The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced that it has adopted the nation’s toughest energy-efficiency standard for central air conditioners. The new standard is 30% higher (13 SEER) than the current federal standard. It is also 10% higher than the proposed new federal standard of 12 SEER, so it would require a waiver from the federal government to be enacted into law. (See cover story under Current Features.)

In addition, the CEC adopted new state standards for commercial refrigerators and beverage vending machines.

Publication date: 03/11/2002