ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR program was established by EPA in 1992, under the authority of the Clean Air Act Section 103(g). Section103(g) of the Clean Air Act directs the Administrator to "conduct a basic engineering research and technology program to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate non–regulatory strategies and technologies for reducing air pollution."
Dear ENERGY STAR® Commercial Water Heater Stakeholders:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are releasing the Final Draft ENERGY STAR Test Method for Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems and should the public have any comments we will accept them through December 19, 2024.
The EPA and DOE received many informative comments in response to the Draft 1 Test Method for Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems and have adjusted the Final Draft Test Method in response; responses to comments can be found in note boxes throughout the Final Draft Test Method as well as in the accompanying Draft 1 Test Method Comment Response Matrix. All comments received on the Draft 1 Test Method can be found posted on the Commercial Water Heaters product development website. The following changes are reflected in the Final Draft:
- Test condition temperatures for outdoor air-source heat pumps have been adjusted to be more evenly spaced out, and an optional defrost test added.
- Indoor air-source heat pump units are defined, with a single test at 80.6°F conducted in the ducted configuration, to better represent this application.
- Additionally, separate condenser entering water temperature conditions for indoor air-source heat pump units and water-source heat pump units are included as these only require one single-pass and one multi-pass test condition.
- Evaporator test conditions for outdoor air-source heat pump units have been split up into Types A-D, differentiated by compressor cut-in and cut-out temperatures (equivalent to Types 1-4 in the ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance).
- Condenser entering water temperatures varying with the evaporator entering air temperature for single-pass tests, reflecting a mix of return water and city water.
- A Water Heating Energy Efficiency Ratio (WHEER) seasonal metric has been added, applicable to all outdoor air-source heat pump units.
The EPA also received helpful comments and input to the discussion guide that will inform the updated ENERGY STAR specification. These comments will be addressed at the time EPA releases a first draft specification – currently planned for the first quarter of 2025.
Comment Submittal:
Comments on this draft may be submitted for EPA and DOE consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than December 19, 2024. As a reminder, all submitted comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR product development website unless the submitter specifically requests their respective comments remain confidential.
Please contact Abigail Daken, EPA, at Daken.Abigail@epa.gov or 202-343-9375 or Megan McNelly, ICF, at Megan.McNelly@icf.com with questions or concerns. For any questions on commercial water heater testing, please contact Julia Hegarty, DOE, at Julia.Hegarty@ee.doe.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Abigail Daken, Product Manager ENERGY STAR HVAC and Water Heating
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Final Draft Test Method for Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems
ENERGY STAR Draft 1 Test Method for Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Furnace Stakeholder or Other Interested Party:
With this letter, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is distributing the Final Draft of the Version 5.0 ENERGY STAR Furnace Specification. The EPA would like to thank the many stakeholders who have invested time and effort to contribute feedback that has informed this product specification process. Any final comments may be submitted no later than December 19, 2024, to HVAC@energystar.gov.
The EPA received many comments on the Draft 1 specification from a wide range of stakeholders. Most commenters indicated support for a specification revision in lieu of a sunset. Commenters requested a wide range of effective dates for Version 5.0, ranging from 2025 to 2032, citing reasons such as the typical timeline for ENERGY STAR specification revisions, current qualifying model availability, upcoming Department of Energy (DOE) standards effective dates, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives expiration. Several stakeholders supported the proposed 2026 effective date.
While many commenters expressed support for the proposed 97 AFUE level for gas furnaces, several requested that the EPA maintain the regional distinction and less stringent requirements in the South, noting that the cost/benefit analysis in the South does not support purchasing a higher-efficiency gas furnace because of the fewer number of heating days in the region. One commenter also provided compelling data showing limited ENERGY STAR market penetration in the South.
A more extensive summary and response to the comments received are addressed in the Comment Response Matrix.
Key elements of Final Draft specification include:
- The regional distinction for gas furnaces is maintained in the Final Draft to provide consumers in the South better consumer payback and to take into account the market landscape of furnaces in the South specifically, as shown by data that stakeholders provided with their comments.
- The performance requirements for gas furnaces are 97 AFUE for the North and 95 AFUE for the South. Seven percent of gas furnace models currently meet the 97 AFUE level, while 45% meet the 95 AFUE level. All common sizes and major manufacturers are represented in the qualifying models at both of these levels. For the North, the annual savings compared to a new standard 80 AFUE furnace are 10.4 MMBtu and for the South the annual savings are 4.2 MMBtu. EPA calculated consumer payback of 5 years and 11 years respectively, using 2023 regional gas prices. While the payback will vary greatly from market to market, a 95 AFUE level in the South will be more favorable to consumers than the 92 AFUE level several stakeholders suggested. The oil furnace 87 AFUE level remains unchanged from Draft 1.
- The effective date is July 31, 2026. EPA considers this to be an appropriate timeline based on the interest of a large number of impacted stakeholders. This date will enable the revision to become effective ahead of the manufacturing ramp up for the 2026/2027 heating season.
- The UL certification reference for oil-fired furnaces has been corrected from UL 726 to UL 727.
Comment Submittal
To the extent you have any final feedback for the EPA’s consideration, please submit written comments to HVAC@energystar.gov by December 19, 2024. All comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Product Development website unless the submitter requests otherwise.
As a reminder, all documents related to this process are posted to the Version 5.0 ENERGY STAR Furnaces Specification Development webpage.
Please direct any specific questions to Abigail Daken, EPA, at daken.abigail@epa.gov or 202-343-9375 and Megan McNelly, ICF, at Megan.McNelly@icf.com. For test procedure inquiries, please contact Julia Hegarty (DOE) at julia.hegarty@ee.doe.gov. Thank you for your participation in the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Abigail Daken, Product Manager ENERGY STAR HVAC and Water Heating
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Furnaces Final Draft Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Furnaces Final Draft Data Package
ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Furnaces Draft 1 Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Partners and other Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the final ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 Recognition Criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). In concert with this release, the EPA also shares the final Version 6.2 amendment to the ENERGY STAR ASHP specification. This letter outlines the criteria and amendment, both finalized as proposed to better align ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 25C tax credit eligibility requirements and enable more effective leveraging of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR brand to communicate about qualifying models.
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 ASHP Final Recognition Criteria
Feedback received on the proposal was largely supportive. While alternate approaches for setting criteria were offered by select stakeholders, the 2025 criteria, as finalized, reasonably reflect top performance in the context of today’s market to the extent they align with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) highest tier for ASHPs. Summaries and responses to the comments can be found in the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 & Specification Version 6.2 ASHP Comment Response Matrix.
The final 2025 ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition criteria for air-source heat pumps remains unchanged from the proposal, as follows:
The criteria also include a minimum 1.75 COP at 5ºF and 70% heating capacity at 5ºF compared to 47ºF requirements for cold climate heat pumps and a low ambient temperature performance backstop of 1.75 COP at 5ºF and a 45% heating capacity requirement at 5ºF compared to 47ºF for non-cold climate HPs. The installation benefits requirement has been removed. In addition to meeting the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria, products must be ENERGY STAR certified by an EPA-recognized certification body.
The EPA notes that in order to recognize models as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2025, additional data is needed for those not currently certified as ENERGY STAR Cold Climate. For these models, partners need to ensure they submit CVP, COP and heating capacity at 5ºF data to their certification body as soon as possible. The EPA anticipates recognition of these models in mid-January once the certification bodies have updated their systems to submit the additional data to the Agency. Currently recognized ENERGY STAR Cold Climate models that meet the 2025 criteria will automatically be recognized on the EPA website early in the new year.
Final Version 6.2 Amendment to the ENERGY STAR ASHP Specification
Comments on the proposed Version 6.2 amendment to the ENERGY STAR ASHP specification were largely supportive, with a few stakeholders recommending updates to better align the ENERGY STAR specification with tax credit eligibility. The EPA notes that the amendment, as proposed, will allow for implementation of the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria above, while ensuring an approach that follows the Guiding Principles of the program and reflect requirements established on balance with the variations in heat pump technology.
Therefore, the EPA is finalizing the following changes in the Version 6.2 amendment, as proposed:
- EER2 requirement lowered to 11.0 for split systems and 10.0 for single package systems to accommodate variable speed units which have excellent seasonal performance and, on average, do not run at full capacity during peak cooling.
- The option to use the DOE CVP, when available, instead of the ENERGY STAR CVP, for verifying low ambient performance of cold climate heat pumps.
- Reporting requirement for COP at 5ºF, Heating Capacity at 5ºF/47ºF, and CVP verification, where available, to facilitate identification of models eligible for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.
Additionally, the EPA is clarifying in Section 3) E. of the specification that gas/electric package units need to meet all requirements for single package HPs, not just the cooling requirements, to reflect those indicated in Table 2. The Version 6.2 amendment will not impact any currently certified models. For more details on these changes, please see the ENERGY STAR ASHP Specification Version 6 webpage.
This document, along with the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 ASHP criteria, can be found here. It can also be found with the ENERGY STAR ASHP Version 6.2 amendment here.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.2 Air Source Heat Pump Specification
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps
2025 Most Efficient & Version 6.2 Air Source Heat Pumps Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Central Air Conditioner Manufacturer or Other Interested Party:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the sunset of the ENERGY STAR specification for Central Air Conditioners (CAC) effective February 1, 2026.
The EPA thanks stakeholders who submitted comments on the revised sunset proposal, released in April 2024. All written comments are posted here. The majority of feedback was positive with a wide range of commenters reiterating support for the sunset, noting the voluntary nature of the ENERGY STAR program and that homeowners will still be able to purchase CACs if they meet their needs. For those wishing to distinguish energy saving models in the future, commenters identified other useful resources such as Consortium for Energy Efficiency performance tiers and the EnergyGuide label. Some also expressed concern about the potential for continued endorsement of CACs by the ENERGY STAR program to impede them in reaching decarbonization and heat pump installation goals for residential buildings. Of these commenters, several supported the revised sunset effective date of February 1, 2026, while others advocated for the timeline as originally proposed for December 2024.
A small number of commentors remain opposed to a sunset, citing continued energy savings potential from efficient CACs and relevancy for consumers who do not have heating needs or are not good heat pump candidates. Others requested that the EPA delay the implementation of the sunset beyond February 1, 2026, citing challenges for a national transition to heat pumps, including market readiness, contractor training, and affordability of efficient heat pump technology.
As noted by several commenters, the EPA anticipates improved affordability of efficient heat pumps through IRA benefits and utility program incentives and considers the small increase in price to be marginal, given the additional heating capabilities of heat pump technology. Weighing all of the feedback on timing, the Agency concludes that, on balance, the delayed effective date of February 1, 2026, is appropriate.
