Products listed in the directory meet CEE's energy-efficiency specifications for residential and light commercial (less than 65,000 Btuh) equipment, which include requirements for energy efficiency ratio (EER). CEE's HVAC initiatives also include requirements for seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Financial incentives for products meeting the CEE specifications are available in many parts of the country.

"ARI's willingness to create this directory is greatly appreciated by energy-efficiency program administrators, who will now have a much easier time promoting air conditioners and heat pumps that perform efficiently at high temperatures," said Marc Hoffman, CEE's executive director. "This equipment reduces energy use during peak periods and helps increase the reliability of the electric grid."

The EER for the listed products will be verified through testing under ARI's Unitary Air Conditioner and Air-Source Unitary Heat Pump Certification Program.

"Our goal is to be good stewards of the environment as we help people live healthier, happier, longer lives," said Deborah Miller, ARI vice president of Government and International Affairs. "ARI members worked with CEE to develop the directory to make it easier for consumers to purchase energy-efficient air conditioning equipment. These hot and humid days of summer remind us how much air conditioning improves our quality of life. We look forward to working with CEE on future initiatives."

All products listed in the CEE-ARI HVAC Directory are also Energy Star®-qualified.

"The new CEE-ARI HVAC Directory will act as a valuable resource for consumers, contractors, and energy-efficiency programs across the country to identify Energy Star-qualified products with the EER element integrated as a critical component to energy-efficient performance," said Steve Ryan, Energy Star HVAC program manager.

The following CEE members funded the development and maintenance of the directory: Connecticut Light & Power/ Northeast Utilities, Energy Trust of Oregon, National Grid USA, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power, New Jersey Clean Energy Program, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, NSTAR, Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Southern California Edison, TXU Electric Delivery, United Illuminating and Wisconsin Focus on Energy.

CEE (www.cee1.org) is a national, nonprofit organization that works with its members to promote energy-efficient products and services. CEE's membership is comprised of administrators of energy-efficiency programs nationwide, including utilities and statewide (and regional) organizations.

The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute is a trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of North American-produced central air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment. For more information, visit www.ari.org.

Publication date: 07/19/2004