The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is praising the Department of Energy (DOE) for two recent final rules. The rules adopt ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency levels for three-phase unitary products < 65,000 Btuh, water-source heat pumps, commercial oil-fired storage water heaters, and packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs).

"Adopting ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency levels for these products is the most logical and efficient method for DOE to manage their collective energy use," said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. "We are pleased that DOE has agreed to continue relying on ASHRAE's expertise in this area."

The two rules, Energy Conservation Program for Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners, and Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment, including three-phase unitary products < 65,000 Btuh, water-source heat pumps and commercial oil-fired storage water heaters, adopt ASHRAE 90.1 levels, and were announced on June 30 as pre-publication final rules. The rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected in mid-July.

AHRI has long advocated for DOE to adopt ASHRAE 90.1 standards for regulated products to ensure efficiency levels increase in pace with technology, while allowing manufacturers to continue to provide a variety of affordable products for consumers.