The following information is courtesy of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a pre-publication of its finalized enforcement plan for the regional standard governing central and single-package air conditioners. While the regional standard only applies to installations in the South and Southwest portions of the country, distributors across the U.S. must begin to maintain certain records effective July 1.

Effective July 1, all distributors must maintain the following records (for 4.5 years) on the sale of each split-system central air conditioner condensing unit and single-package central air conditioners:

Split-System Central Air Conditioner Condensing Unit

  • Manufacturer;
  • Model Number;
  • Serial Number;
  • Date unit was purchased;
  • Contact information from whom the unit was purchased;
  • Date the unit was sold;
  • Contact information of the purchaser (name/ address/ phone number); and
  • Delivery address (if applicable).

Single-Package Central Air Conditioners

  • Manufacturer;
  • Model Number;
  • Serial Number;
  • Date unit was purchased;
  • Contact information from whom the unit was purchased;
  • Date the unit was sold;
  • Contact information of the purchaser (name/ address/ phone number); and
  • Delivery address (if applicable).

Installing contractors in the South and Southwest must maintain all of the information above and the address of the installation location and name of the purchaser for split-system central air conditioner condensing unit, split-system central air conditioner indoor units (not including uncased coils sold as replacement parts) and single-package central air conditioners. These records must be maintained for four years. This requirement will take effect for contractors approximately the week of July 11.

As a reminder, the last day that 13-SEER central and/or single-packaged air conditioners manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 2015, may be installed in the South or Southwest Region is June 30.

Additionally, heat pumps are not subject to regional standards and not subject to any of the requirements listed above (i.e. there is no limitation on the sale of 13-SEER products manufactured or imported before Jan. 1, 2015, and no requirement to maintain records).

DOE has established a website for the enforcement of Regional Standards and created a brochure for contractors and homeowners.

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