Proposed Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, specifies that the Department mustconsider, for new or amended conservation standards, those standards that “achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency which the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified” and which will “result in significant conservation of energy.” Accordingly, DOE’s proposed rule would amend the energy conservation standard for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. Consistent with this requirement, DOE’s purpose in the proposed action is to reduce the consumption of energy used by central air conditioners and heat pumps in the United States. DOE’s discretion is in deciding the level for a minimum efficiency standard, not if there should be one.