All feedback in response to the CAC specification sunset proposal has been carefully considered by the EPA and is discussed further in the Comment Response Matrix that accompanies this letter.
Milestones for Sunsetting ENERGY STAR CACs
The sunset will proceed consistent with the following milestones:
- ENERGY STAR certified CACs and their brand owners will continue to be recognized at www.energystar.gov until February 1, 2026.
- No new Partnership Agreements for the CAC program will be accepted by the EPA as of July 15, 2025.
- No new CAC certifications will be accepted by the EPA as of July 15, 2025.
- Manufacturers and brand owners must stop using the ENERGY STAR name and ENERGY STAR mark in association with all CAC manufactured and services offered on or after February 1, 2026.
- In order to be in compliance by February 1, 2026, manufacturers of CACs are encouraged to remove ENERGY STAR references on web sites or in other collateral materials as these materials are reprinted or changed in the coming months. Partners are permitted to use up existing printed material, including packaging, in order to minimize waste.
Partners who have any questions or want to discuss their plans to discontinue labeling may contact HVAC@energystar.gov. In closing, the EPA appreciates the efforts of all CAC stakeholders to advance a cleaner environment through the ENERGY STAR Program and applauds your success in moving the market towards greater energy efficiency.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling
Enclosures:
Central Air Conditioner Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR Lighting Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder:
This letter serves as a reminder that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s sunset of the ENERGY STAR specifications for Lamps (aka Light Bulbs) and Luminaires (aka Light Fixtures) takes effect December 31, 2024. Except for models certified to the Downlights V1.0 specification, all Lamp and Luminaire partners must cease use of the ENERGY STAR name and ENERGY STAR mark in association with all products, including on products, web pages, and other collateral materials as of this date.
EPA appreciates the efforts of lighting partners to advance a cleaner environment through the ENERGY STAR Program and applauds your success in moving the market towards greater energy efficiency. Please send any questions to lighting@energystar.gov. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling Branch
US Environmental Protection Agency
Dear ENERGY STAR® Room Air Conditioners Brand Owner Partners and Other Interested Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the simultaneous release of the ENERGY STAR Versions 6.0 and 7.0 Room Air Conditioner (RAC) Draft 1 Specifications. Version 6.0 is intended to address heating mode efficiency for room heat pumps while leaving other requirements unchanged. Version 7.0 proposes to update all requirements in response to new minimum standards going into effect in 2026. The Agency will be hosting a webinar on December 16, 2024, at 1pm ET to discuss EPA’s proposals in greater detail. The public is encouraged to submit comments on these draft proposals to the EPA no later than December 30, 2024.
In the short time since the EPA finalized Version 5.0 of the ENERGY STAR RAC specification in 2023, the room heat pump (also known as reverse cycle RAC) market has advanced, with multiple manufacturers developing efficient heat pump models able to operate at temperatures considerably lower than before. In response to the innovation in these products, the EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) developed a test procedure to determine the heating efficiency of room heat pumps based on their operating temperatures and defrost, finalized in July 2024. The ENERGY STAR RAC Version 6.0 proposal adds a heating efficiency requirement for room heat pumps in order to characterize the potential energy savings from heating in addition to the savings from cooling. Further, incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates programs require heating mode verification through ENERGY STAR certification. By setting a heating mode efficiency requirement, the EPA will enable ENERGY STAR certified room heat pumps to become eligible for these rebates.
Version 6.0 Heating Mode Requirements
In Version 6.0, the EPA is proposing to add a heating energy efficiency ratio (HEER) requirement of 5.1 for Type 1 and Type 2 room heat pumps and 6.8 for Type 3 and Type 4. To ensure adequate performance in low ambient temperatures, the EPA is also proposing to require a 1.5 COP at 17°F and 5°F and a 70% heating capacity at 17°F and 5°F compared to 47°F for Types 3 and 4, respectively. These proposed requirements were determined in consideration of preliminary testing data provided by manufacturers and will allow for recognition of models across manufacturers introducing this technology, while ensuring that room heat pumps deliver improved performance over resistance heating. The proposed 5.1 HEER requirement for Types 1 and 2 corresponds to seasonal heating performance 1.5 times more efficient than resistance heating, using 2/3rd the energy. The 1.5 COP at 17°F and 5°F requirement for Types 3 and 4 will ensure adequate efficiency at cold temperatures, while the 70% capacity requirement will ensure the rated heating capacity more accurately reflects the heating capacity when heating load is the greatest. The EPA is also proposing to remove the optional connected criteria from the specification in Version 6.0 and instead allow reporting of connected features available for products, simplifying the process for sharing connectivity information with consumers.
For room heat pump models with heating efficiency at the levels proposed in Version 6.0, the EPA anticipates an average annual savings ranging from 276 kWh to 783 kWh for heating alone, depending on the Type. These savings are in comparison to the average energy use of electric resistance heating in homes that use portable space heaters or built-in electric appliances as their primary heating source. When also considering the cooling savings, the EPA anticipates a 0.5-year payback for Type 1 and 2 units for consumers compared to the installed price of a 2014 DOE minimum efficiency reverse cycle RAC. For Type 3 units, payback increases to 1.9 years, and for Type 4 units, payback is noticeably higher at 13.4 years. The EPA notes that for Type 4 units, the price of the baseline equipment used in the analysis, a DOE minimum RAC, is likely much lower than the actual price of the products a Type 4 room heat pump would be able to replace. Given the robust cold climate performance requirements at 5°F proposed in these ENERGY STAR RAC specification revisions, Type 4 room heat pumps would be appropriate alternatives to many primary heating and cooling products beyond RACs, such as mini-split systems, central air conditioners, boilers, or furnaces. As such, payback for Type 4 models is likely much lower when compared to other products often used in cold climate applications.
Version 7.0 Cooling and Heating Mode Requirements
The Version 7.0 proposal was developed in response to a new federal minimum standard for RACs, effective May 26, 2026, requiring an increase in the ENERGY STAR specification cooling efficiency requirements to deliver savings beyond the standard. The EPA is proposing combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) requirements 10% above the DOE minimum for non-reverse cycle RAC product classes and 5% above the DOE minimum for room heat pump (reverse cycle RAC) product classes. The EPA recognizes that design changes to meet the upcoming standards are currently underway and anticipates the selection of products performing at these levels will expand between now and the effective date. Based on an assessment using pricing data supporting the DOE’s regulatory analysis, the EPA anticipates a payback of approximately two years for most RAC product classes with ENERGY STAR participation, compared to a 2026 federal minimum cooling efficiency model. While the estimated payback for product classes 1 and 2 is higher, prices may decrease in response to the expanded market for efficient technologies driven by the new standard, improving payback for consumers.
Given that the new minimum standards will require product redesign to increase cooling efficiency, the EPA anticipates a subsequent increase in room heat pump heating efficiency associated with the design changes. Therefore, in Version 7.0, the EPA is proposing a 5.8 HEER requirement for room heat pump Types 1 and 2 and an 8.3 HEER requirement for Types 3 and 4, in addition to increasing the COP requirements at 17°F and 5°F for Types 3 and 4, respectively, from 1.5 to 1.75. These proposed Version 7.0 low ambient temperature performance requirements would bring the ENERGY STAR RAC specification in alignment with the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate air source heat pump requirements, reflecting acceptable cold climate performance widely recognized by industry. The EPA is also proposing to add room heat pump labelling requirements to facilitate appropriate climate application across different brands, by room heat pump type.
For Type 1 and Type 2 room heat pumps meeting the proposed Version 7.0 criteria, the EPA anticipates an average annual savings of 343 kWh from heating alone, with a 1.4-year payback for consumers compared to a 2026 DOE minimum efficiency reverse cycle RAC, when also considering the savings from cooling. For Type 3 units, the EPA anticipates an average annual heating savings of 737 kWh and a 3-year payback. For Type 4 units, the EPA anticipates an average heating annual savings of 925 kWh and an 18.7-year payback. The additional considerations for calculating payback Type 4 models discussed in Version 6.0, above, also apply to the estimates in Version 7.0.
Effective Dates
The EPA is proposing a two-tiered approach to these revisions to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioners specification, with Version 6.0 effective nine months after finalization and Version 7.0 effective May 26, 2026, aligned with the timing of upcoming federal minimum efficiency standard effective date. While it is common for ENERGY STAR to adopt new minimum standards in advance of their effective date as a leadership program, the Agency recognizes the market circumstances in this instance are such that delaying the Version 7.0 effective date until 2026, providing as much notice as possible for manufacturers to prepare for the specification change, is likely most appropriate. Manufacturers will be able to early-certify eligible products to either version of the specification once they are finalized.
Updated Heating Mode Performance Test Method
These specification revisions reference the new ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance. Since its release in July 2024, the EPA has corrected the test method to ensure that COP17, COP5, and COPx are calculated to be unitless, consistent with the description of coefficient of performance (COP) in section 3 of the test method. In the originally released version, the COP calculations mistakenly resulted in units of Btu/Wh. To address this, the EPA has added a conversion factor throughout the test method to produce unitless results (i.e., Watts/Watts). The reporting template has also been amended to include this conversion factor, along with a few other minor corrections to improve consistency between the calculator and the test method. As a reminder, all documents related to this process are posted to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Test Method Development webpage.
Comment Submittal
The public is encouraged to provide written comments on the proposed RAC specification revisions for the EPA’s consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov by December 30, 2024. In particular, the Agency is requesting feedback on the room heat pump labeling requirement in Version 7.0, including what labeling elements would help communicate appropriate application to consumers the most clearly. All comments will be posted to the Room Air Conditioners Version 6.0 and Version 7.0 Specification Development webpages unless the submitter requests otherwise.
Stakeholder Meeting
The EPA will host a webinar on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm ET to discuss Draft 1 of the Version 6.0 and 7.0 revisions to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner specification and address initial stakeholder comments and questions. Please register for the webinar here. Stakeholders are encouraged to inform the EPA of any industry events that may conflict with this proposed date.
To track the EPA’s progress in this development, visit the Room Air Conditioners Version 6.0 and Version 7.0 Specification Development webpages.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR Program. If you have any questions or feedback, please direct them to Holly Tapani at the EPA, Tapani.Holly@epa.gov or 202-751-5089, or Megan McNelly at ICF, Megan.McNelly@icf.com. For test method questions, please contact Lucas Adin at the DOE, lucas.adin@ee.doe.gov.
