DOE Sets New Energy Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators, Freezers
The Department of Energy is setting new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers that will require compliance in 2029 or 2030, depending on the product, it said in a direct final rule published Jan. 17.
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The updated energy efficiency standards, expressed in terms of kilowatt hours per year as measured under DOE’s current test procedures for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers, were proposed jointly by “groups representing manufacturers, energy and environmental advocates, consumer groups, and a utility,” DOE said.
DOE will consider comments received by May 6, and if adverse comments are received by that date and DOE finds the comments “may provide a reasonable basis for withdrawal of the direct final rule,” the agency will consider the standards under a concurrently issued and identical proposed rule.
Should DOE move forward with the direct final rule, compliance with the standards will be required for most freezers and most built-in and compact refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers by Jan. 31, 2029, and for all other freezers, refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers by Jan. 31, 2030.