DOE Finalizes New Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances

Regulations Aim to Cut Carbon Emissions and Save on Utility Bills

The Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized new energy efficiency standards for residential refrigerators and freezers, and proposed standards for commercial fans and blowers.
The DOE projects that the new regulations will cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 400 million tons and save households and businesses $5 billion a year on utility bills.
Compliance with the finalized fridge and freezer standards will be required starting in either 2029 or 2030, depending on the model and configuration of the equipment.
The proposed set of regulations are modeled on those already in place in California and are expected to kick in starting in 2029.
The DOE has issued 30 proposed or final energy efficiency standards in 2023, meeting the Administration’s goal for the year.