Energy Star Program Requirements for Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Central Air Conditioner Equipment 5 Draft 2 Eligibility Criteria

ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
for Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and
Central Air Conditioner Equipment

DRAFT 2 Eligibility Criteria

Below is the DRAFT 2 specification (Version 4.0) for ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner and
air source heat pump equipment. Equipment must meet all of the identified criteria if it is to be labeled or
characterized as ENERGY STAR.

Note: In January 2006, the Federal standard for central air conditioners (CAC) and ASHPs will
increase to 13 SEER. As a result, the ENERGY STAR specification should be updated to capture
energy savings beyond the standard in a way that is cost effective for consumers and maintains
product performance. However, because of the new standard, the marginal benefit to consumers of
selecting higher SEER equipment will be less than in the past. In contrast potential benefits from
improving installation of HVAC systems are large, on the order of 10 to 20 percent savings on
heating and cooling costs. Numerous field studies have shown that more than half of CAC/ASHP
systems are installed with incorrect refrigerant charge and/or airflow.

On January 28, 2005, EPA distributed the Draft 1 ENERGY STAR specification for CAC and ASHPs
to stakeholders with a request that comments on the document be received by March 25th. This
deadline was subsequently extended to April 8th. Draft 1 contained proposed energy-efficiency
criteria for CAC/ASHP equipment, as well as installation criteria for qualified systems. In addition,
Draft 1 proposed a shift in process for ENERGY STAR in that only systems, once installed and
verified for proper air flow and refrigerant charge, could be labeled as ENERGY STAR. Finally, the
ENERGY STAR partnership was proposed to shift from manufacturers of equipment to those
instituting programs to verify proper installation of systems.

Due to the need to revise the equipment specification before the new Federal Standard takes effect
in January 2006 and the response from practically all stakeholders that EPA should continue to allow
the ENERGY STAR mark on efficient equipment, EPA is moving forward with the equipment
specification and continuing the ENERGY STAR Partnership with manufacturers. Therefore, this
Draft 2 of the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHP and Central Air Conditioner
Equipment contains specifications for equipment only. While EPA still considers proper installation
vital to achieving the stated energy efficiency ratings of equipment, we have decided to develop a
separate specification for proper installation. The estimated date for implementing this proper
installation specification is January 1, 2007. Between now and 2007, EPA will work with
stakeholders to identify proper testing and verification methods to qualify systems as "installed to
ENERGY STAR guidelines."

1) Definitions: Below are brief descriptions of residential ASHPs and central air conditioners and other
terms as relevant to ENERGY STAR.

A. Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP'): An air-source unitary heat pump model consists of one or
more factory-made assemblies which normally include an indoor conditioning coil(s),
compressor(s), and outdoor coil(s), including means to provide a heating function. ASHPs
shall provide the function of air heating with controlled temperature, and may include the
functions of air-cooling, air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.

B. Central Air Conditioner: A central air conditioner model consists of one or more factory-made
assemblies which normally include an evaporator or cooling coil(s), compressor(s), and
condenser(s). Central air conditioners provide the function of air-cooling, and may include the
functions of air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners - DRAFT 1

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27 C. Single Package: A single package unit is an ASHP or central air conditioner that combines

28 both condenser and air handling capabilities in a single casing.

30 D. Split System: A split system is an ASHP or central air conditioner with separate indoor

31 (evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) units. For split systems, the energy-efficiency ratings of

32 a particular split system model are based on one of the following: 1) the condenser-evaporator

33 combination that is the partner's most commonly sold combination for that condenser, or 2)

34 the actual condenser-evaporator coil combination of the split system model.

36 E. Gas/Electric Package Unit: A single package unit with gas heating and electric air conditioning

37 that is often installed on a slab or roof.

39 F. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This is a measure of a heat pump's energy

40 efficiency over one heating season. It represents the total heating output of a heat pump

41 (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as

42 compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. HSPF is

43 based on tests performed in accordance with ARI 210/2401.

45 G. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This is a measure of equipment energy efficiency

46 over the cooling season. It represents the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat

47 pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input

48 (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period. SEER is based on tests performed in

49 accordance with ARI 210/240.

51 H. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): This is a measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of

52 cooling equipment. EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (e.g., cooling

53 capacity) by the equipment in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the

54 equipment in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh per watt (Btuh/watt). EER is based on tests

55 performed in accordance with ARI 210/240.

