Central air conditioners and heat pumps; Air conditioning machines incorporating a refrigerating unit and a valve for reversal of the cooling-heat cycle "reversible heat pumps" (excl. of a kind used for persons in motor vehicles and self-contained or "split-system" window or wall air conditioning machines) (HS code(s): 841581); Heat pumps (excl. air conditioning machines of heading 8415) (HS code(s): 841861); Product and company certification. Conformity assessment (ICS code(s): 03.120.20); Environment and environmental protection in general (ICS code(s): 13.020.01); Test conditions and procedures in general (ICS code(s): 19.020); Ventilators. Fans. Air-conditioners (ICS code(s): 23.120); Heat pumps (ICS code(s): 27.080)

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps; (61 page(s), in English)

Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting on 25 April 2024 - The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") proposes to amend the Federal test procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps ("CAC/HPs") to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the applicable industry standards. Specifically, DOE proposes: to amend the current test procedure for CAC/HPs ("appendix M1") for measuring the current cooling and heating metrics—seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 ("SEER2") and heating seasonal performance factor 2 ("HSPF2"), respectively; and to establish a new test procedure ("appendix M2") for CAC/HPs that would adopt two new metrics—seasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency ("SCORE") and seasonal heating and off-mode rating efficiency ("SHORE"). Testing to the SCORE and SHORE metrics would not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE proposes to amend certain provisions of DOE's regulations related to representations and enforcement for CAC/HPs. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including relevant topics not raised in this proposal), as well as the submission of data and other relevant information. DOE will hold a public meeting via webinar on Thursday, 25 April 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). See section V (here), "Public Participation," for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. Information will also be published on DOE's website at www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=48&action=viewlive. Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar software.