Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products; Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Energy Conservation Standards

The Department of Energy (DOE) today amends the existing energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps by raising the minimum energy efficiency levels by 20 percent for most central air conditioners and heat pumps, with somewhat lower levels for certain space-constrained products. DOE also today withdraws a final rule, published on January 22, 2001, that would have established even higher standards. DOE has determined that the standards in the January 22 final rule, which never became effective, are not economically justified under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). Finally, DOE adopts provisions that clarify the point in time at which DOE's discretion to amend standards becomes limited under EPCA.