ARLINGTON, VA — In an action certain to arouse Congressional and legal challenges, the Clinton administration apparently will order a 30% increase in the minimum efficiency standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps, an action that industry sources said would impose an unfair, multi-billion dollar burden on consumers.
Industry sources said the jump in the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) from SEER 10 to SEER 13 was approved for publication in the “Federal Register” by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), with strong backing from Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. The Clinton administration was trying to beat a noon, January 20 deadline.