New European ecodesign regulation for air conditioners

New European Regulation 206/2012 that sets minimal performance requirements for air-conditioners will enter into force in January 2013.
In March 2012, the European Commission published Regulation 206/2012 that sets minimal performance requirements of air-conditioners.
The Regulation implements Directive ERP 2009/125/EC on ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans.
It defines minimal performance requirements for air-conditioning equipment under 12 kW, in order to limit system energy consumption and the impact of fluorinated-gas (F-gas) refrigerants. The classification uses COP and seasonal performance indicators (SEER for summer cooling and SCOP for heating). It also sets a GWP limit at 150, which provides natural refrigerants, including hydrocarbons or new-generation HFO-mixture refrigerants, with an advantage. It also addresses the issue of noise levels.
The regulation enters into force in January 2013.