Minimum federal efficiency standards. The rapid improvements in the energy efficiency of major appliances such as air conditioners are largely a result of federal standards. These standards establish a target date by which all units sold in the U.S. must meet a minimum efficiency requirement. Congress requires the standards to be tightened over time. The last update for room units became effective in 2000. For central units, a new standard went into effect in January 2006, which improves efficiency by 30 percent over 1990 levels.
Energy Star and Energy Guide. The federal government also runs the voluntary Energy Star and mandatory EnergyGuide label programs.
Rebates and tax incentives. Some state governments and public utilities offer tax incentives as well as buy-back and rebate programs to encourage consumers to replace old equipment with more efficient units. To find out what’s available where you live, contact your state energy office or local utility company. The online Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy also has information about these and other incentive programs.
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