Sincerely,
Holly Tapani
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENERGY STAR HVAC Program
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification Data Package
ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification Data Package
ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance
Dear ENERGY STAR® Room Air Conditioners Brand Owner Partners and Other Interested Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the simultaneous release of the ENERGY STAR Versions 6.0 and 7.0 Room Air Conditioner (RAC) Draft 1 Specifications. Version 6.0 is intended to address heating mode efficiency for room heat pumps while leaving other requirements unchanged. Version 7.0 proposes to update all requirements in response to new minimum standards going into effect in 2026. The Agency will be hosting a webinar on December 16, 2024, at 1pm ET to discuss EPA’s proposals in greater detail. The public is encouraged to submit comments on these draft proposals to the EPA no later than December 30, 2024.
In the short time since the EPA finalized Version 5.0 of the ENERGY STAR RAC specification in 2023, the room heat pump (also known as reverse cycle RAC) market has advanced, with multiple manufacturers developing efficient heat pump models able to operate at temperatures considerably lower than before. In response to the innovation in these products, the EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) developed a test procedure to determine the heating efficiency of room heat pumps based on their operating temperatures and defrost, finalized in July 2024. The ENERGY STAR RAC Version 6.0 proposal adds a heating efficiency requirement for room heat pumps in order to characterize the potential energy savings from heating in addition to the savings from cooling. Further, incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates programs require heating mode verification through ENERGY STAR certification. By setting a heating mode efficiency requirement, the EPA will enable ENERGY STAR certified room heat pumps to become eligible for these rebates.
Version 6.0 Heating Mode Requirements
In Version 6.0, the EPA is proposing to add a heating energy efficiency ratio (HEER) requirement of 5.1 for Type 1 and Type 2 room heat pumps and 6.8 for Type 3 and Type 4. To ensure adequate performance in low ambient temperatures, the EPA is also proposing to require a 1.5 COP at 17°F and 5°F and a 70% heating capacity at 17°F and 5°F compared to 47°F for Types 3 and 4, respectively. These proposed requirements were determined in consideration of preliminary testing data provided by manufacturers and will allow for recognition of models across manufacturers introducing this technology, while ensuring that room heat pumps deliver improved performance over resistance heating. The proposed 5.1 HEER requirement for Types 1 and 2 corresponds to seasonal heating performance 1.5 times more efficient than resistance heating, using 2/3rd the energy. The 1.5 COP at 17°F and 5°F requirement for Types 3 and 4 will ensure adequate efficiency at cold temperatures, while the 70% capacity requirement will ensure the rated heating capacity more accurately reflects the heating capacity when heating load is the greatest. The EPA is also proposing to remove the optional connected criteria from the specification in Version 6.0 and instead allow reporting of connected features available for products, simplifying the process for sharing connectivity information with consumers.
For room heat pump models with heating efficiency at the levels proposed in Version 6.0, the EPA anticipates an average annual savings ranging from 276 kWh to 783 kWh for heating alone, depending on the Type. These savings are in comparison to the average energy use of electric resistance heating in homes that use portable space heaters or built-in electric appliances as their primary heating source. When also considering the cooling savings, the EPA anticipates a 0.5-year payback for Type 1 and 2 units for consumers compared to the installed price of a 2014 DOE minimum efficiency reverse cycle RAC. For Type 3 units, payback increases to 1.9 years, and for Type 4 units, payback is noticeably higher at 13.4 years. The EPA notes that for Type 4 units, the price of the baseline equipment used in the analysis, a DOE minimum RAC, is likely much lower than the actual price of the products a Type 4 room heat pump would be able to replace. Given the robust cold climate performance requirements at 5°F proposed in these ENERGY STAR RAC specification revisions, Type 4 room heat pumps would be appropriate alternatives to many primary heating and cooling products beyond RACs, such as mini-split systems, central air conditioners, boilers, or furnaces. As such, payback for Type 4 models is likely much lower when compared to other products often used in cold climate applications.
Version 7.0 Cooling and Heating Mode Requirements
The Version 7.0 proposal was developed in response to a new federal minimum standard for RACs, effective May 26, 2026, requiring an increase in the ENERGY STAR specification cooling efficiency requirements to deliver savings beyond the standard. The EPA is proposing combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) requirements 10% above the DOE minimum for non-reverse cycle RAC product classes and 5% above the DOE minimum for room heat pump (reverse cycle RAC) product classes. The EPA recognizes that design changes to meet the upcoming standards are currently underway and anticipates the selection of products performing at these levels will expand between now and the effective date. Based on an assessment using pricing data supporting the DOE’s regulatory analysis, the EPA anticipates a payback of approximately two years for most RAC product classes with ENERGY STAR participation, compared to a 2026 federal minimum cooling efficiency model. While the estimated payback for product classes 1 and 2 is higher, prices may decrease in response to the expanded market for efficient technologies driven by the new standard, improving payback for consumers.
Given that the new minimum standards will require product redesign to increase cooling efficiency, the EPA anticipates a subsequent increase in room heat pump heating efficiency associated with the design changes. Therefore, in Version 7.0, the EPA is proposing a 5.8 HEER requirement for room heat pump Types 1 and 2 and an 8.3 HEER requirement for Types 3 and 4, in addition to increasing the COP requirements at 17°F and 5°F for Types 3 and 4, respectively, from 1.5 to 1.75. These proposed Version 7.0 low ambient temperature performance requirements would bring the ENERGY STAR RAC specification in alignment with the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate air source heat pump requirements, reflecting acceptable cold climate performance widely recognized by industry. The EPA is also proposing to add room heat pump labelling requirements to facilitate appropriate climate application across different brands, by room heat pump type.
For Type 1 and Type 2 room heat pumps meeting the proposed Version 7.0 criteria, the EPA anticipates an average annual savings of 343 kWh from heating alone, with a 1.4-year payback for consumers compared to a 2026 DOE minimum efficiency reverse cycle RAC, when also considering the savings from cooling. For Type 3 units, the EPA anticipates an average annual heating savings of 737 kWh and a 3-year payback. For Type 4 units, the EPA anticipates an average heating annual savings of 925 kWh and an 18.7-year payback. The additional considerations for calculating payback Type 4 models discussed in Version 6.0, above, also apply to the estimates in Version 7.0.
Effective Dates
The EPA is proposing a two-tiered approach to these revisions to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioners specification, with Version 6.0 effective nine months after finalization and Version 7.0 effective May 26, 2026, aligned with the timing of upcoming federal minimum efficiency standard effective date. While it is common for ENERGY STAR to adopt new minimum standards in advance of their effective date as a leadership program, the Agency recognizes the market circumstances in this instance are such that delaying the Version 7.0 effective date until 2026, providing as much notice as possible for manufacturers to prepare for the specification change, is likely most appropriate. Manufacturers will be able to early-certify eligible products to either version of the specification once they are finalized.
Updated Heating Mode Performance Test Method
These specification revisions reference the new ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance. Since its release in July 2024, the EPA has corrected the test method to ensure that COP17, COP5, and COPx are calculated to be unitless, consistent with the description of coefficient of performance (COP) in section 3 of the test method. In the originally released version, the COP calculations mistakenly resulted in units of Btu/Wh. To address this, the EPA has added a conversion factor throughout the test method to produce unitless results (i.e., Watts/Watts). The reporting template has also been amended to include this conversion factor, along with a few other minor corrections to improve consistency between the calculator and the test method. As a reminder, all documents related to this process are posted to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Test Method Development webpage.
Comment Submittal
The public is encouraged to provide written comments on the proposed RAC specification revisions for the EPA’s consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov by December 30, 2024. In particular, the Agency is requesting feedback on the room heat pump labeling requirement in Version 7.0, including what labeling elements would help communicate appropriate application to consumers the most clearly. All comments will be posted to the Room Air Conditioners Version 6.0 and Version 7.0 Specification Development webpages unless the submitter requests otherwise.
Stakeholder Meeting
The EPA will host a webinar on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm ET to discuss Draft 1 of the Version 6.0 and 7.0 revisions to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner specification and address initial stakeholder comments and questions. Please register for the webinar here. Stakeholders are encouraged to inform the EPA of any industry events that may conflict with this proposed date.
To track the EPA’s progress in this development, visit the Room Air Conditioners Version 6.0 and Version 7.0 Specification Development webpages.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR Program. If you have any questions or feedback, please direct them to Holly Tapani at the EPA, Tapani.Holly@epa.gov or 202-751-5089, or Megan McNelly at ICF, Megan.McNelly@icf.com. For test method questions, please contact Lucas Adin at the DOE, lucas.adin@ee.doe.gov.
Sincerely,
Holly Tapani
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENERGY STAR HVAC Program
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification Data Package
ENERGY STAR Version 7.0 Room Air Conditioner Draft 1 Specification Data Package
ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance
Dear ENERGY STAR® Room Air Cleaner Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final Draft ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3.0 Specification. Comments may be submitted to the EPA no later than December 13, 2024. The EPA plans to finalize this Version 3.0 Room Air Cleaner specification in early January with an effective date of October 9, 2025.
The feedback the EPA received in response to the Draft 1 Version 3.0 Room Air Cleaner proposal was generally supportive with no concerns about the proposed levels. There were a few comments the EPA considered specific to the metrics, the scope, and the approach for setting levels. One stakeholder suggested relying solely on PM2.5 CADR instead of smoke CADR and dust CADR for the scope. The DOE and the EPA agree that it would be more appropriate to define the scope of this specification in terms of PM2.5 CADR to avoid inadvertently excluding products and accordingly propose to update the scope in terms of PM2.5 CADR. Another stakeholder suggested that the EPA increase the scope of the specification to include products with CADR under 30 cfm. The EPA considered this request but is retaining the current scope due to concerns that these products serve niche applications for small spaces. A couple of stakeholders requested the EPA consider an equation-based approach for setting levels rather than establishing them by bins. The EPA plans to retain the current method but will consider this approach in the future. As requested by stakeholders, the Agency will plan to allow partners to report the presence of an auto cleaning mode when certifying models. Summaries and responses to the comments can be found in note boxes throughout the final draft specification and in the Version 3.0 Draft 1 comment response matrix.
The EPA is maintaining the Draft 1 performance requirements as proposed in this Final Draft given the selection of available models in the most popular product classes from a range of manufacturers that would meet the proposed levels.
Comment Submittal
To the extent you have any final feedback for the EPA’s consideration, please submit written comments to
appliances@energystar.gov no later than December 13, 2024. As a reminder, all comments received will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3 Specification Development webpage unless the submitter specifically requests that the comments remain confidential.
