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Single Package Vertical Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

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As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “single package vertical air conditioner” means air-cooled commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment that:

(1) Is factory-assembled as a single package that—

(i) Has major components that are arranged vertically;

(ii) Is an encased combination of cooling and optional heating components; and

(iii) Is intended for exterior mounting on, adjacent interior to, or through an outside wall;

(2) Is powered by a single-or 3-phase current;

(3) May contain 1 or more separate indoor grilles, outdoor louvers, various ventilation options, indoor free air discharges, ductwork, well plenum, or sleeves; and

(4) Has heating components that may include electrical resistance, steam, hot water, or gas, but may not include reverse cycle refrigeration as a heating means. 10 CFR 431.92

As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “single package vertical heat pump” means a single package vertical air conditioner that:

(1) Uses reverse cycle refrigeration as its primary heat source; and

(2) May include secondary supplemental heating by means of electrical resistance, steam, hot water, or gas. 10 CFR 431.92

Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps since 2008.

Current Standard | Current Test Procedure | Ongoing Rulemaking for Standards | Ongoing Rulemaking for Test Procedure | Helpful Links


Recent and Ongoing Activities

DOE has published a Federal Register final rule amending its test procedures for single package vertical air conditioners and single package vertical heat pumps (SPVUs). DOE is incorporating by reference the most recent version of the relevant industry test standard, AHRI 390-2021, and amending certain provisions for representations for SPVUs. DOE is also establishing definitions for “single-phase single package vertical air conditioners with cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h” and for “single-phase single package vertical heat pumps with cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h” to distinguish such equipment from certain residential central air conditioners and heat pumps.

  • The effective date of this rule is January 6, 2023.
  • The final rule changes will be mandatory for product testing starting December 4, 2023.
  • The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register January 6, 2023.

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.

Standards

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Notice of Proposed Determination and Public Meeting
  • Federal Register, 87FR75388 (December 8, 2022)

Request for Information

DOE undertook a rulemaking process that concluded with a final rule in September 2015 pertaining to energy conservation standards for single package vertical air conditioner and heat pumps. The docket EERE-2012-BT-STD-0041 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Public Meeting Information:

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.

Test Procedure

Final Rule
  • Federal Register, 87FR75144 (December 7, 2022)

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
  • Federal Register, 87FR2490 (January 14, 2022)

 Request for Information
  • Federal Register, 83FR34499 (July 20, 2018)

 

Public Meeting Information

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time. 

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.


Current Standard

Single package vertical air conditioners and 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.


Current Test Procedure

To determine that single package vertical air conditioners and 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.


Helpful Links

Compliance

DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429.  These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement.  More information on these regulations is available here.

Waivers

For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage. 

For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.

Exceptions

DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps.

For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.

Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions

For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database. 

State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption

DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the Federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.

Contact information

For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov


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