Stricter Air-Conditioner Efficiency Standards Take Effect

New federal efficiency standards for residential central air conditioners took effect in January 2006. President Clinton set the 30% jump in efficiency, from SEER 10 to SEER 13; President Bush challenged the move but was overruled by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in a lawsuit brought by the Natural Resources Defense Council (see

EBN

Vol. 13, No. 2 and

Vol. 13, No. 5). The new standard applies only to newly manufactured units; less efficient equipment manufactured before the standard took effect may still be sold.