Please contact Leybourn.Stephen@epa.gov or (202) 934-2262 or Payal Hukeri, ICF, at Payal.Hukeri@icf.com, with any questions or concerns about the specification.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Steve Leybourn, Product Manager ENERGY STAR Appliances
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3.0 Final Draft Specification
ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3.0 Draft 1 Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) or Packaged Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP) Manufacturer or Other Interested Stakeholder:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are releasing the enclosed ENERGY STAR Draft Test Method to Determine Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Low Ambient Temperature Heating Mode Performance for comment. The EPA and DOE will hold a public webinar on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2 PM ET to discuss the Draft test procedure in greater detail. The EPA invites the public to submit comments on this draft proposal no later than December 30, 2024.
In response to the Draft 1 Version 1.0 PTHP specification, the EPA received comments from stakeholders that expressed concerns that the proposal did not require PTHPs to specify their performance in heating mode at temperatures below 47°F. These stakeholders encouraged the EPA to recognize products that can heat efficiently at low ambient temperatures, especially for programs in northern states that would need assurance of efficient heat pump operation at temperatures much colder than 47°F. In response to these comments, the EPA and DOE developed a test procedure to determine low ambient temperature heating performance for ENERGY STAR PTHPs, based on the DOE’s May 2023 Test Procedure Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (88 FR 30836), which proposed optional low ambient test points. The May 2023 proposal was further refined through discussions with an Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) standards technical committee, in consideration of updated industry rating standards for this equipment. This proposed ENERGY STAR test method follows a similar structure to the recently developed ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance and notably includes COP tests at 17°F and 5°F, classifying PTHPs into Types 1-4 based on their cut-in and cut-out temperatures and whether or not the model provides active defrost.
Using this test procedure, the low ambient heating mode performance of ENERGY STAR certified PTHPs can be verified, enabling stakeholders to better identify which models are appropriate for their climate. The EPA requests feedback on the intention to reference this test procedure in the ENERGY STAR PTHP Version 1.0 specification and require COPs >1 for Type 3 and 4 PTHPs at 17°F and 5°F, respectively. In the absence of available data, a COP >1 requirement would ensure heat pump performance better than resistance heating at low ambient temperatures.
Stakeholder Meeting:
The EPA and DOE will host a webinar on December 12, 2024, from 2 PM – 4 PM ET to discuss the Draft 1 document and address initial stakeholder comments and questions. Please register to attend the webinar here.
Comment Submittal:
The public is encouraged to provide written comments for EPA and DOE consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than December 30, 2024. As a reminder, all submitted comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR product development website unless the submitter specifically requests their respective comments remain confidential.
Please contact me, Holly Tapani, EPA, at Tapani.Holly@epa.gov or 202-751-5089, or Megan McNelly, ICF, at Megan.McNelly@icf.com with questions or concerns. For test method questions, please contact Lucas Adin at the DOE, lucas.adin@ee.doe.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Holly Tapani, Product Manager ENERGY STAR HVAC
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Dear ENERGY STAR® Computers Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final Draft, Version 9.0 ENERGY STAR Computers specification. Comments may be submitted to EPA no later than December 13, 2024. EPA plans to finalize this version 9.0 specification with an effective date of October 27, 2025.
In developing the Final Draft specification, EPA considered the feedback submitted by stakeholders. In total, three stakeholders submitted feedback on the Draft 2 proposal. Note boxes throughout the specification provide EPA’s response to this feedback and rationale for updated levels. The Final Draft, Version 9.0 specification incorporates the following key elements:
Energy Criteria:
After consideration of the additional feedback from stakeholders, EPA is updating the base allowances for desktops, integrated desktops, and notebooks while also updating specific adders. In addition, integrated desktops have been broken out by their power supply output to differentiate those products utilizing desktop components compared to notebook components. As with Draft 1 and 2, no changes have been made to the workstation criteria at this time. Roughly 30-40% of products meet the updated criteria levels across a range of products.
Power Supply Criteria:
EPA also received further comment on allowing manufacturers to test with a recommended adaptor rather than an in-box adaptor for adaptors larger than 30W. EPA understands that the request is centered on slates/tablets rather than notebooks, which has been the Agency’s primary concern. As such, EPA and the Department of Energy have updated the test method references in the Final Draft to allow for testing with a recommended adaptor that is larger than 30W for slates/tablets.
Comment Submittal
To the extent you have final feedback for EPA’s consideration, please submit written comments to computers@energystar.gov no later than December 13, 2024. All comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Product Development website unless the submitter requests otherwise.
The exchange of ideas and information between EPA, industry, and other interested parties is critical to the success of ENERGY STAR. Specifications and meeting materials will be distributed via email and posted on the ENERGY STAR website. To track EPA’s progress on this specification, please visit the product development website here.
Please contact me at Fogle.Ryan@epa.gov or 202-343-9153 or John Clinger at John.Clinger@icf.com or 215-861-8667 with questions or concerns. For any other computer related questions, please contact computers@energystar.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program. Dear ENERGY STAR® Computers Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final Draft, Version 9.0 ENERGY STAR Computers specification. Comments may be submitted to EPA no later than December 13, 2024. EPA plans to finalize this version 9.0 specification with an effective date of October 27, 2025.
In developing the Final Draft specification, EPA considered the feedback submitted by stakeholders. In total, three stakeholders submitted feedback on the Draft 2 proposal. Note boxes throughout the specification provide EPA’s response to this feedback and rationale for updated levels. The Final Draft, Version 9.0 specification incorporates the following key elements:
Energy Criteria:
After consideration of the additional feedback from stakeholders, EPA is updating the base allowances for desktops, integrated desktops, and notebooks while also updating specific adders. In addition, integrated desktops have been broken out by their power supply output to differentiate those products utilizing desktop components compared to notebook components. As with Draft 1 and 2, no changes have been made to the workstation criteria at this time. Roughly 30-40% of products meet the updated criteria levels across a range of products.
Power Supply Criteria:
EPA also received further comment on allowing manufacturers to test with a recommended adaptor rather than an in-box adaptor for adaptors larger than 30W. EPA understands that the request is centered on slates/tablets rather than notebooks, which has been the Agency’s primary concern. As such, EPA and the Department of Energy have updated the test method references in the Final Draft to allow for testing with a recommended adaptor that is larger than 30W for slates/tablets.
Comment Submittal
To the extent you have final feedback for EPA’s consideration, please submit written comments to computers@energystar.gov no later than December 13, 2024. All comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Product Development website unless the submitter requests otherwise.
The exchange of ideas and information between EPA, industry, and other interested parties is critical to the success of ENERGY STAR. Specifications and meeting materials will be distributed via email and posted on the ENERGY STAR website. To track EPA’s progress on this specification, please visit the product development website here.
Please contact me at Fogle.Ryan@epa.gov or 202-343-9153 or John Clinger at John.Clinger@icf.com or 215-861-8667 with questions or concerns. For any other computer related questions, please contact computers@energystar.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ryan Fogle
EPA Manager, ENERGY STAR for IT and Data Center Products
Enclosures:
Final Draft, Version 9.0 Specification
Final Draft Test Method
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Audio/Video
Max. International (HK) Ltd., Audac model CEP408
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers
Royal Range of California, Inc., Royal Range model REEF-35
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Computers
Advantech Co., Ltd, Advantech model AIM-75
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Luminaires
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Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear ENERGY STAR® Audio/Video Stakeholders:
With this letter, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the sunset of the ENERGY STAR specification for Audio/Video (AV) equipment, effective August 20, 2025. The EPA remains open to reconsidering whether ENERGY STAR can play an effective role in differentiating these products at some future date, as technologies evolve.
The ENERGY STAR program serves an important role in helping consumers realize the benefits of energy efficiency from both a cost and environmental perspective. ENERGY STAR specifications are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they provide meaningful differentiation for highly energy-efficient products. Absent the ability to do that based on AV stakeholder engagement and market evolution in recent years, The EPA believes making the decision to sunset this category is the right choice.
The EPA thanks stakeholders who submitted comments on the sunset proposal released last July. The Agency received feedback from four manufacturers and eight other stakeholders about the importance of the ENERGY STAR program, particularly for soundbars and commercial amplifiers. There was recognition that sunset of certain categories such as Blu-ray players may be justified due to the declining relevance of physical media. All written comments are posted here.
The EPA has made a concerted effort to enhance the value of the ENERGY STAR label for AV equipment over recent years. The Agency proposed options for soundbars two years ago referencing a new test procedure based on limited data and received no comments. Since then, The EPA conducted further market screening and found low power consuming options across the market, even though ENERGY STAR shipments have remained extremely low (i.e. 2%). For commercial AV equipment, The EPA was unable to propose levels due to inadequate information on product performance against the latest CTA standard and received no input from stakeholders on how to differentiate these models. While The EPA appreciates the input from designers and purchasers relying on ENERGY STAR for commercial AV products, there is not sufficient information to justify retaining current levels nor setting new levels.
Manufacturers emphasized ENERGY STAR’s roles in both establishing and maintaining a minimum efficiency baseline for soundbars and covering these products as these technologies evolve. However, with only 2% of the market associated with the ENERGY STAR label, engagement is too low for ENERGY STAR to achieve that purpose.
Timeline Milestones
The EPA recognizes the investment ENERGY STAR brand owner, retailer and utility partners have made in certifying and promoting products in these categories and is sensitive to providing a reasonable transition period. The Agency proposes to sunset the ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Audio Video specification effective August 20, 2025. To facilitate a smooth transition under this proposal, partners will no longer be able to certify new products as of February 1, 2025.
Consistent with past ENERGY STAR product category sunsets, the following milestones are associated with implementing this sunset:
ENERGY STAR certified AV products and their ENERGY STAR Brandowner partners will continue to be recognized at www.energystar.gov until August 20, 2025.
No new Partnership Agreements for the AV program will be accepted by The EPA as of February 1, 2025
No new certified product information for the AV program will be accepted by The EPA as of February 1, 2025.
Brandowner Partners must stop using the ENERGY STAR name and ENERGY STAR mark in association with all AV products manufactured and services offered on or after August 20, 2025
To minimize the cost of labeling changes and be in compliance by August 20, 2025, manufacturers of AV products are encouraged to remove ENERGY STAR references on Web sites or in other collateral materials as these materials are reprinted or changed in the coming months. Manufacturers are permitted to use up existing printed material, including packaging, in order to minimize waste.
