DOE's New Energy Performance Standards for Room Air Conditioners

Newsbriefs

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued new

energy performance standards for room air conditioners, boosting minimum performance by about 10%. For the most common size model, the minimum Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)—the ratio of cooling output per unit of cooling input—will increase from 9.0 to 9.8. The new standards, which will apply to all units manufactured or imported after October 1, 2000, have broad support from both industry and energy efficiency supporters, according to Steve Nadal of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Few room air conditioners currently on the market have EER ratings exceeding 10.0, though the most energy efficient reach 12.0. Contact ACEEE, 202/429-8873; www.aceee.org.