Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Published Date: 1/7/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 6, 2025, new testing rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps kick in to make sure they’re measured with the latest industry standards. Manufacturers must use these updated tests by July 7, 2025, which include fresh ways to check energy efficiency and standby power use. This means better info for buyers and could lead to smarter, more energy-saving products down the line.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
New appendix M2 adds SCORE and SHORE metrics
DOE established a new appendix M2 that incorporates AHRI 1600-2024 and defines new metrics called SCORE and SHORE. Testing using appendix M2 (SCORE/SHORE) is not required until DOE issues a compliance date for any amended energy conservation standards that are denominated in those metrics; DOE also determined appendix M2 would alter measured efficiency compared to the current procedure.
Manufacturers must use updated tests by July 7, 2025
If you make central air conditioners or heat pumps, you must use the amended Federal test procedure (which incorporates AHRI 210/240-2024 into appendix M1) for product testing starting July 7, 2025. The rule itself is effective February 6, 2025.
Appendix M1 won’t change ratings or testing costs
DOE determined the amendments to appendix M1 (incorporating AHRI 210/240-2024) will not alter measured efficiency, will not require retesting or recertification solely because of the change, and will not increase the cost of testing. Representations based on the amended appendix M1 must be used starting 180 days after publication of the final rule.
Representations must follow amended tests after 180 days
Companies must base representations of energy use or energy efficiency on testing done under the amended appendix M1 starting 180 days after the date of publication of the test procedure final rule in the Federal Register. Amendments to representation requirements in 10 CFR 429.16 are also tied to that 180-day timing.
Some representation requirements removed (PW,OFF)
DOE is removing the requirement to represent the PW,OFF (off-mode power) metric in 10 CFR 429.16 for central air conditioners and heat pumps. This change is part of the updates to the appendix M1/M2 incorporations.
Federal rules now reference updated industry standards
DOE is incorporating by reference AHRI 210/240-2024 and AHRI 1600-2024 and related ANSI/ASHRAE standards into the Federal test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps to harmonize Federal and industry testing approaches. DOE says this will eliminate manufacturer burden from certifying to separate test procedures.
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