Partners who have any questions or want to discuss their plans to discontinue labelling may contact audiovideo@energystar.gov. In closing, The EPA appreciates the efforts of all AV stakeholders to advance a cleaner environment through the ENERGY STAR Program and applauds your success in moving the market towards greater energy efficiency.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling Branch
US Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures: Audio Video Sunset Comment Summary
Dear ENERGY STAR® Partners and other Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to share the updated proposed ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps. In concert with this release, the EPA also shares a proposed amendment to the ENERGY STAR Air Source Heat Pump Specification. Taken together, these proposals include marginal changes, better aligning ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 with tax credit eligibility criteria, such that the widely recognized ENERGY STAR brand can more effectively be leveraged to communicate about qualifying models. To the extent you have any final feedback on this proposal and update, please submit comments to HVAC@energystar.gov by November 14, 2024.
2025 ASHP Proposed Recognition Criteria
Feedback received on the proposal to better align with the Consortium for Energy Efficient (CEE) levels associated with the 25C tax credits was mixed. While the EPA appreciates the different perspectives on its approach to ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria, ultimately the adjustments reflected in the updated proposal will make it easier for consumers to identify tax credit eligible options. The EPA was able to address requests to remove the installation benefits requirement. While the EPA appreciates the request to allow for use of the AHRI Certified Verification Procedure (CVP) 210/240 test, the proposal refers to the use of a DOE CVP when available, as an option, instead. Summaries and responses to the comments can be found in the 2025 Most Efficient ASHP comment response matrix.
The EPA’s proposal for 2025 Most Efficient recognition includes minimal adjustments to efficiency levels for cold climate and non-cold climate units as follows:
Product Type | SEER2 | EER2 | HSPF2 |
Split system HP (Ducted & Ductless) | 16.0 | 11.0 | 8.0 |
Single-package HP | 15.2 | 10.0 | 7.2 |
Cold Climate Split HP (Ducted & Ductless) | 16.0 | 9.8 | 8.5 |
Cold Climate Packaged HP | 15.2 | 10.0 | 8.1 |
This proposal retains the 1.75 COP at 5F and 70% heating capacity at 5F compared to 47F requirements for cold climate heat pumps. It also adds a low ambient performance backstop of 1.75 COP at 5F and a 45% heating capacity requirement at 5F compared to 47F for non-cold climate heat pumps.
Proposed Amendment to Version 6.2 Specification
In addition to meeting the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria, ASHP products must be ENERGY STAR certified by an EPA-recognized certification body. In some cases, the EER2 required for the Most Efficient 2025 levels is lower than that required for ENERGY STAR Version 6.1. Therefore, the EPA proposes the following changes in the Version 6.2 amendment:
- EER2 requirement lowered to 11.0 for split systems and 10.0 for single package systems to accommodate variable speed units which have excellent seasonal performance and, on average, do not run at full capacity during peak cooling.
- The option to use the DOE CVP, when available, instead of the ENERGY STAR CVP, for verifying low ambient performance of cold climate heat pumps.
- Reporting requirement for COP at 5F, Heating Capacity at 5F/47F, and CVP verification, where available, to facilitate identification of models eligible for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.
This amendment will not impact any currently certified models. For more details on these changes, please see the Version 6.2 specification.
The EPA will provide additional information regarding the roll out of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition with the finalization of these criteria.
This document and the ESME ASHP 2025 criteria document can be found here. It can also be found along with the ENERGY STAR ASHP Version 6.2 proposal here. Please provide any final feedback or concerns on either publication to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than November 14, 2024. Unless the commenter asks otherwise, all comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria development page and/or the ASHP specification development page, as relevant. The EPA plans to finalize these documents in November/December 2024.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.2 Air Source Heat Pump Specification
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps
2025 Most Efficient Air Source Heat Pumps Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Partners and other Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to share the updated proposed ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps. In concert with this release, the EPA also shares a proposed amendment to the ENERGY STAR Air Source Heat Pump Specification. Taken together, these proposals include marginal changes, better aligning ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 with tax credit eligibility criteria, such that the widely recognized ENERGY STAR brand can more effectively be leveraged to communicate about qualifying models. To the extent you have any final feedback on this proposal and update, please submit comments to HVAC@energystar.gov by November 14, 2024.
2025 ASHP Proposed Recognition Criteria
Feedback received on the proposal to better align with the Consortium for Energy Efficient (CEE) levels associated with the 25C tax credits was mixed. While the EPA appreciates the different perspectives on its approach to ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria, ultimately the adjustments reflected in the updated proposal will make it easier for consumers to identify tax credit eligible options. The EPA was able to address requests to remove the installation benefits requirement. While the EPA appreciates the request to allow for use of the AHRI Certified Verification Procedure (CVP) 210/240 test, the proposal refers to the use of a DOE CVP when available, as an option, instead. Summaries and responses to the comments can be found in the 2025 Most Efficient ASHP comment response matrix.
The EPA’s proposal for 2025 Most Efficient recognition includes minimal adjustments to efficiency levels for cold climate and non-cold climate units as follows:
Product Type | SEER2 | EER2 | HSPF2 |
Split system HP (Ducted & Ductless) | 16.0 | 11.0 | 8.0 |
Single-package HP | 15.2 | 10.0 | 7.2 |
Cold Climate Split HP (Ducted & Ductless) | 16.0 | 9.8 | 8.5 |
Cold Climate Packaged HP | 15.2 | 10.0 | 8.1 |
This proposal retains the 1.75 COP at 5F and 70% heating capacity at 5F compared to 47F requirements for cold climate heat pumps. It also adds a low ambient performance backstop of 1.75 COP at 5F and a 45% heating capacity requirement at 5F compared to 47F for non-cold climate heat pumps.
Proposed Amendment to Version 6.2 Specification
In addition to meeting the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria, ASHP products must be ENERGY STAR certified by an EPA-recognized certification body. In some cases, the EER2 required for the Most Efficient 2025 levels is lower than that required for ENERGY STAR Version 6.1. Therefore, the EPA proposes the following changes in the Version 6.2 amendment:
- EER2 requirement lowered to 11.0 for split systems and 10.0 for single package systems to accommodate variable speed units which have excellent seasonal performance and, on average, do not run at full capacity during peak cooling.
- The option to use the DOE CVP, when available, instead of the ENERGY STAR CVP, for verifying low ambient performance of cold climate heat pumps.
- Reporting requirement for COP at 5F, Heating Capacity at 5F/47F, and CVP verification, where available, to facilitate identification of models eligible for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.
This amendment will not impact any currently certified models. For more details on these changes, please see the Version 6.2 specification.
The EPA will provide additional information regarding the roll out of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition with the finalization of these criteria.
This document and the ESME ASHP 2025 criteria document can be found here. It can also be found along with the ENERGY STAR ASHP Version 6.2 proposal here. Please provide any final feedback or concerns on either publication to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than November 14, 2024. Unless the commenter asks otherwise, all comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria development page and/or the ASHP specification development page, as relevant. The EPA plans to finalize these documents in November/December 2024.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.2 Air Source Heat Pump Specification
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 recognition criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps
2025 Most Efficient Air Source Heat Pumps Comment Response Matrix
Dear ENERGY STAR® Clothes Dryer Partner or Other Interested Party:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated the ENERGY STAR Clothes Dryer Version 1.1 Specification to clarify in the scope that combination all-in-one washer-dryer models are eligible for ENERGY STAR as referenced in the ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers Version 8.1 specification. This is intended to make it more transparent where ENERGY STAR provides requirements for combination all-in-one washer-dryers.
Thank you for your support of ENERGY STAR.
Sincerely,
Steve Leybourn, Product Manager ENERGY STAR Appliances
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Clothes Dryer Version 1.1 Specification
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Computers
- Xitrix Computer Corporation, XITRIX model Xitrix DeskFrame E310
Dehumidifiers
- Innovative Dehumidifier Systems LLC, INNOVATIVE model IW-25-4
Displays
- AUO Corporation, AUO model P550QVF07.0
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Computers
- Xitrix Computer Corporation, XITRIX model Xitrix DeskFrame E310
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Dehumidifiers
- Innovative Dehumidifier Systems LLC, INNOVATIVE model IW-25-4
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Displays
- AUO Corporation, AUO model P550QVF07.0
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear ENERGY STAR® Laboratory Grade Refrigerator and Freezer Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR Laboratory Grade Refrigeration and Freezers specification. EPA would like to thank the many stakeholders who have invested time and effort to contribute feedback and data that has informed this product specification process. These Version 2.0 requirements will take effect on June 30, 2025. This letter provides highlights of the new requirements and outlines the transition process.
The Version 2.0 specification will recognize the top performing laboratory grade refrigerator and freezer products on the market. ENERGY STAR certified laboratory grade refrigerators and freezers will use 37% less energy than a standard product. If all laboratory grade refrigerators and freezers were ENERGY STAR certified, the cost savings would grow to over $70 million each year and more than 1 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to the emissions of over 95 thousand vehicles. EPA did not receive any comments in response to the final draft specification. The only update included in the final specification is to Section 3.3 which clarifies the refrigerant reporting requirement and aligns the format with other specifications across the program. This requirement was previously in place in Version 1.0/1.1.
Version 4.0 Transition Timeline and Next Steps
EPA shares partners’ desire for a smooth transition from one ENERGY STAR specification to the next so that consumer expectations are met and ENERGY STAR labeled products fully meet the new requirements upon their effective date. With this in mind, EPA has established the following timeline:
Effective immediately, manufacturers may elect to have their Certification Body (CB) certify eligible products to the Version 2.0 requirements.
After February 14, 2025 CBs will be instructed to stop certifying new product submittals to Version 1.1. Note, however that existing certifications to Version 1.0/1.1 will remain valid for the purposes of ENERGY STAR certification until June 30, 2025.
Any laboratory grade refrigerator or freezer manufactured as of June 30, 2025, must meet the Version 2.0 requirements to bear the ENERGY STAR mark. All certifications of products to the Version 1.0/1.1 specification will be invalid for the purposes of ENEGY STAR and CBs will only submit product models certified to Version 2.0 to EPA.
On behalf of EPA, I would like to thank all stakeholders who provided feedback during this specification revision process and I look forward to working with you as you certify and market your ENERGY STAR certified laboratory grade refrigerator and freezers. Please contact me at (202) 343-9153 or Fogle.Ryan@epa.gov, or John Clinger at (215) 967-9407 with questions. For test method questions, please contact Bryan Berringer, Department of Energy, at Bryan.Berringer@ee.doe.gov, or 202-586-0371.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR Program.
Sincerely,
Ryan Fogle
EPA Manager, ENERGY STAR for Medical Products
Enclosures:
Final Version 2.0 Specification
Final Version 2.0 Data Package
Dear ENERGY STAR® Computer Server Partner, Certification Body, or Recognized Laboratory,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been made aware of an update to the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT). For the purposes of ENERGY STAR certification, computer servers should be tested using SERT Version 2.0.8 moving forward. As has been the case with previous SERT updates during the life of the ENERGY STAR Computer Server program, test results already submitted through the certification process using a version of SERT EPA previously accepted are not affected by this update.
