The U.S. Department of Energy's Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program (the Program) develops test procedures and minimum efficiency standards for residential appliances and commercial equipment.
On this site, you can find out more about DOE's program, find the general rules and regulations that manufacturers need to comply with, and find the latest information on rulemaking, standards, and test procedures for specific products. We also welcome efficiency/environmental advocates, states, utilities, retailers and consumers to use this site as a way to participate in all stages of the rulemaking process.
Note for Residential Appliance and Commercial Equipment Consumers:
As mentioned above, the Program develops rules and regulations that manufacturers must adhere to in manufacturing products. These regulations apply to products manufactured for sale in as well as those imported into the United States. While the minimum energy efficiency standards require manufacturers to discontinue manufacturing products that do not meet the efficiency standards, products manufactured before the effective date of the new standards may still be sold.
Additionally, new performance standards do not make equipment that is already installed obsolete. There is no requirement for consumers to replace existing equipment before the time that they would normally replace those appliances or pieces of equipment. However, the Department encourages consumers to consider efficiency when making purchase decisions since savings in operating costs can more than offset any incremental increases in purchase price.
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