Table 46. Assumptions for Accelerated Minimum Efficiency Standards Affecting Buildings

Technology Current Standarda Accelerated Standarda Effective Date
Clothes washers 0.82 MEF 1.40 MEF 2006
Air-source heat pump 6.8 HSPF, 10.0 SEER 8.0 HSPF, 13.0 SEER 2005
Central air conditioner 10.0 SEER 13.0 SEER 2005
Room air conditioner 9.7 EER 11.0 EER 2006
Electric water heater 0.86 EF 0.93 EF 2003
Gas water heater 0.54 EF 0.60 EF 2003
Refrigerator 496 kWh 397 kWh 2007
Dishwasher 0.48 EF 0.62 EF 2005
Furnaces (oil and gas) 0.78 AFUE 0.80 AFUE 2007
Commercial packaged air conditionerb 8.9 EER 10.3 EER 2005
Fluorescent ballastsc Energy-efficient magnetic Electronic 2003
aHeating and cooling efficiency, respectively, are given for heating and cooling combination units. Units for efficiency measures are presented as given in the Department of the Treasury's explanation of the CCTI proposals: MEF, Modified Energy Factor; HSPF, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor; SEER, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating; EER, Energy Efficiency Ratio; EF, Energy Factor; kWh, kilowatthour; AFUE, Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.
bEffective date changed from that given in source reference. Timetable adjusted from 2001 to 2005 for commercial packaged air conditioners, based on current priority and stage in the rulemaking process.
cA small percentage of magnetic ballasts are retained after the electronic ballast standard takes effect, representing exceptions to the standard granted because electronic ballast frequencies interfere with the performance of other electronic equipment.
Source: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Approaching the Kyoto Targets: Five Key Strategies for the U.S. (Washington, DC, August 1998).