The SERT Version 2.0.8 is a minor update, with the following changes and the results it produces are comparable to those produced by previous versions:
- Adds support for regulatory certification with NVIDIA Grace, AMD Instinct MI300A, and Microsoft Pioneer platforms
- Contains the latest PTDaemon 1.11.0 interface and support for newer LTS Java versions
This clarification memo is posted on the Computer Servers Version 4.0 Specification product development website. Please contact me at Fogle.Ryan@epa.gov or 202-343-9153 or John Clinger at John.Clinger@icf.com or 215-967-9407 with questions or concerns regarding this update. For any questions regarding certification to SERT Version 2.0.8, please contact certification@energystar.gov. For any other computer server related questions, please contact servers@energystar.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ryan Fogle
EPA Manager, ENERGY STAR for IT and Data Center Products
Dear ENERGY STAR® Partners and Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the final recognition criteria for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025. This letter outlines the final criteria.
These criteria will recognize the most efficient ENERGY STAR products in 2024 across 14 product categories: Ceiling Fans, Clothes Dryers, Clothes Washers, Computer Monitors, Consumer Refrigeration Products, Dehumidifiers, Dishwashers, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential Windows and Sliding Glass Doors, Residential Skylights and Tubular Daylighting Devices, Room Air Cleaners, Room Air Conditioners, and Ventilating Fans. The proposed criteria for Air Source Heat Pumps are expected to be shared with stakeholders later this Fall as EPA continues to collaborate with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) to better align with 25C tax credit eligibility requirements in 2025.
Products that meet the 2025 criteria will deliver significant savings over a conventional product as summarized in the recognition criteria below.
Overview of Comments on the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 Proposals
Stakeholders shared feedback with EPA through 15 sets of written comments. Commenters offered support for the proposed recognition criteria, as well as a select set of proposed adjustments that EPA summarizes and responds to in the comment response document. Here is a summary of key comment responses:
Dehumidifiers: One stakeholder suggested aligning the definitions of “Portable” and “Whole Home” dehumidifiers with DOE and EPA standards. To ensure clarity, the EPA has removed definitions and referenced the ENERGY STAR specification.
Ducted and Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps: The EPA continues to collaborate with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) to better align with 25C tax credit eligibility requirements in 2025. Comments on the heat pumps proposal will be addressed separately when EPA finalizes the criteria later this Fall.
Room Air Conditioners: One stakeholder proposed specifying the sound pressure testing standard and expanding sound requirements to include both low and high sound pressure levels for indoor and outdoor settings, while another stakeholder questioned the basis for the current sound requirement. While no criteria changes were proposed for room air conditioners, the final criteria reflect an update to remove the sound requirements based on the evolution of the market to feature only variable speed compressors, which offer improved sound performance. The EPA will consider whether sound requirements are warranted in the future through the ENERGY STAR specification revision process.
Vent Fans: One stakeholder recommended setting a minimum recognition criterion of 12 CFM/W for all duct sizes, including square ducts. The EPA is retaining the proposed size-based criteria, as increasing the performance levels to 12 CFM/W for all ducts sizes would limit eligibility among higher efficient products with four-inch ducts. To address the recommendations regarding duct shapes, the Agency has adjusted the criteria to account for square, rectangle, and oval ducts in addition to circular.
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 Categories and Recognition Criteria
Ceiling Fans: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that ceiling fans earning ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition will offer 75% in annual energy savings over the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Clothes Dryers: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that clothes dryers earning ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition will offer 245-300 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 40%-60% over the Federal Minimum for the most common product classes. View the full criteria here.
Clothes Washers: The EPA has revised the criteria for large clothes washers for 2025 consistent with the proposal. For models with a capacity larger than 2.5 cu-ft, the minimum IMEF value is 3.1 and maximum IWF value is 3.0. No changes were made to the criteria for smaller clothes washers. The EPA estimates that recognized clothes washers ≤ 2.5 cu-ft will offer about 100 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 25% over the Federal Minimum and 1,500 gal/year in annual water savings. Recognized clothes washers > 2.5 cu-ft will offer more than 370 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 46% over the Federal Minimum and 3,500 gal/yr in annual water savings. View the full criteria here.
Computer Monitors: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that recognized monitors will offer 21 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, approximately 40% over a standard model. View the full criteria here.
Dehumidifiers: The EPA has made updates to the criteria for 2025 consistent with the proposal and removed definitions based on comments received and instead referenced definitions in the ENERGY STAR dehumidifier specification. The EPA estimates that recognized dehumidifiers and portable dehumidifiers will offer 110-160 kWh/yr in annual energy savings around 40% above the Federal Minimum for the most common smaller units. Recognized whole-home dehumidifiers will offer 240 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, over 33% above the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Dishwashers: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that recognized dishwashers will offer 80 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, nearly 30% over the Federal Minimum and 680 gal/yr in annual water savings, 35% over the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Ducted and Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps: EPA plans to make updates to the criteria as described in the proposal. Comments on the heat pumps proposal and possible criteria adjustments will be addressed separately later this Fall.
Geothermal Heat Pumps: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that recognized geothermal heat pumps can provide 1000-1600 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 15-40% over the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Refrigerators-Freezers and Freezers: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA estimates that recognized standard refrigerators will provide 40-180 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 10-30% over the Federal Minimum while recognized standard freezers are estimated to provide 35-90 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 15-20% over the Federal Minimum. Recognized compact refrigerators and freezers will offer 35-100 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 20-30% over the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Room Air Cleaners: The EPA has revised the criteria for 2025 consistent with the proposal. The EPA estimates that recognized room air cleaners will offer 165-620 kWh/yr in savings, depending on size, around 70% over the Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Room Air Conditioners: The EPA has made changes to the 2025 criteria, removing requirements for sound in recognition of changes in the market. The EPA estimates that recognized room air conditioners will offer 100-600 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 25-35% over Federal Minimum. View the full criteria here.
Ventilating Fans: The EPA has made changes to the 2025 criteria to account for a variety of duct shapes and options, retaining the proposed updates to performance levels based on size. The EPA estimates that recognized bathroom/utility ventilating fans will offer 45 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, 85% over a standard model. Recognized in-line fans are estimated to provide more than 60 kWh/yr in annual energy savings, more than 50% over a standard model. View the full criteria here.
Windows, Sliding Glass Doors, and Skylights: The EPA is not changing the criteria for 2025. The EPA does not develop a single savings estimate for residential windows, sliding glass doors, and skylights since savings vary greatly by climate and house characteristics. View the full criteria here and here.
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 Program Considerations
ENERGY STAR certified products meeting these requirements will be highlighted as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient for 2025 at: www.energystar.gov/mostefficient beginning January 1, 2025. Later this Fall, EPA will begin distributing the 2025 ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation to brand owners of eligible products. As a reminder, usage guidelines are available at Guidelines for Using the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Mark.
To ensure the greatest utility of the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient webpage to consumers, EPA will only highlight products that are currently available for sale in the U.S. As such, EPA reminds partners that it is critical to keep product availability information with their certification bodies current. Partners are also reminded that they must provide all information called for by the recognition criteria to their certification body at the time of certification to be recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.
The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 designation is intended for use at point-of-sale on point-of-purchase materials, product literature, and websites. It may not be factory-applied to products or product packaging. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in loss of recognition. EPA will highlight recognized products on the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 web page through December 31, 2025.
We look forward to working with you to market ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products in 2025. Please e-mail mostefficient@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Clothes Dryers
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48E**K***
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPK0RR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPKDG
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPKRR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESSKWW
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49E**K***
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERPKDG
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERPKRR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERSKWW
Commercial Fryers
Royal Range of California, Inc., Royal Range model REEF-35
Refrigerators and Freezers
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model EFR492
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model EFR492-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR441
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR441-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR453
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR453-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR464
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model TFR441
Residential Water Coolers
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Classic model 8LIECH-BP-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Classic model 8LIECHK-SC-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model 8LIECH-SC-SSS-5L
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8120*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8121*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8122*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8123*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8125*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8220*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8221*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8222*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8223*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8225*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCHK-*-4L-WL
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCH-KK-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCH-KK-*-5I
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECHK-*-WL
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SC*-*-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SC-*-5L-W-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SCSSFP5W
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8122*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8123*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8125*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8130*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8132*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8133*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8134*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8135*
Windows, Doors, and Skylights
Moss Supply Company, Moss Supply Company model MSC-M-39-00478-00001
Moss Supply Company, Moss Supply Company model MSC-M-39-00478-00002
Moss Supply Company, Moss Supply Company model MSC-M-39-00478-00003
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48E**K***
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPK0RR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPKDG
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESPKRR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD48ESSKWW
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49E**K***
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERPKDG
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERPKRR
GE Appliances, a Haier Company, GE model GFD49ERSKWW
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Royal Range of California, Inc., Royal Range model REEF-35
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model EFR492
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model EFR492-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR441
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR441-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR453
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR453-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR464
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model RFR465-6COM
Curtis International Ltd., FRIGIDAIRE;RCA;THOMSON model TFR441
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Classic model 8LIECH-BP-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Classic model 8LIECHK-SC-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model 8LIECH-SC-SSS-5L
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8120*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8121*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8122*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8123*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8125*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8220*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8221*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8222*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8223*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Peak's Water model P8225*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCHK-*-4L-WL
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCH-KK-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LCH-KK-*-5I
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECHK-*-WL
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SC*-*-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SC-*-5L-W-*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model 8LIECH-SCSSFP5W
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8122*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8123*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8125*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8130*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8132*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8133*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8134*
Electrotemp Technologies China Inc., Whirlpool model W8135*
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear ENERGY STAR® Room Air Cleaner Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites the public to submit comments on the enclosed Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3.0 Specification. EPA will hold a stakeholder webinar on October 2, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the Draft 1 specification in greater detail. Comments on this draft proposal may be submitted to EPA no later than October 11, 2024.
Since the current Version 2.0 specification took effect in October 2020, the room air cleaner market has evolved significantly, with the market share of ENERGY STAR certified models rising in the past few years to 86%. This presents an opportunity for the ENERGY STAR program to deliver additional energy savings and improve the consumer value the label provides.
