Consumer refrigeration products; Environmental protection (ICS 13.020), Test conditions and procedures in general (ICS 19.020), Refrigerating technology (ICS 27.200), Domestic refrigerating appliances (ICS 97.040.30)

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer Refrigeration Products (39 page(s), in English)

Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment - The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") proposes to amend the test procedures for consumer refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, and miscellaneous refrigeration products (collectively "consumer refrigeration products"). The proposed test procedure amendments would, among other things, define the term "compartment", and revise the method for including the energy use of automatic icemakers and certain other energy-using functions. DOE is also proposing to adjust the standards for these products to ensure that this change in test methodology does not require manufacturers to increase the efficiency of already compliant products or allow previously non-compliant products to meet the current energy conservation standard. DOE is announcing a public meeting and comment period to collect comments and data on its proposal, and methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the test procedures' representativeness of energy use during an average use cycle or period of use.