FTC Proposes to Require EnergyGuide Labels on Portable Air Conditioners
The Federal Trade Commission is proposing new EnergyGuide labeling requirements for portable air conditioners. The agency’s proposed rule would require manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels to portable air conditioners, and mandate that sellers post label information to their websites and catalogs. The label would be identical to the current room air conditioner label in content and format, the FTC said. Compliance with the requirements would be required by Jan. 10, 2025.
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The proposed rule adopts the same definition for portable air conditioners as that found in relevant Energy Department energy efficiency standards: “a portable encased assembly, other than a packaged terminal air conditioner, room air conditioner, or dehumidifier, that delivers cooled, conditioned air to an enclosed space, and is powered by single-phase electric current. It includes a source of refrigeration and may include additional means for air circulation and heating.”
The FTC had previously proposed the EnergyGuide labeling requirements in 2016 (see 1609120019), but the rulemaking was put on hold when DOE withdrew a final rule on energy efficiency standards for portable air conditioners following President Donald Trump’s regulatory freeze. DOE in January published the final energy efficiency standards pursuant to court order.
(Federal Register 04/10/20)