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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Covered Product Category: Commercial Central Air Conditioners

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products

FEMP provides acquisition guidance across a variety of product categories, including commercial central air conditioners, which are an ENERGY STAR®-qualified product category. Federal laws and executive orders mandate that agencies meet these efficiency requirements in all procurement and acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.

Most manufacturers display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. For a model not displaying this label, check the manufacturer's literature to determine if it meets the efficiency requirements outlined by ENERGY STAR.

This product category overview covers the following:

Performance Requirements for Federal Purchases

For the most up-to-date efficiency levels required by ENERGY STAR for commercial central air conditioners (also known as light commercial HVAC), look for the ENERGY STAR label or visit the ENERGY STAR Product Specifications website. For more information, contact the FEMP point of contact listed below.

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Buying Energy-Efficient Commercial Central Air Conditioning Systems

This Purchasing Specification applies to commercial central air conditioning systems that operate on three-phase current and have cooling capacities of 240,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/h) or less. Commercial heat pumps are covered by a separate specification, and packaged terminal air conditioners are excluded. When purchasing new or replacement commercial central air conditioners, specify or select products that are ENERGY STAR-qualified.

Federal supply sources for commercial central air conditioners are the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA offers them through its Multiple Awards Schedule program and online shopping network, GSA Advantage! DLA sells them through their online supply network, DOD EMALL. A list of qualified products is available on the ENERGY STAR website.

These requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including guide and project specifications; construction, renovation, repair, energy service, operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; and solicitations for offers. Energy performance requirements should be included in all evaluations of solicitation responses. Buyers shall insert the standard clause from FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in Federal facilities. Agencies can claim an exception to these requirements through a written finding that no ENERGY STAR-qualified or FEMP-designated product is life-cycle cost effective for a specific application.

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Buyer Tips

Climate has a substantial impact on the performance of air conditioning systems. Technologies are available that optimize performance for hot/dry and hot/humid conditions. For example, commercial air conditioners designed to provide more sensible cooling would perform better in dry climates, whereas those designed for greater moisture removal would perform better in humid climates. In hot/dry or hot/humid climates, choose a commercial air conditioner that is design-optimized for the appropriate cooling loads – latent or sensible. Depending on utility rates, additional energy and cost savings can be achieved.

Economizers provide "free" cooling by using outside air to cool interior spaces. When the ambient temperature and humidity conditions are favorable, economizers open dampers to allow more outside air in and reduce the amount of indoor air recirculated. In addition, when ambient temperatures are low enough, some economizer controls allow the compressor to shut down and cool the space with outside air only. When properly controlled and maintained, economizers can decrease energy consumption substantially.

Other technologies that reduce energy use and operating cost include two-speed fans and modulating compressors. Two-speed fans allow for decreased energy use in ventilation-only mode when neither heating nor cooling is needed. Modulating compressors use less energy than single-speed models at partial loads. Two-speed fans should be used with modulating compressors to match the airflow with the amount of cooling provided.

Economizers, two-speed fans, and other features usually require operation by an appropriate and well-calibrated control system. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides guidance on proper control settings through its published Standard 90.1-2007. Automated fault detection and diagnostics control systems alert the building operators to any equipment failures, such as low refrigerant or airflow, that require maintenance or repair.

Federal buyers should require that commercial central air conditioners be installed in accordance with the HVAC Quality Installation (QI) Specification published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Installation problems such as oversizing, improper charging, and leaky ducts result in efficiency losses, occupant discomfort, and shortened equipment life. Requiring the contractor to follow the HVAC QI Specification assures that these and other problems are addressed during installation and that the energy and cost savings are achieved.

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User Tips

Proper maintenance of commercial central air conditioners is essential for effective and efficient operation. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency publishes the Guidelines for Energy-Efficient Commercial Unitary HVAC Systems that provides tips on properly operating and maintaining commercial air conditioners.

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Environmental Tips

Refrigerants with ozone-destroying hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were commonly used in air conditioners until recently. When retiring commercial central air conditioners that contain HCFCs, a certified technician is required by the Clean Air Act to recover the refrigerant on-site and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner. It is a violation of Federal law to dispose of HCFCs improperly.

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Estimating Energy and Cost Savings

FEMP plans to provide a cost-effectiveness example for this product category in FY 2012. For more information, contact the FEMP point of contact listed at the bottom of this page.

FEMP has a cost calculator for commercial central air conditioners. Input the conditions at your facility and click "Calculate." The output section at the bottom of the page will display information that more accurately reflects your conditions. Please note that this calculator does not include input for IEER or SEER and that the results will reflect this.

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For More Information

Federal supply sources are the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells products through its Multiple Awards Schedules and GSA Advantage! DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and DOD EMALL.

The following resources are available for additional information:

Amanda Sahl
Federal Energy Management Program
202-586-1662
amanda.sahl@ee.doe.gov

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this acquisition guidance.

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