ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the Energy Star® Most Efficient designation. The Energy Star Most Efficient designation is designed to recognize and advance the most efficient products among those that qualify for the Energy Star label. The goal of this effort is to encourage a faster introduction of new, more energy-efficient products into the market by targeting early adopters. Products that are recognized as the Most Efficient of Energy Star in 2011 prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting rigorous energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. The EPA launched the Energy Star Most Efficient program this year to identify and advance highly efficient products in the marketplace.

“This new label will help Americans save money and cut pollution by quickly pointing them to the best Energy Star products have to offer. Highlighting Energy Star’s Most Efficient products is a great way to encourage the strides in innovation that bring even more energy- and money-saving choices to our stores,” said Lisa P. Jackson, EPA administrator. “We know American consumers are eager to make purchases that save them money on their utility bills and reduce the pollution in the air we breathe, and these labels will help them identify the best ways to find those purchases.”

This pilot effort recognizes the most efficient products among those that qualify for the Energy Star designation in particular product categories including clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions, and refrigerator-freezers.

The Energy Star Most Efficient program noted that qualifying air conditioners must achieve efficiencies greater than 18 SEER and 12.5 EER for split central air conditioners, and efficiencies greater than 16 SEER and 12 EER for packaged central air conditioners. The criteria also specified a need for communications, diagnostics, and automated configuration.

According to Rheem, the Rheem Prestige Series RASL-JEC, 18 SEER, R-410A condensing unit and the Ruud Ultra Series UASL-JEC model have both earned the designation for 2011.

“We’re honored that our Rheem Prestige Series RASL-JEC and Ruud Ultra Series UASL-JEC condensing units have been selected for the EPA’s first-ever list of Most Efficient Energy Star-qualified products,” said Nitish Singh, director of marketing and product management, Rheem Air Conditioning Division.

For more information, go to www.energystar.gov/mostefficient, www.rheem.com, or www.ruud.com.

Publication date: 10/17/2011