About
ASAP

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

Central air conditioners are among the largest energy consumers in U.S. homes, and their use is on the rise all over the country, most notably in the northeast where central AC is traditionally less common. The use of older, inefficient air conditioners is not only expensive for consumers and bad for the environment but also puts tremendous strain on the electrical system during the hottest days, potentially leading to devastating power outages. Since the first federal standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps was established in 1987, scheduled revisions have fallen behind schedule. The most recent standard raising the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) requirement from 10 to 13 finally took effect in 2006, with a revision due in 2011. Among existing equipment, current SEER ratings reach as high as 21. However, the next big opportunity to improve air conditioner efficiency may require more than raising the bar for SEER, because SEER does not predict performance accurately for all climate regions.

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

Press Release
Coalition Applauds DOE Decision to Enforce New AC Efficiency Standards
April 12, 2004

Press Release
Statement on Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) Withdrawal From Seer 13 Litigation
April 12, 2004

Press Release
Court Rules for Better Air Conditioner Standards: Consumers, Utilities, and the Environment Win
January 13, 2004

Press Release
AC Manufacturer, Low-income Groups, Environmentalists, States, and Utilities Urge Administration to Keep 30% Stronger AC Standard
November 7, 2001

Press Release
Bush Administration Proceeds with Rollback of Energy-Saving Standard for Air Conditioners
August 2, 2001

Press Release
Consumer and Environmental Coalition Praises Leadership of Goodman Manufacturing
April 17, 2001

Press Release
Bush Rolls Back Energy-Saving Standards
April 17, 2001

Press Release
U.S. Department of Energy Moves to Roll Back New Appliance Efficiency Standards
April 4, 2001

Press Release
Coalition Praises Clinton Administration's New Energy-Saving Standards for Air Conditioners
January 19, 2001

Press Release
Coalition Calls on President Clinton to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency
January 3, 2001

Press Release
Energy Department Air Conditioner Standards Fall Short In Meeting Nation's Electricity Needs
October 5, 2000

Press Release
"In the City Known for Hot Air, Bill Richardson Has a Cool Idea"
September 28, 2000

Press Release
Widespread Power Outages Could Be Avoided
July 13, 2000