WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that a final rule to codify 15 energy efficiency standards for residential appliances and commercial equipment has been published in the Federal Register. These standards were established as part of the comprehensive energy bill signed by President Bush in August.

"Improving America's energy efficiency has always been a key goal of this administration's energy policy," Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said. "These new standards will play an important role in helping to improve America's overall energy savings."

The final rule includes the following products: ceiling fans; unit heaters; dehumidifiers; commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers; and automatic commercial ice makers.