DOE Finalizes Efficiency Rules for Room Air Conditioners and Portable Air Cleaners
New Efficiency Standards Will Save Consumers $25 Billion Over 30 Years, Lower Utility Bills, and Reduce Carbon Pollution.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finalized new energy efficiency standards for room air conditioners—commonly known as window air conditioners—and portable air cleaners that will reduce household energy costs and significantly cut pollution. DOE expects these standards to save American families and consumers approximately $1.5 billion per year on their electricity bills and decrease harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 106 million metric tons over 30 years—an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 13.4 million homes. After moving quickly to address a backlog of Congressionally-mandated energy efficiency updates, today’s new rules underscore the President’s continued efforts to promote innovation and lower costs for families for families while tackling the climate crisis.
“Today’s announcement builds on the historic actions President Biden took last year to strengthen outdated energy efficiency standards, which will help save on people’s energy bills and reduce our nation’s carbon footprint,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE will continue to engage with our public and private sector partners to finalize additional proposals like today’s that lower household energy costs and deliver the safer, healthier communities that every American deserves.”