New efficiency requirements for commercial air conditioners and furnaces announced by the U.S. Department of Energy are the most aggressive ever approved by the agency and will cut $167 billion in spending over the next 30 years.
Greentech Media reported the new standards, which were announced last month, will save the owner of a typical rooftop air conditioner between $5000 and $10,000 over the life of the equipment. But savings will be greater for larger systems, such as a big-box retailer that has 20 or more rooftop units.
Beginning in 2018, AC units will have to be 13% more efficient than they are today. By 2023, equipment must be 25% to 30% more efficient, Greentech Media said. Commercial gas furnaces will have to be 81% efficient by 2023; thermal efficiency for oil-burning furnaces will have to reach 82% by that date.
The DOE said in a press release the new standards would reduce carbon pollution by 885 million metric tons over 30 years.
These are the latest in a series of updated standards released by the DOE during the Obama administration. More than 40 household and commercial products have been affected, collectively saving consumers nearly $535 billion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons through 2030, the government said.
Commercial air conditioners are common on schools, retail stores and small office buildings, and cool about half of all commercial floor space in the country.
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Rooftop air conditioners are common on schools, retail stores, and small office buildings and cool about half of all commercial floor space in the country.
