Revised efficiency initiative incorporates IEER for commercial HVAC equipment and adds specification for VRF

The Boston-based Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) has announced the availability of the revised High Efficiency commercial air conditioning and heat pump initiative. Comprising efficiency programme administrators from the United States and Canada, CEE aims at unifying programme approaches across jurisdictions to increase impact in fragmented markets. The revised version includes a high-efficiency energy performance specification for commercial air conditioning and heat pump equipment.

According to the CEE communiqué, by incorporating criteria based on Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER), and adding specifications for high efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split air conditioners and heat pumps, the updated CEE Commercial unitary AC and HP specification provides efficiency programme administrators with an improved basis for claiming savings across the full range of equipment operation. CEE members reportedly worked closely with manufacturers and trade associations during the revision process.

Paul Doppel of Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating commented: “CEE has been very conscientious about developing the new Commercial AC and HP specification, especially with regard to the VRF system specifications. CEE has been inclusive with VRF manufacturers to make sure that the specification was consistent with the ASHRAE and DOE standards and the industry capabilities. They are to be applauded for their exceptional work!”

Stephen Yurek, President and CEO of the AHRI, added: “We are pleased to contribute to the process of updating this important specification. This project, and many like it, is representative of what we can do when we work together towards a common goal.”