Jan. 31, 2006: UL Opens New HVACR Energy Efficiency Test Lab
NORTHBROOK, Ill. - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has opened a new 16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art testing facility in the metro-Dallas area dedicated to energy efficiency testing of heat pumps, air conditioning equipment, and electrically-operated vapor compression refrigeration systems. The new energy efficiency test lab is designed to help HVACR manufacturers in their efforts to develop more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.
According to UL, residential and commercial heating and cooling equipment accounts for up to half of a typical building's energy consumption. In recent years, HVACR equipment manufacturers have come under increased federal pressure to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. For example, new residential air conditioners manufactured after Jan. 23 must meet a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of 13 or higher. SEER is calculated based on the total amount of cooling (Btu) the system will provide over the entire season divided by the total number of watt-hours it will consume. These mandates have forced many manufacturers to focus more resources on their research and development efforts.