HIGH-EFFICIENCY UNITARY EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

On January 1, 2010, a new part load cooling efficiency metric, Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER), replaced the previous metric, Integrated Partial Load Value (IPLV) for unitary HVAC equipment greater than or equal to 65,000 Btu/h in the ASHRAE standard 90.1-2007.

Currently, the CEE Unitary AC and HP specification defines part load efficiency using the IPLV performance metric. As IEER data is reported in the AHRI Directory, the CEE Commercial HVAC Committee will review the metric and the data in the first quarter of 2010. In the meantime, a Program Guidance document is available on IEER for those currently looking to adopt new part load values into their programs immediately.

Click here for Program Guidance on IEER.

Click here for CEE's current commercial HVAC specifications.

CEE DIRECTORY OF AHRI-VERIFIED EQUIPMENT

CEE also maintains a directory of AHRI verified, energy-efficient residential and small commercial HVAC equipment. This directory, www.ceedirectory.org, catalogues thousands of HVAC systems that are 65,000 btu/h or less and that meet CEE's specification levels. For larger qualifying CEE products, please use the AHRI web site www.ahridirectory.org.

QUALITY INSTALLATION

The potential energy loss due to improper sizing and poor installation can be even greater than the savings achieved by replacing inefficient equipment with a high-efficiency system. CEE contracted with the Davis Energy Group to develop guidelines in December 1999 to educate consumers and practitioners on best practices in unitary equipment installation. The resulting guidelines were adopted by CEE’s board in March 2001.

Click here for the CEE Guidelines for Energy-Efficiency Commercial Unitary HVAC Systems

In May 2007, CEE adopted an industry-endorsed specification of energy-efficient installation practices for residential and light commercial HVAC systems.

Click here for the ANSI/ACCA Quality Installation specification.

EXPLORATORY WORK

CEE is assessing energy savings potential for commercial boilers. Please consult the Gas Programs portion of CEE's web site for additional information on this exploratory effort.

RESOURCES/LINKS

Consumer information on Light Commercial HVAC can be found on the ENERGY STAR Web site.

Information regarding upcoming federal minimums for Unitary equipment can also be found on the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network.

US DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides a cost calculator for Unitary Equipment.

In 2003, the California Energy Commission released the Small Commercial HVAC Design Guide.