Stronger Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards Go Into Effect

January 23, 2006

DOE's new energy efficiency standards for residential air conditioners went into effect on January 23rd. Newly manufactured central air conditioner systems for homes must now achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher, which is 30 percent more efficient than the previous 10 SEER standard. However, air conditioners manufactured under the old standard may still be sold and installed until the supply is exhausted. The new central air conditioner standard is predicted to save consumers $1 billion in energy costs over the next 25 years. See the DOE press release and a fact sheet for consumers (PDF 50 KB), and for the official rule and related documents, see the DOE Appliance and Commercial Equipment Standards Web site. Download Adobe Reader.