Last reviewed: August 2026 · By the HVAC Brief Editorial Team · Our sourcing and editorial standards
The Department of Energy has proposed changes to the methodology it uses to set appliance efficiency standards, in a notice of proposed rulemaking published July 7, 2026 at 91 FR 42034. Comments closed August 21, 2026 after an extension published July 28 at 91 FR 47155.
This is process rather than a standard, and that is precisely why it matters. The methodology governs how every future HVAC standard is justified, including the ones already scheduled.
The rulemaking updates DOE’s “Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment”, commonly called the process rule. DOE published a companion proposal the same day reviewing its analytic methods for setting standards.
Why a process rule matters to HVAC
Efficiency standards for HVAC equipment are set through this framework. The SEER2 minimums at 10 CFR 430.32(c), the room air conditioner increase that took effect May 26, 2026, and the 95% AFUE furnace standard scheduled for December 18, 2028 were all produced by it.
Changing how DOE analyses and justifies standards therefore affects the pipeline of future rules rather than any single existing requirement. Standards already in the CFR remain in force unless separately amended.
A process rulemaking does not repeal or delay existing standards. The SEER2 minimums, the new room air conditioner levels and the 2028 furnace standard all sit in the Code of Federal Regulations and are unaffected by a proposal about methodology. Anyone reading this as a rollback of current requirements is reading it wrong.
Frequently asked questions
What is DOE’s process rule?
The methodology DOE uses when considering new or revised energy conservation standards and test procedures, formally titled “Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment”. DOE proposed updating it on July 7, 2026 at 91 FR 42034.
Does this change current HVAC efficiency standards?
No. It is a proposal about methodology for future rulemakings. Existing standards including SEER2 minimums, the room air conditioner levels effective May 26, 2026, and the 95% AFUE furnace standard scheduled for December 18, 2028 remain in the Code of Federal Regulations and are unaffected.
When did comments close?
August 21, 2026, following an extension published July 28, 2026 at 91 FR 47155. The original notice of proposed rulemaking was published July 7, 2026 at 91 FR 42034 with a comment period closing August 6.
Sources
- US Department of Energy, “Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures,” notice of proposed rulemaking, 91 FR 42034, July 7, 2026; comment period extension 91 FR 47155, July 28, 2026.
- US Department of Energy, 10 CFR 430.32, current efficiency standards.
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