Overview of Draft 1 Proposal
The basis for this Draft 1 proposal is to adopt the PM2.5 Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and Integrated Energy Factor (IEF) metrics and new Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure as well as increase the stringency to provide better market differentiation for ENERGY STAR room air cleaners and capture even greater energy, greenhouse gas, and cost savings. EPA is proposing that that room cleaners be 89-96% more efficient than the current minimum standard to qualify for ENERGY STAR. Approximately 25% of current base models meet the proposed levels. Based on a comparison of similar models with different efficiency performance, EPA found that energy cost savings paid back the incremental cost in less than one year for most product classes. As with all ENERGY STAR products, EPA is working with the DOE on this ENERGY STAR revision and will ensure the revision is informed by the DOE regulatory process.
The EPA highlights key changes associated with the ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3.0 specification below and provides rationale for these proposed changes in note boxes throughout the specification.
- Criteria – The EPA is aligning with DOE by shifting from Smoke CADR/W to IEF
- Product Classes – The EPA is changing the product classes from Smoke CADR bins to PM2.5 CADR bins
- Test Method – The EPA will reference the new DOE test procedure.
Stakeholder Webinar
The EPA will host a webinar to answer any questions on the Draft 1, Version 3.0 specification on October 2, 2024 from 1-3 PM Eastern Time. Please register here if you plan on attending.
Comment Submittal
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide written comments for the Draft 1 Version 3.0 Specification no later than October 11, 2024. Please send comments via e-mail to appliances@energystar.gov. All comments received will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Cleaners Version 3 Specification Development webpage unless the submitter specifically requests that the comments remain confidential.
Please contact Leybourn.Stephen@epa.gov or (202) 934-2262 or Fabria Jno. Baptiste, ICF, at Fabria.JnoBaptiste@icf.com or Payal Hukeri, ICF, at Payal.Hukeri@icf.com, with any questions or concerns about the specification.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program
Sincerely,
Steve Leybourn, Product Manager ENERGY STAR Appliances
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Draft 1 Room Air Cleaners Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Draft 1 Room Air Cleaners Data & Analysis Package
We’re excited to launch the ENERGY STAR Market Acceleration Guide for heat pump water heaters. Created with input from experienced program designers, water heating experts, and key industry players, the Guide is a comprehensive resource offering proven strategies and best practices for program development and implementation.
A Living Resource:
The Market Acceleration Guide is intended to be a living resource continuously informed by industry voices that represent all segments of the market. This is made possible by your feedback!
How to Contribute:
We welcome your feedback on the Guide. You can share your insights in upcoming webinars and surveys. Stay tuned!
Dear ENERGY STAR® Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) or Packaged Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP) Manufacturer or Other Interested Stakeholder:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the enclosed Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 Packaged Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP) specification. The EPA will hold a public webinar on September 12, 2024, at 1 PM ET to discuss the Draft 1 specification in greater detail. The EPA invites the public to submit comments on this draft proposal no later than September 30, 2024.
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between government, businesses, and purchasers designed to encourage the manufacture, purchase, and use of efficient products to help protect the environment. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA in consultation with stakeholders. To date:
- More than 90% of American households recognize the ENERGY STAR label.
- Approximately 1,800 manufacturers and 1,200 retailers partner with ENERGY STAR to make and sell millions of ENERGY STAR certified products across more than 75 residential and commercial product categories.
- More than 840 utilities, state and local governments, and nonprofits leverage ENERGY STAR in their efficiency programs, reaching roughly 97% of households in all 50 states.
- Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs, and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
In developing a specification for PTHPs, the EPA’s goal is to highlight for purchasers the PTHP models that will help them save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize their heating and cooling costs. Given the standard sizing of PTACs and PTHPs and the frequency of one-to-one retrofits, the Agency also seeks to encourage customer selection of an efficient PTHP as a replacement for an electric-resistance heating PTAC. Several PTHP manufacturers have expressed interest in an ENERGY STAR program, noting frequent customer requests for ENERGY STAR models, particularly in the hospitality sector. The EPA is also interested in the applicability of PTHPs to multifamily housing as a potential solution for buildings seeking to efficiently decarbonize.
Overview of Draft 1 Proposal
The EPA is proposing that to qualify for the ENERGY STAR recognition, a unit that meets the definition of a PTHP and provides heat through a reverse-cycle refrigeration loop must be at least 6% more efficient than the current DOE minimum standard for both heating and cooling. Given the interchangeability of PTACs and PTHPs in application, the EPA has considered a combination of both products as representative of the market in its analysis of energy savings potential and consumer payback in the proposed ENERGY STAR specification. Out of currently available PTACs and PTHPs, approximately 26% of standard size and 17% of non-standard size basic models meet the proposed criteria.
The EPA calculated that an ENERGY STAR certified PTHP at the proposed levels would have, on average, less than a 6-year consumer payback period when compared to a baseline PTAC, and less than a 4-year consumer payback period when compared to a baseline PTHP. However, this payback period greatly varies with a building’s heating needs and may be less than 4 years when switching a baseline PTAC to an ENERGY STAR certified PTHP in climates with more heating days, for buildings without centralized heating, and for buildings that use individual space heaters. The EPA estimates that at the proposed levels, the national annual cost savings will grow to $86 million with over 1 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions prevented each year. As with all ENERGY STAR products, the EPA has worked with the Department of Energy (DOE) on this draft proposal and will ensure it continues to be informed by the DOE regulatory process.
Key elements of the Draft 1 proposal include:
- Definitions of eligible products
- COP and EER minimum requirements, varying by standard and non-standard sizing and cooling capacity
Stakeholder Meeting:
EPA will host a webinar on September 12, 2024, from 1 PM – 3 PM ET to discuss the Draft 1 document and address initial stakeholder comments and questions. Please register to attend the webinar here.
Comment Submittal:
The public is encouraged to provide written comments for EPA consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than September 30, 2024. As a reminder, all submitted comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR product development website unless the submitter specifically requests their respective comments remain confidential.
Please contact me, Holly Tapani, EPA, at Tapani.Holly@epa.gov or 202-751-5089, or Megan McNelly, ICF, at Megan.McNelly@icf.com with questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Holly Tapani, Product Manager ENERGY STAR HVAC
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 PTHP Draft 1 Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 PTHP Draft 1 Data & Analysis Package
Dear ENERGY STAR ® Laboratory Grade Refrigerator and Freezer Partner or Other Interested Stakeholder:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final Draft, Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR Laboratory Grade Refrigeration and Freezers specification. Comments may be submitted to the EPA no later than September 13, 2024. EPA plans to finalize this Version 2.0 Laboratory Grade Refrigeration and Freezers specification with an effective date of June 30, 2025.
The EPA received public comments from three stakeholders in response to the Draft 2 specification. Broadly speaking, the comments were supportive of the changes made from the Draft 1 proposal. The Agency has highlighted and responded to the comments received in note boxes throughout the Final Draft specification. Key changes reflected in the Final Draft include:
- The EPA received further comment regarding the peak variation temperature, requesting this be amended back to the Version 1.1 definition where the peak variation for high performance refrigerators is no greater than 6 degrees C. After consideration of the comments, the EPA has reverted to the original definition, finding that it aligns with the commonly accepted International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (IHC) requirements.
- The EPA received feedback that the requirements for high performance solid door refrigerators were too stringent for mid-sized products. The Agency has revised the volume bins and associated maximum daily energy consumption (MDEC) requirements in this subcategory slightly to provide greater availability of qualifying products, specifically in that middle volume range.
Comment Submittal
To the extent you have final feedback for the EPA’s consideration, please submit written comments to labgraderefrigeration@energystar.gov no later than September 13, 2024. As a reminder, all comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers Specification Development webpage unless the submitter requests otherwise.
Please contact me at (202) 343-9153 or Fogle.Ryan@epa.gov, or John Clinger at (215) 967-9407 or John.Clinger@icf.com with questions. For test method questions, please contact Bryan Berringer, Department of Energy, at Bryan.Berringer@ee.doe.gov, or 202-586-0371.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR Program.
Best Regards,
Ryan Fogle
EPA Manager, ENERGY STAR for Medical Products
Enclosures:
Final Draft Version 2.0 Specification
Dear ENERGY STAR® Dehumidifiers Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to distribute the Final ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Dehumidifiers specification. EPA would like to acknowledge the ENERGY STAR stakeholders who have invested time and effort to ensure the successful completion of the Version 6.0 specification. EPA has considered all stakeholder feedback carefully in developing this final specification. This letter summarizes the Agency’s final decisions regarding these new requirements and outlines the schedule for qualifying products using Version 6.0. The effective date will be October 1, 2025.
This specification revision responds to a significant increase in market share at current ENERGY STAR performance levels and enhances the value of the ENERGY STAR label to consumers by establishing more stringent efficiency criteria. If all dehumidifiers sold in the United States were certified to ENERGY STAR Version 6.0, annual cost savings would grow to over $340 million and approximately 6 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented each year.
Since initiating the Version 6.0 ENERGY STAR specification revision for dehumidifiers in March 2024, the EPA has released two drafts and held a webinar to collect feedback from stakeholders, as well as coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure the ENERGY STAR specification aligns with the DOE’s definitions and test methods used in minimum efficiency standards.
The EPA received comments in response to the final draft specification that focused on the timing of the effective date of this specification and the scope. This included a request to delay the effective date to October 2025 to better align with the typical manufacturer development cycle for dehumidifiers. There was also feedback encouraging EPA to adjust the scope of the specification to allow products that meet the definition of ‘dehumidifier’ and ‘consumer product’ to be within scope, with no limit on capacity. EPA made adjustments in the final specification consistent with both of these requests. Finally, there was a new concern shared about the proposed refrigerant reporting requirement. Stakeholder comments, the final draft, previous drafts of the specification, and all related supporting materials are available on the ENERGY STAR Dehumidifier Version 6.0 Specification Development webpage.
Timeline and Next Steps:
- Effective immediately, manufacturers may elect to have their Certification Body (CB) certify their eligible products to the Version 6.0 requirements.
- On March 11, 2025, CBs will be instructed to stop certifying new product submittals to Version 5.0.
- Any dehumidifiers manufactured as of October 1, 2025, must meet Version 6.0 requirements to bear the ENERGY STAR mark. All certifications of products to the Version 5.0 specification will be invalid for purposes of ENERGY STAR certification, and CBs will only submit product models certification to Version 6.0 to the EPA.
ENERGY STAR partnership as a manufacturer is limited to organizations that own and/or license a brand name under which they sell eligible products in the Unites States and/or Canada. Partnership is not available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that do not sell directly to consumers or end users. OEMs may certify products on behalf of the ENERGY STAR brand owners/licensees; however, the brand owner must be the ENERGY STAR partner associated directly with the certified product models because only partners are authorized to use the ENERGY STAR certification mark.
