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Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group
DOE/NIST Appliance Program
Overview Facilities Publications Links Overview
Within the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) manages the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products. A key component of this program is the development and maintenance of standard methods for testing and rating “covered” appliances. Residential water heaters, central air conditioners, and heat pumps are among these covered appliances.
For nearly three decades, NIST has supported the DOE program by developing and maintaining the technical content of the DOE testing and rating requirements (which are commonly called test procedures). NIST also assists DOE when a manufacturer feels that a particular test procedure fails to fairly represent the energy conserving capabilities of a given product line. In this case, NIST evaluates the merits of a manufacturer’s claim and its proposed remedy. NIST’s analysis and recommendations are used by DOE in its decision on whether to accept the remedy as proposed, accept a modified remedy, or reject the need for a remedy.
Residential Water Heaters: Water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy in the home behind space heating, so improving the energy efficiency of these appliances can go a long way towards decreasing the energy needs of the American public. Test procedures yield ratings that allow consumers to compare the energy consumption of multiple brands on a common basis. Minimum levels for these ratings, in addition, are set and periodically raised by DOE in order to support the installation of progressively more efficient appliances and equipment.
NIST works with DOE to ensure that the test procedure for residential water heaters accurately and fairly rates the energy consumption of the appliance over a typical day. The test procedure also includes testing, and an associated rating, that are helpful for deciding what category of water heater – volume of tank and the heating element or burner input – to purchase. NIST worked closely with DOE to develop the current water heater test procedure and is occasionally called upon by DOE to clear up ambiguities and answer questions from industry members on its implementation. As new features come into the marketplace and historically niche products grow in popularity, it is likely that the water heater test procedure will require updating. NIST stays abreast of the industry trends and specific developments by being an active participant on standards developing committees, attending technical conferences, and maintaining communications with industry members.
For more information, contact:
Bill Healy
(301) 975-4922
william.healy@nist.govHeat Pumps and Air Conditioners: NIST led efforts to develop the DOE central air conditioner and heat pump test procedure that first became effective in 1980. The test procedure has since been revised three times, with the most recent revision being completed in 2007. These revisions came about to address new product features, to incrementally improve upon the test accuracy relative to the test burden, and to generally work towards a test procedure where all details are addressed. Leading up to and during these revision cycles, NIST works with industry members and energy advocates to identify deficiencies in the test procedure and to deduce remedies. NIST uses both in-house testing and external sources to obtain the technical data needed to verify and resolve problems with the test procedure.
The DOE air conditioner and heat pump test procedure references several consensus standards. NIST personnel participate on these committees that periodically revise these consensus standards. NIST also supports the development and updating of international standards. The goal is to work towards a DOE test procedure that references all, or in part, the evolving international standards.
For more information, contact:
Brian Dougherty
(301) 975-6396
brian.dougherty@nist.gov
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Last updated: 1/4/2008