DOE has published a Federal Register notice Final Rule amending its test procedure for water-source heat pumps to expand the scope of applicability of the test procedure, incorporate by reference a new industry consensus test standard for water-source heat pumps, adopt a seasonal cooling efficiency metric, and specify more representative test conditions used for measuring heating performance. DOE has determined that the amended test procedure will produce results that are more representative of an average use cycle and be more consistent with current industry practice without being unduly burdensome to conduct. Additionally, DOE is adopting provisions governing public representations of efficiency for this equipment.

• The effective date of this rule is January 3, 2024.
• The amendments will be mandatory for equipment testing starting November 29, 2024.
• The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register on January 3, 2024.

DOE has published a Federal Register notice proposing to amend its test procedures for water-source heat pumps, with the main changes being ones to expand the scope of applicability of the test procedure, reference different industry standards than currently referenced, change to a seasonal cooling efficiency metric, and change the test conditions used for the heating metric. DOE has tentatively determined that the amended test procedure would produce results that are more representative of an average use cycle and more consistent with current industry practice without being unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE seeks comment from interested parties on this proposal.

DOE has published a Federal Register notice initiating a data collection process through this request for information (RFI), to consider whether to amend DOE's current energy conservation standards for water-source heat pumps (WSHPs). This RFI solicits information from the public to help DOE determine whether amended standards for WSHPs, a category of covered commercial equipment, would result in significant additional energy savings and whether such standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. .

• Frequently Asked Questions on the Request for Information pertaining to Standards for Water Source Heat Pumps.

DOE has a published a Federal Register notice announcing an extension of the public comment period for submitting comments on the request for information (RFI) regarding test procedures for water-source heat pumps. 83 FR 31704 (July 9, 2018)

For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.

Water-source heat pumps manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 431.97.

To determine that water-source heat pumps that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 431.96.