With growing awareness around energy consumption and environmental responsibility, energy efficiency has become a key factor for consumers shopping for air conditioners. In response to these concerns, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rolled out updated EnergyStar requirements specifically targeting window and through-the-wall AC units.
In this guide, we break down what the new requirements mean for EnergyStar-certified AC units and how you can make a smarter, more energy-efficient purchase for your home.
What Is the EnergyStar Program?
The EnergyStar program is an initiative led by the EPA designed to encourage energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions from household appliances.
Products that meet or surpass EnergyStar benchmarks qualify for the EnergyStar label, which signals superior energy efficiency and performance. This helps homeowners reduce energy costs and their environmental footprint at the same time.
Since its launch in 1992, the EnergyStar program has helped consumers save over $500 billion in energy costs and has cut greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 4 billion metric tons.
How EnergyStar Certification Works
To earn the EnergyStar label, appliances such as air conditioners must meet strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas output.
For room air conditioners, the EPA requires a minimum energy efficiency rating measured in CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio). This metric represents the ratio of cooling output in BTU per hour to the average electrical energy input and the unit's standby power consumption.
Updated EnergyStar Standards for Room & Through-the-Wall ACs
On February 28, 2023, the EPA released its updated ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 RAC specification. This revision raised the CEER requirements for room air conditioners, covering both window and through-the-wall models.
| Product Class | Description | BTU/Hr | Prev 4.0 | New 5.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AC only, louvered sides | < 6,000 | 12.1 | 13.1 |
| 2 | AC only, louvered sides | 6,000 – 7,999 | 12.1 | 12.7 |
| 3 | AC only, louvered sides | 8,000 – 13,999 | 12.0 | 14.7 |
| 4 | AC only, louvered sides | 14,000 – 19,999 | 11.5 | 14.4 |
| 5a | AC only, louvered sides | 20,000 – 27,999 | 10.3 | 12.7 |
| 5b | AC only, louvered sides | > 20,000 | 9.9 | 12.2 |
| 6 | AC only, no louvered sides | < 6,000 | 11.0 | 10.8 |
| 7 | AC only, no louvered sides | 6,000 – 7,999 | 11.0 | 12.8 |
| 8a | AC only, no louvered sides | 8,000 – 19,999 | 10.6 | 15 |
| 8b | AC only, no louvered sides | 11,000 – 13,999 | 10.6 | 12.8 |
| 9 | AC only, no louvered sides | 14,000 – 19,999 | 10.2 | 12.6 |
| 10 | AC only, no louvered sides | > 20,000 | 10.0 | 12.7 |
| 11 | AC with heat pump, louvered sides | > 20,000 | 10.6 | 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 | 10.3 | 12.8 |
| 14 | AC with heat pump, no louvered sides | >= 14,000 | 9.5 | 11.7 |
• All room ACs with the existing EnergyStar certification (version 4.2) will only remain valid until October 30, 2023.
• All room ACs manufactured beginning October 30, 2023, must meet the new version 5.0 requirements to qualify for the EnergyStar label. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit and is the date on which the 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 You as a Consumer
EnergyStar-certified room ACs are eligible for rebates through savings programs offered by local utility providers.
Once a room AC is no longer EnergyStar qualified, the rebate may no longer be available. The EPA encourages consumers to take advantage of the rebate opportunity for their new room AC before October 30, 2023.
If you are looking to purchase a new window or through-the-wall air conditioner, it is wise to choose a unit that is certified for the EnergyStar version 5.0 rating. This ensures that your new AC meets the latest efficiency standards and future-proofs your investment for years to come, while also lowering your long-term utility costs.
Featured Window ACs That Meet 2023 EnergyStar Requirements
Entry-Level
This 8,000 BTU window unit delivers impressive cooling performance with 4 cooling speeds (including sleep mode) and 3 fan speeds. It is a great all-around unit that will efficiently cool a room of about 340 sq. ft. It carries an EnergyStar rating and offers a 15.5 CEER rating. The unit features 4-way air direction to keep the airflow reaching the farthest corners, while not blowing directly on anyone in the room. It is designed in white to blend seamlessly into any window installation.
It features inverter technology that adjusts the motor speed to regulate the room temperature and deliver excellent energy savings. It pairs with the manufacturer's SmartThinQ app and supports voice commands through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
It also includes a window installation kit and meets the requirements for use in California.
From $599.00
LG LW8022IVSM 8000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart WiFi Enabled Window Air Conditioner – 115V – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant
For added efficiency, this unit features a dual inverter and uses R32 inverter technology in conjunction with a...
Premium
This 14,000 BTU window AC is EnergyStar certified and boasts a 14.7 CEER rating. It is powerful enough to cool up to 600 sq. ft. of space.
Like the entry-level model above, it features variable speed compressor and inverter technology, support for the manufacturer'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.
From $849.00
LG LW1522IVSM 14000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart WiFi Enabled Window Air Conditioner – 115V – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant
For added efficiency, the LG LW1522IVSM is a window air conditioner that features a dual inverter. LG's inverter technology is used in conjunct...
EnergyStar Room ACs at Backyard Provider
At Backyard Provider, we understand the importance of environmental sustainability. That is why we carry a broad selection of EnergyStar-certified air conditioners that are not only kind to the Earth but also easy on your budget.
Explore our EnergyStar room ACs today and enjoy substantial savings on your monthly bills, while helping preserve the environment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Cooling?
Browse our full collection of EnergyStar-certified window ACs.
Friedrich Kühl Inverter 10K BTU AC