57 I. Matched Assembly: A matched assembly is a model combination that is listed in the ARI

58 Directory of Certified Equipment and in which both the condenser unit and evaporator coil are

59 installed simultaneously. A matched assembly should also include the air handler, furnace, or

60 other component that is used to determine the rating according to ARI 210/240.

Note: Several commentors requested clarification of what is meant by the term "Matched Assembly".
In response, a definition for "Matched Assembly" has been added in Section 1. The definition clarifies
that a matched assembly refers to a model combination that is listed in the ARI Directory.

Commentors also noted that some listings in the ARI Directory require retrofit of the furnace and/or
furnace fan in order to meet the rated efficiency level, therefore, the definition in the specification
should encompass not only the condenser and evaporator coil, but also the air handler, furnace,
expansion valve, and time delay when used to determine the ARI rating. The definition in Section 1
reflects these instances.

EPA has been approached by several manufacturers of ductless mini-split air conditioning equipment.
Although this type of equipment represents a small percentage of the U. S. market for air conditioning
equipment, it is categorized among central air conditioning systems according to ARI 210/240.
Therefore, EPA sees no reason to exclude it from qualifying as ENERGY STAR as long as it meets the
energy efficiency criteria outlined in Section 3 below. However, in order to ensure that ductless, mini-
split equipment is not interpreted as excluded from this specification the following sentence was
removed from the definitions for single package, split system, and gas/electric package unit: "Air is
treated at a central location and carried to and from the rooms in a house by one or more fans and a
system of ducts." Removal of this sentence does not change the definition except to allow for the
inclusion of ductless, mini-split equipment.

62 2) Qualifying Products: In order to qualify as ENERGY STAR, an ASHP or central air conditioner must

1 Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. Standard 210/240 "2003 Standard for Unitary Air-Conditioning and
Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment."

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners - DRAFT 1 2

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63 meet the definition in Section 1 and the specification requirements provided in Section 3, below.

65 A. ASHPs: This specification shall cover residential ASHPs that are rated below 65,000 Btuh and

66 powered by single-phase current. The ASHP may be a single packaged system, where there

67 is only one assembly, or a split system where there are two. If such equipment is provided in

68 more than one assembly, matched assemblies shall be used in meeting the specifications

69 outlined in Section 3 below.

71 B. Central Air Conditioners: This specification shall cover residential central air conditioners that

72 are rated below 65,000 Btuh, and powered by single-phase current. The central air

73 conditioner may be a single packaged system, where there is only one assembly, or a split

74 system where there are two. If such equipment is provided in more than one assembly,

75 matched assemblies shall be used in meeting the specifications outlined in Section 3 below.

77 C. Gas/Electric Package Units: This specification shall cover gas/electric package units that are

78 rate below 65,000 Btuh. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, they must meet the cooling

79 portion of the single package specification outlined in Section 3 below.

Note: One commentor requested that the ENERGY STAR specification for residential ASHP
and central air conditioners be extended to include 3-phase residential and commercial
equipment rated below 65,000 Btuh. Another commentor requested that the specification be
revised to more clearly articulate that it covers only single-phase equipment. EPA has not
extended the specification to include 3-phase equipment as this equipment is already included
within ENERGY STAR under the specification for Light Commercial HVAC. In addition, since
the specification clearly states within Section 2, Parts A and B, that it only covers single-phase
equipment, EPA did not deem it necessary to repeat similar language within the specification.
Partners shall label only single-phase equipment under this specification.

One commentor recommended eliminating gas/electric packaged units from this specification
unless EPA specifies a heating requirement for these units. This comment was also received
from other stakeholders in the past. However, EPA is not currently able to specify a heating
requirement for these units. Therefore, EPA is considering eliminating these units from the
specification until such time as a heating requirement may be instituted, but would appreciate
further feedback from stakeholders before doing so.

82 3) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Only those systems listed in Section 2

83 with a limited warranty that also meet the criteria below qualify as ENERGY STAR.

Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Qualified Residential
ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners

Product Type

SEER

EER

HSPF (for heat
pumps only)

Split Systems

> 14

>11.5

>8.2

Single Package Equipment (including
gas/electric package units)

> 14

>11

>8.0

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners - DRAFT 1 3

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Note: EPA received several comments on the Draft 1 document suggesting alternative energy-
efficiency criteria, such as adjusting the EER level of split systems to 11.5, lowering the HSPF for split
heat pumps to 8.2, and increasing the EER level of packaged units to 12. After careful consideration
and assistance from ARI in evaluating the model combination availability at the various levels and
tonnages, EPA has decided to adjust the split system levels to 14 SEER/11.5 EER/8.2 HSPF. This
change will, in effect, double the percentage of model combinations available at the proposed
ENERGY STAR levels (from 3.4% at 12 EER/8.5HSPF to 7.4% at 11.5EER/8.2 HSPF). This is
particularly important at higher tonnages (~5 tons) where the number of potentially qualifying model
combinations will increase from 9 to 16. EPA has decided not to adjust the packaged unit levels as
this change could not be justified based on model availability.

