The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently introduced a new regulation aimed at improving the energy efficiency of commercial fans and blowers, along with finalized standards for refrigerators and freezers. Collectively, these measures are expected to result in annual savings of $5 billion for American households and businesses.
The new efficiency standards for residential refrigerators and freezers, which will come into effect either on Jan. 31, 2029, or Jan. 31, 2030 depending on the appliance configuration, are anticipated to save 5.6 quadrillion British thermal units over a span of 30 years. This signifies an 11% energy reduction compared to current models, leading to estimated consumer savings of $36.4 billion and a cumulative reduction of nearly 101 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the proposed rule for commercial fans and blowers - the first federal standard for this product - is designed to save American businesses $3.3 billion in energy costs annually. If implemented by 2029, this rule could reduce utility expenses by almost $56 billion over three decades, resulting in a decrease of nearly 318 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to a press release by DOE.
"Today's announcement is a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to lowering utility costs for working families, which is helping to simultaneously strengthen energy independence and combat the climate crisis," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in a DOE press release. Granholm added that "DOE will continue to move quickly in 2024—together with our industry partners and stakeholders—to update and strengthen outdated energy efficiency standards, which is critical to innovation, more consumer options, and healthier communities."
According to its webpage provided by DOE, The Building Technologies Office (BTO) concentrates on developing, showcasing and promoting economical technologies, methods, tools and services that facilitate energy-efficient and flexible residential and commercial buildings in both new and existing markets. BTO engages in research and development (R&D), stimulates the market, and establishes building codes and equipment standards.
