United States. A new agreement on energy standards for residential central heat pump and air conditioning systems could save consumers $38 billion. The new standard developed by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) task force has been approved by the Federal Advisory Committee on Appliance Standards and Regulations (ASRAC).
In the United States, about 60% of homes have a central cooling system and about 19% of those systems are heat pumps. Virtually all new homes are built with central air conditioning.
Andrew deLaski, ASRAC's representative at the WG, said: "The energy and money savings from the recommended new central air conditioning and heat pump standards will add to consumers and the nation. Savings will reach about 300 million kWh in sales over 30 years (enough to cool 150 million average households in a year) and $38 billion in bill savings."
"We are pleased to see that once again the industry and environmental leaders have been able to come together and reach an agreement that benefits consumers, businesses and employees for years to come," said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek, another company participating in the working group.
Once approved by the DOE, the energy efficiency levels agreed in the negotiations will enter into force on January 1, 2023, but will be adjusted based on changes in product test procedures. According to the agreement (and the use of current test procedures), the efficiency level of residential central air conditioners at 45,000Btu/hour would be 14 SEER in the North, and 15 SEER in the Southeast and Southwest; for products above 45,000Btu/h, levels would be 14.5 SEER in the southeast and southwest, and 14 SEER in the North. Heat pump efficiency levels are set at 15 SEER for all regions.