The EPA thanks stakeholders who provided feedback during the specification revision process. Please contact me Steve Leybourn, EPA, at Leybourn.Stephen@epa.gov or 202-564-1191, or Payal Hukeri, ICF, at Payal.Hukeri@icf.com with questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Steve Leybourn, Product Manager ENERGY STAR Appliances
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Dehumidifiers Specification
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Dehumidifiers Final Data and Analysis Package
ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Dehumidifier Final Draft Comment Response Matrix
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Commercial Fryers
- Henny Penny Corporation, Henny Penny model CFE-4#0
- Henny Penny Corporation, Henny Penny model CFE-410
Displays
- HP Inc., HP model M27
Refrigerators and Freezers
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422U*
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422UM
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422UU
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440BE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440SE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440ST
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440WE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440BE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440ST
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440WE
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Commercial Fryers
- Henny Penny Corporation, Henny Penny model CFE-4#0
- Henny Penny Corporation, Henny Penny model CFE-410
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Displays
- HP Inc., HP model M27
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor or Other Interested Party:
The models listed below have been disqualified from the ENERGY STAR® program. The Disqualified Products List has been updated, and these models have been removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products Lists:
Refrigerators and Freezers
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422U*
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422UM
- Electrolux Home Products, Frigidaire model FFPA4422UU
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440BE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440SE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440ST
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model HMAR440WE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440BE
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440ST
- MC Appliance, Magic Chef model MCAR440WE
Please visit the Products Integrity Page for specific brands and model numbers, and email Enforcement@energystar.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Dear ENERGY STAR® Commercial Water Heater Stakeholders:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an ENERGY STAR Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems Discussion Guide and Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems Test Method. The purpose of this discussion guide and draft test method is to solicit public comment to further inform how central heat pump water heaters (Central HPWH) will be handled in the upcoming ENERGY STAR Version 3 specification for commercial water heaters. When that revision is launched, the EPA will share proposals related to all commercial water heaters that are in scope, but first seeks input on central HPWH in particular.
Central HPWHs are an essential tool to efficiently decarbonize larger buildings, including mid- and high-rise multifamily, where they could largely replace the current central water heaters in existing buildings. They also offer a potentially economical way to serve new multifamily buildings. While these products are currently in scope for the ENERGY STAR Version 2 Commercial Water Heater specification, the current coverage is inadequate for several reasons outlined in the discussion guide.
The discussion guide sets the framework for how the EPA envisions capturing system performance in the Version 3.0 specification. One of the reasons the current coverage is inadequate is that the performance of the heat pump engine is only characterized at a single set of conditions and in one configuration rather than covering the range of common conditions affecting the units. The proposed test method addresses this issue. Furthermore, the specification only covers the performance of the heat pump engine itself, while the achieved efficiency depends on the system it works within and on other components in the system.
Comment Submittal:
The EPA relies on public engagement in its specification efforts and encourages those with interest or knowledge to submit written comments for the EPA’s consideration to HVAC@energystar.gov no later than Friday, September 13, 2024. As a reminder, all submitted comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR product development website unless the submitter specifically requests their respective comments remain confidential.
Public Meeting:
The EPA plans to host a public webinar on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 3 – 5 PM Eastern Time, to cover topics outlined in the discussion guide. Those interested in the topic are encouraged to attend and may register here.
Please contact Abigail Daken, EPA, at Daken.Abigail@epa.gov or 202-343-9375 or Megan McNelly, ICF, at Megan.McNelly@icf.com with questions or concerns. For any questions on commercial water heater testing, please contact Julia Hegarty, DOE, at Julia.Hegarty@ee.doe.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Abigail Daken, Product Manager ENERGY STAR HVAC and Water Heating
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Enclosures:
ENERGY STAR Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems Discussion Guide
Draft 1 ENERGY STAR Test Method for Central Heat Pump Water Heater Systems
Dear ENERGY STAR® Room Air Conditioners Brand Owner Partners and Other Interested Stakeholders:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are pleased to announce the release of the Final ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance. The EPA would like to thank the many stakeholders who have invested time and resources in contributing feedback that has informed this test method development process.
In response to the Final Draft, the EPA received a recommendation that the test method require defrost testing for all variable-speed room heat pumps (RHPs), noting the optional defrost (H2,int) test is not sufficiently incentivized in lieu of the alternative calculation. In response to this comment, the DOE and EPA analyzed available data for variable-speed RHPs and mini-splits and found that, for some units, the alternative calculation overstated efficiency compared to using data resulting from the optional defrost test. Rather than requiring this defrost test for Type 3 and Type 4 variable-speed RHPs, which would increase testing burden, the Agencies are adopting a 0.95 correction factor in the final heating energy efficiency ratio (HEER) equation for models that elect to use the alternative calculation in lieu of the defrost test. This change will ensure the alternative calculation is more conservative than conducting the optional defrost test.
The EPA and DOE have also corrected minor errors and made clarifying editorial changes to the test method in response to the comments received; responses to all comments can be found in the accompanying Final Draft Comment Response Matrix.
The development of this test procedure was led by the DOE to allow for the introduction of heating mode criteria to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioners specification. The EPA is aware of the need to develop heating mode criteria in the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner specification and is working with stakeholders to do so as soon as possible. To assist with future heating mode data reporting, the EPA has published an ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance Test Reporting Template. As a reminder, all documents related to this process are posted to the ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Test Method Development webpage.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR Program. If you have any questions or feedback, please direct them to Holly Tapani at the EPA, Tapani.Holly@epa.gov or 202-751-5089, Steve Leybourn at the EPA, Leybourn.Stephen@epa.gov or 202-934-2262, and Megan McNelly at ICF, Megan.McNelly@icf.com or 703-934-3726. For test method questions, please contact Lucas Adin at the DOE, lucas.adin@ee.doe.gov.
Sincerely,
Holly Tapani
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENERGY STAR HVAC Program
Steve Leybourn
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENERGY STAR Appliances Program
Enclosures:
Final ENERGY STAR Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance
ENERGY STAR Final Draft Test Method to Determine Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance Comment Response MatrixENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner Heating Mode Performance Test Reporting Template
Dear ENERGY STAR® Audio/Video Manufacturer and Other Interested Parties:
The purpose of this letter is to present a proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to sunset the ENERGY STAR specification for Audio/Video (AV) systems. The EPA recognizes the significant and long contribution of ENERGY STAR AV stakeholders and is committed to carefully considering all input. The EPA invites the public to submit comments on this proposal no later than August 20, 2024.
Under certain circumstances, the EPA makes the determination that an ENERGY STAR specification for a product category should be sunset rather than revised. The following factors are most relevant to this sunset proposal:
- Additional cost-effective efficiency gains are not available or anticipated.
- The market has evolved such that the product type is being discontinued.
Rationale for Proposed Sunset
Across the various types of product categories eligible for the label under the AV specification, there are numerous indications the ENERGY STAR label is no longer serving its intended purpose.
- With the advent of digital platforms, consumers are increasingly accessing video content online, rendering physical media less relevant.
- In the case of DVD/Blu-ray players, the market has declined significantly due to a significant shift in how consumers access content and partners have stopped investing in certification for ENERGY STAR, with the most recent certifications in 2022.
- Soundbars have evolved over the years to consume very low power. This evolution has diminished the value in differentiating efficiency for consumers. Furthermore, the advent of enhanced Audio Return Chanel (eARC) HDMI connections in TVs and soundbars has revolutionized user experience by allowing seamless control of the soundbar through the TV remote. This technological development also ensures that soundbars are turned off when TVs are turned off, further enhancing their energy efficiency, and making automatic power down requirements redundant.
- In the realm of AV equipment, smart speakers have emerged as the main innovation. These devices are included in the scope of the ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) specification ensuring that they continue to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. Note that EPA shared the intention to exclude these products from the AV specification in 2022.
- Lastly, while commercial amplifiers are currently covered within the scope of AV specification, the lack of performance information hampers our ability to effectively differentiate top performing efficient ENERGY STAR models. The available data does not indicate that additional cost-effective efficiency gains are anticipated.
Considering these developments, EPA is proposing to sunset the current specification and focus program resources on areas that provide more value and relevance to consumers in today’s digital age.
Proposed Timing
The EPA recognizes the investment ENERGY STAR brand owner, retailer and utility partners have made in certifying and promoting products in these categories and is sensitive to providing a reasonable transition period. The Agency proposes to sunset the ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Audio Video specification effective August 1, 2025. To facilitate a smooth transition under this proposal, partners would no longer be able to certify new products as of February 1, 2025.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide written comments on this proposal to sunset the AV program via email to
audiovideo@energystar.gov no later than August 20, 2024. In closing, the EPA appreciates the efforts of all AV stakeholders to advance a cleaner environment through the ENERGY STAR Program and applauds your success in moving the market towards greater energy efficiency.
Sincerely,
Ann Bailey, Director
ENERGY STAR Product Labeling Branch
US Environmental Protection Agency
Dear Battery Charging Systems Partners, Battery Charger Stakeholders and Other Interested Parties: Please see the attached letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announcing their intent to launch the revision of the Version 1.0 ENERGY STAR® specification for Battery Charging Systems (BCS). The announcement letter outlines the goals and next steps in the specification development process. As a key stakeholder, EPA invites your participation in the development of an appropriate test procedure(s) and performance requirements for battery chargers. If you know of others who may be interested in participating in this process, please forward this announcement and encourage them to send their contact information to batterychargers@energystar.gov to be added to the stakeholder contact list. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Fanara, EPA, at Fanara.andrew@epa.gov or (206) 553-6377 or Robin Clark, ICF International, at rclark@icfi.com or (202) 862-1223. Thank you for your continued support of ENERGY STAR!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for stakeholder comment the Draft 1 Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR® specification for Battery Charging Systems (BCSs). The document is attached to this email, as are a cover memo and data collection sheets. The final date for provision of comments on the draft specification will be January 15, 2010. EPA would also like to notify stakeholders that it will be hosting a Webinar to discuss the draft specification on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, from 11 am to 2 pm, Eastern Time. Please RSVP to batterychargers@energystar.gov by this Friday, December 10, to receive Webinar information. Please direct any specific questions to Katharine Kaplan, at kaplan.katharine@epamail.epa.gov, or 202-343-9120, or Matt Malinowski, ICF International, at mmalinowski@icfi.com or 202-862-2693. We look forward to working with you and thank you for your interest in ENERGY STAR.
Please see attached important correspondence from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the Final Version 3.0 ENERGY STAR Specification for Boilers.
Thank you for your continued support of ENERGY STAR.
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