On February 12, 2021, the Commission published a final rule that establishes EnergyGuide labels for portable air conditioners and requires manufacturers to label portable air conditioner units produced after October 1, 2022. 86 FR 9274 (Feb. 12, 2021). The Commission also updated the Rule to conform with new DOE energy descriptors for central air conditioner units that will become effective on January 1, 2023.

On June 2, 2021, the Commission proposed updates to comparability ranges and sample labels for central air conditioners. 86 FR 29533 (June 2, 2021). The comment period closed on August 2, 2021. On October 20, 2021, the Commission issued a final rule updating the comparability ranges and sample labels for central air conditioners. 86 FR 57985 (Oct. 20, 2021). The amendments are effective on January 1, 2023.

On May 25, 2022, the Commission sought public comments on proposed updates to the Rule which would allow consumers to more accurately compare the estimated annual energy consumption for appliances before they buy them. 87 FR 31754 (May 25, 2022). The Rule requires the Commission to revise the comparability ranges and associated energy costs every five years for certain EnergyGuide labels. The Commission’s notice of proposed rulemaking seeks comments on scheduled updates to the comparability ranges that were last revised in 2017. The public comment period will close on July 11, 2022. Staff anticipates that the Commission will issue final rule updates to the comparability ranges during the Fall of 2022.

On October 25, 2022, the Commission issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that seeks public comment on potential amendments to the Rule, including energy labels for several new consumer product categories, and other possible amendments to improve the Rule’s effectiveness, and reduce unnecessary burdens. 87 FR 64399 (Oct. 25, 2022). The comment period will close on December 27, 2022.