ShareUnited States: more stringent energy efficiency standards for refrigerators
The US Department of Energy imposes targets for reducing the energy consumption of refrigerators and freezers by 10 to 15% by 2029-2030
In the United States, the Biden administration announced on December 29, 2023, a final rule that imposes stricter energy efficiency standards for residential refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. (1)
The new standards require 10 to 15% energy savings relative to current Department of Energy (DOE) standards, depending on product class. Compliance will be required either January 31, 2029, or January 31, 2030, depending on the configuration of the refrigerator or freezer. (1)
According to the department, these standards, which have not been updated in over a decade, will represent cumulative energy savings of 11% over 30 years relative to the energy use of products currently on the market. They will also bring cumulative emission reductions of nearly 101 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 12.7 million homes. (1)
Other refrigeration products such as wine coolers (30% energy savings by January 31, 2029) and other home appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers, dishwashers and cooking appliances are also affected by these standards. (2)
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