October 21, 2005—The US Department of Energy on October 18 ordered the manufacturers of more than a dozen appliances and products, ranging from traffic signals to commercial ice makers, to create products that use less energy. A broad energy bill passed by the Congress and signed into law this summer required the department to develop energy efficiency standards for 15 residential and commercial appliances.
Under the new regulations, ceiling fans and their lighting kits must be manufactured to use less energy, and the rules will also apply to commercial air conditioning and heating equipment.
For smaller products, such as illuminated “Exit” signs posted in buildings, the regulations go into effect in 2006. For larger appliances like commercial refrigerators and clothes washers, manufacturers have until 2010 to comply.
According to the DOE, there is no requirement for consumers to replace existing equipment before the time that they would normally replace those appliances or pieces of equipment.
For more information, visit the DOE Web site.