Several commentors urged EPA to determine energy efficiency criteria independent of levels set by
other organizations such as the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). While EPA has done so, it
cannot be stressed enough that a source of information on ENERGY STAR qualified model
combinations is vital to the existence of the program. Currently, the only source of this information is
the CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment. As such, it is critical that either CEE or the HVAC
industry take the necessary steps to ensure that qualifying model combination information continues to
be available after the new ENERGY STAR specification goes into effect.

92 5) Effective Date: The date that central air conditioners and air source heat pump equipment may begin

93 to qualify as ENERGY STAR under the Version 3.0 specification will be defined as the effective date

94 of the agreement. The ENERGY STAR Specification for ASHP and central air conditioner equipment

95 shall go into effect on March 27, 2006. Any previously executed agreement on the subject of

96 ENERGY STAR qualified ASHP and central air conditioner equipment shall be terminated effective

97 March 26, 2006.

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ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners - DRAFT 1 4

4) Testing Requirements: Qualification for the energy efficiency criteria contained in this specification
will be based on testing performed in compliance with Federal Regulations. It is EPA's intention that
Partners will utilize the CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment to determine which equipment
qualifies for ENERGY STAR.

Note: EPA does not plan to independently develop a list of qualifying products. Instead, stakeholders will
be encouraged to use the CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment, assuming it is updated in a way
consistent with the new ENERGY STAR specification, or some alternative database provided through
ARI, to determine which model combinations meet the energy-efficiency criteria for qualified residential
ASHPs and central air conditioners. Any manufacturers that do not participate in the ARI certification
program will be expected to submit product information directly to EPA for listing on the
www, energystar. gov web site.

Qualifying and Marketing Products under the Version 4.0 specification: All equipment, including
model combinations originally qualified under Version 3.0, with a date of manufacture after
March 27, 2006, must meet Version 4.0 requirements in order to bear the ENERGY STAR mark
on the product or in product literature. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit, and is the
date on which a unit is considered to be completely assembled.

Elimination of Automatic Grandfathering: Under Version 4.0, EPA has made a significant change
with regard to equipment qualification and marking during specific transitions. ENERGY STAR
qualification under Version 3.0 is not automatically granted for the life of the products
model combination. To earn the ENERGY STAR mark, a model combination must meet the
ENERGY STAR specification in effect on the date of manufacture.

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Note: EPA has adjusted the proposed effective date of this specification revision to March 27, 2006.
This is due to the amount of time that had been needed to finalize the revision and the need to give
manufacturers ample time to institute the revision into their company practices. For specification
revisions, EPA typically allows a nine-month lead time between when a specification is final and when
it becomes effective. Although the effective date no longer exactly coincides with the date of the new
Federal standard, it is shortly thereafter and will still allow the new specification to be in place for the
2006 cooling season.

EPA received comments from several stakeholders proposing a six-month transition period (to July 23,
2006) for qualifying products. This would allow the supply side a reasonable amount of time to sell
remaining inventory that may be labeled as ENERGY STAR and acknowledge that some 13 SEER
equipment with preexisting ENERGY STAR labels will still be available in the market in 2006.

ENERGY STAR has instituted a programmatic elimination of grandfathering across all product
categories as specifications are revised. EPA realizes that preexisting labeled equipment will be in the
market and that manufacturers cannot be expected to remove labels from equipment that is already in
the distribution channel, therefore, we allow the date of manufacture to be used as a cut off for
equipment labeling. The language in Section 6, Effective Date, now clearly articulates that the date of
manufacture is the date that is used to determine qualification with the ENERGY STAR specification.
By using the date of manufacture, we eliminate the need for this proposed six-month transition period
requested by commentors.

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6) Future Specification Revisions: EPA reserves the right to change the specification should

technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the environment.
In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at through stakeholder
discussions. In the event of a specification revision, please note that ENERGY STAR qualification is
not automatically granted for the life of a product model. To qualify with the energy efficiency criteria of
ENERGY STAR, a product model must meet the ENERGY STAR specification in effect on the date of
manufacture. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit and is the date on which a unit is
considered to be completely assembled.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners - DRAFT 1

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