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DOE Publishes a Final Rule Pertaining to
Test Procedures for
Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Federal Register final rule pertaining to test procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (CAC/HPs). This final rule amends test procedure for CAC/HPs to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the relevant industry consensus test standard, AHRI 210/240-2024 (I-P) for the current test procedure for CAC/HPs (appendix M1) for measuring the current cooling and heating metrics—seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) and heating seasonal performance factor 2 (HSPF2). DOE is incorporating by reference the new industry consensus test standard, AHRI 1600-2024 (I-P), for a new test procedure (appendix M2) for CAC/HPs that adopts two new metrics—seasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency (SCORE) and seasonal heating and off-mode rating efficiency (SHORE). Testing to the SCORE and SHORE metrics would not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE is amending certain provisions of DOE’s regulations related to representations and enforcement for CAC/HPs.
- The effective date of this rule is February 6, 2025.
- The amendments to appendix M1 will be mandatory for product testing starting July 7, 2025.
- Manufacturers will be required to use the amended appendix M1 test procedure until the compliance date of any final rule establishing amended energy conservation standards based on the newly established test procedure in appendix M2. At such time, manufacturers will be required to begin using the newly established test procedure.
- The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register on February 6, 2025.
- Find product information for central air conditioners and heat pumps including current standards and test procedures, statutory authority, waivers, exceptions and contact information.
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