The Biden administration has finalized new energy efficiency standards for air conditioners and refrigerators, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat climate change. The new rules are expected to save consumers billions of dollars on energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tons.
Air conditioners
The new energy efficiency standards for air conditioners require manufacturers to produce units that are 15-20% more efficient than current models. This means that new air conditioners will use less energy to cool your home, saving you money on your energy bills. The new standards also require manufacturers to use more environmentally friendly refrigerants in their air conditioners.
The new energy efficiency standards for air conditioners are scheduled to go into effect in 2026.
Refrigerators
The new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators require manufacturers to produce units that are 10-15% more efficient than current models. This means that new refrigerators will use less energy to keep your food cold, saving you money on your energy bills. The new standards also require manufacturers to use more environmentally friendly refrigerants in their refrigerators.
The new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators are scheduled to go into effect in 2027.
Impact on consumers
The Biden administration estimates that the new energy efficiency standards for air conditioners and refrigerators will save consumers $4 billion in energy costs over the next decade. The new standards will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 million tons over the next decade.
Some critics of the new regulations argue that they will increase the cost of new air conditioners and refrigerators. However, the Biden administration argues that the long-term savings on energy bills will offset the upfront cost of new appliances.
The Biden administration is also committed to helping low-income families afford energy-efficient appliances. The administration has proposed a $5 billion program to help low-income households purchase energy-efficient appliances, including air conditioners and refrigerators.
To learn more about Eco regulations read this article from Fox News. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:
The Biden administration issued regulations impacting air conditioners and refrigerators in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but experts warn the rules will drive consumer prices higher.
As part of the administration's efforts to combat "climate-damaging" hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule to accelerate an economy-wide transition to more advanced refrigeration and cooling technologies that don't use HFCs, and proposed a second rule to manage HFCs in existing products. HFCs are chemicals common in household appliances, but environmentalists say they contribute to global warming.
"Today’s actions embody President Biden’s leadership on the climate crisis by tackling these planet warming chemicals while investing in American technology and innovation," EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement after unveiling the regulations late last week.
