New energy efficiency rules for air conditioners are delayed again

The US Department of Energy has again postponed new energy efficiency testing rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps. This means manufacturers will continue to use older, less stringent test methods for longer.

The US has been trying to update how it measures the energy efficiency of air conditioners for years. These new rules were supposed to make those measurements more accurate, especially for how units perform in real-world conditions. Delaying them means consumers will keep buying units rated on less precise standards, and manufacturers get more time before they have to meet tougher benchmarks.