will be published on a special list. Homeowners can check this list before hiring a contractor.
- When investigating a violation, the DOE might also contact the homeowner.
- Though it is not required, we recommend that homeowners save the hang tag and receipts/documentation from the contractor.
We will continue to post updates on this site as they become available.
