Single Package Vertical Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Department of Energy

Manufacturers have been required to comply with the Department of Energy’s energy conservation standards for single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps as a separate equipment class since 2008. Before 2010, this equipment was regulated under the broader scope of commercial air conditioning and heating equipment. Single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps are commercial air conditioning and heating equipment with its main components arranged in a vertical fashion. They are mainly used in modular classrooms, modular office buildings, telecom shelters, and hotels, and are typically installed on the outside of an exterior wall or in a closet against an exterior wall but inside the building.

    Test Procedures for Single-Package Vertical Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

    Summary: The Department of Energy (DOE) is examining whether to amend the current test procedure in place for single-package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps. As a result of this effort, DOE may propose and amend the test procedures for this equipment, or issue a determination that no amendments to the current test procedures are required.

    Type of Regulation: Test Procedure

    Rulemaking Link: Rulemaking Webpage

    Docket ID: EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020

    UPDATES:

    Comment Period Close Date: Closed

    Where to Comment: EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020

    AHRI Comments to Previous Stages of Rulemaking:

    Staff Contact: Laura Petrillo-Groh

    N/A

    For the purpose of this regulation, single package vertical air conditioners include any air-cooled commercial package air conditioner that is factory-assembled as a single package, and that (1) has major components arranged vertically, (2) is an encased combination of cooling and optional heating components, and (3) is intended for exterior mounting on, adjacent interior to, or through an outside wall. Single package vertical heat pumps are a single package vertical air conditioner that uses reverse cycle refrigeration as its primary heat source.

    Single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2010 and distributed in commerce, as defined by 10 CFR 431.92, must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR Part 431.97(b).

    Each single package vertical air conditioner and single package vertical heat pump manufactured on and after September 23, 2019 must meet the applicable minimum energy conservation standard level(s) set forth in this section.

    Table 11 to §431.97—Updated Minimum Efficiency Standards for Single Package Vertical Air Conditioners and Single Package Vertical Heat Pumps

    Equipment type

    Cooling capacity

    Sub-category

    Efficiency level

    Compliance date: products manufactured on and after

    Single package vertical air conditioners and single package vertical heat pumps, single-phase and three-phase

    < 65,000 Btu/h

    AC
    HP

    EER = 11.0
    EER = 11.0
    COP = 3.3

    September 23, 2019.
    September 23, 2019.

    Single package vertical air conditioners and single package vertical heat pumps

    ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h

    AC
    HP

    EER = 10.0
    EER = 10.0
    COP = 3.0

    October 9, 2015.
    October 9, 2015.

    Single package vertical air conditioners and single package vertical heat pumps

    ≥ 135,000 Btu/h and < 240,000 Btu/h

    AC
    HP

    EER = 10.0
    EER = 10.0
    COP = 3.0

    October 9, 2016.
    October 9, 2016.

     

    Links:

    For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this standard, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.

    To determine compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedures specified at 10 CFR 431.96(b)(2) for single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured or distributed into commerce.

    For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this test procedure, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.

     

    Amended Test Procedure:

    As of May 13, 2013, to determine compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the amended test procedures.

    EPA ENERGY STAR

    Not currently an Energy Star certified product.