Portable Air Conditioners on Course for Their First

Efficiency Standards
Though it may be hard to believe given that parts of the Northeast had snow showers in recent
weeks and Denver is digging out from a major snowstorm, summer is right around the corner. It
wont be long before were looking for ways to beat the heat, whether its going for a dip in a
neighborhood pool, sitting under a shady tree, or (my favorite) hitting up the local ice cream stand.
For those of us in the energy efficiency world, summer is also synonymous with air conditioning and
higher electricity use.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) took the first step today to making portable air conditioners
more efficient, by releasing a determination that this equipment qualifies as a covered product
under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This means that, for the first time ever, DOE
starts the process of setting standards for portable air conditioners, so that customers who use this
product to cool their homes can rest assured that theyre not wasting energy while staying
comfortable.
DOE already sets energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners and room air conditioners,
both of which are due for an update in 2017. But until now, portable air conditionersthe standalone,
moveable units that are not permanently installed in walls and windowshave not had to meet any
efficiency standards. Nearly a million portable air conditioners were purchased in 2012, and that
number is expected to increase by almost 80% by 2018. This means that the large (and growing)
number of Americans who use portable air conditioners to keep cool are likely doing so at a higherthan-necessary cost.
DOEs announcement marked the very first step in establishing an energy efficiency standard for
portable air conditioners. Read on to demystify the standards-setting process! Ill be back next week
with tips to save energy on your cooling bill this summer.
Why are some products covered by efficiency standards and others arent?
Since the first appliance and equipment standards were authorized by President Ronald Reagan in
1987, the legislation has been revised and DOE now establishes minimum efficiency standards for
more than 60 products accounting for 90 percent of home energy use. Since the initial guiding
authority specifying 19 products, DOE has added new consumer products (including portable air
conditioners) based on 2 main criteria: 1) is a standard necessary and 2) does the product consume a
minimum threshold of energy to warrant a minimum efficiency standard. If the answers to these two
questions are both affirmative, then the product is determined to be covered and the standards
process is initiated.
Demystifying the Standards-Setting ProcessWhats next for portable air conditioners?
Determining that a product is covered under the provisions of EPCA is where the standards-setting
process begins. Next, DOE has to determine whether the portable air conditioners warrant a
minimum energy efficiency standard, by analyzing the following:
average household energy use of the product,the total energy use of the product across the
country,whether a substantial improvement in energy efficiency is technologically feasible,
andwhether a labeling rule (rather than a full-blown energy standard) would be sufficient to induce

the maximum energy efficiency.

If portable air conditioners pass this testwhich we expect them to, given preliminary analysis
conducted by DOEthen DOE will initiate a standards rulemaking. Rulemakings take about three
years to complete and generally consist of four phases: framework, preliminary analysis, notice of
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and final rule. The framework phase is the first step in this process,
and sets up the basic outline for the rulemaking. DOE also seeks feedback on specific questions in
this phase, which is then fed into the preliminary analysis phase. In this phase, DOE gathers data
and information about the technical, economic, and market characteristics of the product, and
makes initial determinations of possible efficiency improvements. DOE then takes public feedback on
their analyses and issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which includes a proposed efficiency
level that is both technologically feasible and economically justified. Taking into account additional
public comment on the proposal, DOE issues a final rule, which generally goes into effect within 3-5
years.
Depending on the level of information DOE already has available, the standard-setting process could
potentially start at the preliminary analysis or NOPR phase. Standards can be negotiated in
conjunction with the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) or
they can be established through a traditional, non-negotiated process. If ASRAC decides that a
standard should be negotiated, they form a working group comprised of parties that are
representative of various points of viewmanufacturers, efficiency advocates, States, and so on. Once
the working group reaches a consensus, DOE can issue either a NOPR or a Direct Final Rule.
Standards can also be set through informal negotiations, under DOEs Direct Final Rule authority.
While portable air conditioners are just starting on the path to a standard, the way forward is clear.
The appliance and equipment standards program has a rigorous, proven process that has led to
extremely high levels of energy savings in its almost 30 years of existence. Well keep pushing to
make sure that consumers benefit from high-quality products that minimize energy waste.
Don't Forget
It's critical to remember that in order to maintain a properly working HVAC System, you must have a
certified technician inspect, service, and repair the system annually. Annual checkups are also
important to ensuring its efficiency over the course of your HVAC system's life cycle.
Theres one easy item that you canand musttake on yourself, that will save you headaches
and expenses over time: don't be lazy... Changing your Air Filter.
Like the research provided here Glad you liked it, you can find me online, tweeting about my 18 plus
years of experience as a air conditioning technician, the excitement of running my own heating and
cooling company, or at home with my family, coaching basketball, or watching movies. Remember to
live your life, love everyone and make your day great.