Updated 2023 EnergyStar Requirements for Window and Through the Wall ACs

In an era of increasing concern about energy consumption and environmental sustainability, energy efficiency has become a critical factor when shopping for air conditioners. To address this concern, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently updated the EnergyStar requirements for window and through-the-wall air conditioners. 

In this article, we discuss what the new requirements are for EnergyStar-certified AC units.

What is the EnergyStar Program?

The EnergyStar program is an initiative by the EPA to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for household appliances. 

Products that meet or exceed EnergyStar requirements are eligible for the EnergyStar label, signifying superior energy efficiency and performance. This helps consumers save energy and operational costs, while helping save the environment.

Since its inception in 1992, the EnergyStar program has saved consumers more than $500 billion in energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons.

How EnergyStar Works

To be eligible for the EnergyStar label, appliances like air conditioners must meet strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions. 

For room air conditioners, the EPA sets a minimum energy efficiency, measured in CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is the ratio of cooling output in BTU per hour, to the average electrical energy input and the AC’s standby power consumption.

Updated EnergyStar Standards for Room and Through the Wall ACs

On Feb 28, 2023, the EPA issued the agency’s ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 RAC specification. The updated version increased the CEER room air conditioners, which includes window and through the wall AC units.

Product Class	Description	BTU / hr	Previous 4.0 Standard	New 5.0 Standard
1	AC only, louvered sides	< 6,000	12.1	13.1
2	AC only, louvered sides	6,000 – 7,999	12.1	13.7
3	AC only, louvered sides	8,000 – 13,999	12.0	14.7
4	AC only, louvered sides	14,000 – 19,999	11.8	14.4
5a	AC only, louvered sides	20,000 – 27,999	10.3	12.7
5b	AC only, louvered sides	> = 28,000	9.9	12.2
6	AC only, no louvered sides	< 6,000	11.0	12.8
7	AC only, no louvered sides	6,000 – 7,999	11.0	12.8
8a	AC only, no louvered sides	8,000 – 10,999	10.6	13
8b	AC only, no louvered sides	11,000 – 13,999	10.5	12.8
9	AC only, no louvered sides	14,000 – 19,999	10.2	12.6
10	AC only, no louvered sides	> = 20,000	10.3	12.7
11	AC with heat pump, louvered sides	< 20,000	10.8	13.2
12	AC with heat pump, no louvered sides	< 14,000	10.2	12.6
13	AC with heat pump, louvered sides	> = 20,000	10.2	12.6
14	AC with heat pump, no louvered sides	> = 14,000	9.6	11.7

• All room ACs with the existing EnergyStar certification (version 4.2) will only remain valid until Oct 30, 2023.
• All room ACs manufactured beginning October 30, 2023, must meet the new version 5.0 requirements to be eligible for the EnergyStar label. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit and is the date on which a unit is considered completely assembled.
• After November 1, 2023, the EnergyStar website will no longer list room ACs that only meet the previous version 4.2 standard. 

What This Means for Consumers

EnergyStar-certified room ACs are eligible for rebates, through savings programs offered by local utility providers. 

Once the room AC is no longer EnergyStar qualified, the rebate may no longer be available. The EPA urges consumers to validate the rebate opportunity for their new room AC before October 30, 2023. 

Those looking to purchase a new window AC or through the wall air conditioner should also look for a unit that is certified for the EnergyStar version 5.0 rating. This ensures that their AC follows the latest standard and future-proofs their investment for years to come, while reducing their long-term utility cost.

Featured Window ACs that Meet 2023 EnergyStar Requirements

Entry-level:

LG LW8022IVSM 8000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart WiFi Enabled Window Air Conditioner – 115V – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant

This 8,000 BTU window unit features 4 cooling speeds (including sleep) and 3 fan speeds. This is a great unit that will efficiently cool a room that is about 340 sq. ft. It is Energy Star rated and offers a 15.5 CEER rating. It has 4 way air direction to keep even the furthest corners cool, while not blowing directly on anyone in the room. The unit itself is white and will blend into any window installation.

It includes inverter technology that adjusts the motor speed to regulate the room temperature and results in great energy savings. It comes with LG’s SmartThinQ app and supports voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

It includes a window installation kit and meets the requirements for use in California.

Premium:

LG LW1522IVSM 14000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart WiFi Enabled Window Air Conditioner – 115V – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant

This 14,000 BTU window AC is EnergyStar certified and boasts a 14.7 CEER rating. It can cool up to 800 sq. ft. of space.

Like the model above, it boasts LG’s variable compressor and inverter technology, support for LG’s SmartThinQ app, and Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice commands. It also includes a full feature remote and is certified for use in California.

Click here for the full list of EnergyStar certified window ACs we have on offer.

EnergyStar Room ACs at Total Home Supply

At Total Home Supply, we know the importance of environmental sustainability. This is why we carry a wide range of EnergyStar certified air conditioners, that are friendly not just for the Earth but for your budget.

Check out our EnergyStar room ACs today and enjoy substantial savings on your monthly bills, while helping save the environment!