10 C.F.R. § 429.16
(1) Required represented values. Determine the represented values (including as applicable, SEER2, EER2, HSPF2, PW,OFF, SCORE, SHORE, EER, cooling capacity, and heating capacity) for the individual models/combinations (or “tested combinations”) specified in the following table.
| Category | Equipment subcategory | Required represented values |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Package Unit | Single-Package Air Conditioner (AC) (including space-constrained) | Every individual model distributed in commerce. |
| Single-Package Heat Pump (HP) (including space-constrained) | Every individual model distributed in commerce. | |
| Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit (Distributed in Commerce by Outdoor Unit Manufacturer (OUM)) | Single-Split-System AC with Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor (including Space-Constrained and Small-Duct, High Velocity Systems (SDHV)) | Every individual combination distributed in commerce. Each model of outdoor unit must include a represented value for at least one coil-only individual combination that is distributed in commerce and which is representative of the least efficient combination distributed in commerce with that particular model of outdoor unit. For that particular model of outdoor unit, additional represented values for coil-only and blower-coil individual combinations are allowed, if distributed in commerce. |
| Single-Split System AC with Other Than Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Every individual combination distributed in commerce, including all coil-only and blower-coil combinations. | |
| Single-Split-System HP (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Every individual combination distributed in commerce. | |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—non-SDHV (including Space-Constrained) | For each model of outdoor unit, at a minimum, a non-ducted “tested combination.” For any model of outdoor unit also sold with models of ducted indoor units, a ducted “tested combination.” The ducted “tested combination” must comprise the highest static variety of ducted indoor unit distributed in commerce (i.e., conventional, mid-static, or low-static). Additional representations are allowed, as described in paragraphs (c)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, respectively. | |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—SDHV | For each model of outdoor unit, an SDHV “tested combination.” Additional representations are allowed, as described in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section. | |
| Indoor Unit Only Distributed in Commerce by Independent Coil Manufacturer (ICM) | Single-Split-System Air Conditioner (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) Single-Split-System Heat Pump (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Every individual combination distributed in commerce. |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—SDHV | For a model of indoor unit within each basic model, an SDHV “tested combination.” Additional representations are allowed, as described in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section. | |
| Outdoor Unit with no Match | Every model of outdoor unit distributed in commerce (tested with a model of coil-only indoor unit as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. |
(3) Refrigerants.
(4) Limitations for represented values of individual combinations. The following paragraphs explains the limitations for represented values of individual combinations (or “tested combinations”).
(2) Individual model/combination selection for testing.
(i) Table 2 to this paragraph (b)(2)(i) identifies the minimum testing requirements for each basic model that includes multiple individual models/combinations; if a basic model spans multiple categories or subcategories listed in table 2, multiple testing requirements apply. For each basic model that includes only one individual model/combination, test that individual model/combination.
| Category | Equipment subcategory | Must test: | With: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Package Unit | Single-Package AC (including Space-Constrained) Single-Package HP (including Space-Constrained) | The individual model with the lowest seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) (when testing in accordance with appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) or seasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency (SCORE) (when testing in accordance with appendix M2 to subpart. B of 10 CFR part 430) | N/A. |
| Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit (Distributed in Commerce by OUM) | Single-Split-System AC with Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor (including Space-Constrained and Small-Duct, High Velocity Systems (SDHV)) | The model of outdoor unit | A model of coil-only indoor unit. |
| Single-Split-System HP with Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | The model of outdoor unit | A model of indoor unit. | |
| Single-Split System AC or HP with Other Than Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor having a coil-only individual combination (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | The model of outdoor unit | A model of coil-only indoor unit. | |
| Single-Split System AC or HP with Other Than Single-Stage or Two-Stage Compressor without a coil-only individual combination (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | The model of outdoor unit | A model of indoor unit. | |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—non-SDHV (including Space-Constrained) | The model of outdoor unit | At a minimum, a “tested combination” composed entirely of non-ducted indoor units. For any models of outdoor units also sold with models of ducted indoor units, test a second “tested combination” composed entirely of ducted indoor units (in addition to the non-ducted combination). The ducted “tested combination” must comprise the highest static variety of ducted indoor unit distributed in commerce (i.e., conventional, mid-static, or low-static). | |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—SDHV | The model of outdoor unit | A “tested combination” composed entirely of SDHV indoor units. | |
| Indoor Unit Only (Distributed in Commerce by ICM) | Single-Split-System Air Conditioner (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | A model of indoor unit | The least efficient model of outdoor unit with which it will be paired where the least efficient model of outdoor unit is the model of outdoor unit in the lowest SEER2 combination (when testing under appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) or SCORE combination (when testing under appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) as certified by the OUM. If there are multiple models of outdoor unit with the same lowest SEER2 (when testing under appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) or SCORE (when testing under appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) represented value, the ICM may select one for testing purposes. |
| Single-Split-System Heat Pump (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Nothing, as long as an equivalent air conditioner basic model has been tested. If an equivalent air conditioner basic model has not been tested, must test a model of indoor unit | ||
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, or Multi-Head Mini-Split Split System—SDHV | A model of indoor unit | A “tested combination” composed entirely of SDHV indoor units, where the outdoor unit is the least efficient model of outdoor unit with which the SDHV indoor unit will be paired. The least efficient model of outdoor unit is the model of outdoor unit in the lowest SEER2 combination (when testing under appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) or SCORE combination (when testing under appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) as certified by the OUM. If there are multiple models of outdoor unit with the same lowest SEER2 represented value (when testing under appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430) or SCORE represented value (when testing under appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430), the ICM may select one for testing purposes. | |
| Outdoor Unit with No Match | The model of outdoor unit | A model of coil-only indoor unit meeting the requirements of section 4 of appendix M1 (when testing under appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430); or meeting the requirements of section 3 of appendix M2 (when testing under appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430). |
(3) Sampling plans and represented values. For individual models (for single-package systems) or individual combinations (for split-systems, including “tested combinations” for multi-split, multi-circuit, and multi-head mini-split systems) with represented values determined through testing, each individual model/combination (or “tested combination”) must have a sample of sufficient size tested in accordance with the applicable provisions of this subpart. For heat pumps (other than heating-only heat pumps), all units of the sample population must be tested in both the cooling and heating modes and the results used for determining all representations. The represented values for any individual model/combination must be assigned such that:
(i) Off-Mode. Any represented value of power consumption or other measure of energy consumption for which consumers would favor lower values must be greater than or equal to the higher of:
(A) The mean of the sample, where:

and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi is the i th sample; Or,
(B) The upper 90 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean divided by 1.05, where:

And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the number of samples; and t0.90 is the t statistic for a 90 percent one-tailed confidence interval with n−1 degrees of freedom (from appendix D). Round represented values of off-mode power consumption to the nearest watt.
(ii) EER2, SEER2, HSPF2, SCORE, EER, and SHORE. Any represented value of the energy efficiency or other measure of energy consumption for which consumers would favor higher values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:
(A) The mean of the sample, where:

and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi is the ith sample; or,
(B) The lower 90 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean divided by 0.95, where:

And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the number of samples; and t0.90 is the t statistic for a 90 percent one-tailed confidence interval with n−1 degrees of freedom (from appendix D). Round represented values of EER2, SEER2, HSPF2, EER, SCORE, and SHORE to the nearest 0.05.
(iii) Cooling Capacity and Heating Capacity. The represented values of cooling capacity and heating capacity must each be a self-declared value that is:
(A) Less than or equal to the lower of:
(1) The mean of the sample, where:

and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi is the ith sample; or,
(2) The lower 90 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean divided by 0.95, where:

And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the number of samples; and t0.90 is the t statistic for a 90 percent one-tailed confidence interval with n−1 degrees of freedom (from appendix D).
(B) Rounded according to:
(1) To the nearest 100 Btu/h if cooling capacity or heating capacity is less than 20,000 Btu/h,
(2) To the nearest 200 Btu/h if cooling capacity or heating capacity is greater than or equal to 20,000 Btu/h but less than 38,000 Btu/h, and
(3) To the nearest 500 Btu/h if cooling capacity or heating capacity is greater than or equal to 38,000 Btu/h and less than 65,000 Btu/h.
(i) For every individual model/combination within a basic model other than the individual model/combination required to be tested pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, either—
(ii) When testing in accordance with appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, for every individual model/combination within a basic model tested pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, but for which PW,OFF testing was not conducted, the represented value of PW,OFF may be assigned through, either:
(3) For multi-split systems, multi-circuit systems, and multi-head mini-split systems. The following applies:
(v) When testing in accordance with appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, and with respect to PW,OFF only, for every individual combination (or “tested combination”) within a basic model tested pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, but for which PW,OFF testing was not conducted, the representative values of PW,OFF may be assigned through either:
(e) Certification reports. This paragraph specifies the information that must be included in a certification report.
(2) Public product-specific information. Pursuant to § 429.12(b)(13), for each individual model (for single-package systems) or individual combination (for split-systems, including outdoor units with no match and “tested combinations” for multi-split, multi-circuit, and multi-head mini-split systems), a certification report must include the following public product-specific information: When certifying compliance with January 1, 2015, energy conservation standards, the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/W-h)) or when certifying compliance with January 1, 2023, energy conservation standards, seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2 in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/W-h)); the average off mode power consumption (PW,OFF in Watts); the cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); the region(s) in which the basic model can be sold; when certifying compliance with January 1, 2023, energy conservation standards, the kind(s) of air conditioner or heat pump associated with the minimum external static pressure used in testing or rating (ceiling-mount, wall-mount, mobile home, low-static, mid-static, small duct high velocity, space-constrained, or conventional/not otherwise listed); and
(3) Basic and individual model numbers. The basic model number and individual model number(s) required to be reported under § 429.12(b)(6) must consist of the following:
| Equipment type | Basic model number | Individual model number(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Single-Package (including Space-Constrained) | Number unique to the basic model | Package | N/A | N/A. |
| Single-Split System (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Number unique to the basic model | Outdoor Unit | Indoor Unit | If applicable—Air Mover (could be same as indoor unit if fan is part of indoor unit model number). |
| Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit, and Multi-Head Mini-Split System (including Space-Constrained and SDHV) | Number unique to the basic model | Outdoor Unit | When certifying a basic model based on tested combination(s): * * *When certifying an individual combination: Indoor Unit(s) | If applicable—When certifying a basic model based on tested combination(s): * * *.When certifying an individual combination: Air Mover(s). |
| Outdoor Unit with No Match | Number unique to the basic model | Outdoor Unit | N/A | N/A. |
(4) Additional product-specific information. Pursuant to § 429.12(b)(13), for each individual model/combination (including outdoor units with no match and “tested combinations”), a certification report must include the following additional product-specific information: The cooling full load air volume rate for the system or for each indoor unit as applicable (in cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm)); the air volume rates that represent normal operation for other test conditions including minimum cooling air volume rate, intermediate cooling air volume rate, full load heating air volume rate, minimum heating air volume rate, intermediate heating air volume rate, and nominal heating air volume rate (scfm) for the system or for each indoor unit as applicable, if different from the cooling full load air volume rate; whether the individual model uses a fixed orifice, thermostatic expansion valve, electronic expansion valve, or other type of metering device; the duration of the compressor break-in period, if used; whether the optional tests were conducted to determine the CDc value used to represent cooling mode cycling losses or whether the default value was used; the temperature at which the crankcase heater with controls is designed to turn on, if applicable; whether an inlet plenum was installed during testing; the duration of the indoor fan time delay, if used; and
(f) Represented values for the Federal Trade Commission. Use the following represented value determinations to meet the requirements of the Federal Trade Commission.
(1) Annual operating cost—cooling. Determine the represented value of estimated annual operating cost for cooling-only units or the cooling portion of the estimated annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling, as follows:
(i) When using appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(ii) When using appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(2) Annual operating cost—heating. Determine the represented value of estimated annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide only heating or for the heating portion of the estimated annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling, as follows:
(i) When using appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(ii) When using appendix M2 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(4) Regional annual operating cost—cooling. Determine the represented value of estimated regional annual operating cost for cooling-only units or the cooling portion of the estimated regional annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling as follows:
(i) When using appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(B) The estimated number of regional cooling load hours per year determined from the following table:
| Climatic region | Regional cooling load hours |
|---|---|
| I | 2,400 |
| II | 1,800 |
| III | 1,200 |
| IV | 800 |
| V | 400 |
| VI | 200 |
(5) Regional annual operating cost—heating. Determine the represented value of estimated regional annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide only heating or for the heating portion of the estimated regional annual operating cost for air-source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling as follows:
(i) When using appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430, the product of:
(A) The estimated number of regional heating load hours per year determined from the following table:
| Climatic region | Regional cooling load hours |
|---|---|
| I | 493 |
| II | 857 |
| III | 1,247 |
| IV | 1,701 |
| V | 2,202 |
| VI | 1,842 |
[81 FR 37049, June 8, 2016, as amended at 81 FR 55112, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 1468, Jan. 5, 2017; 86 FR 68393, Dec. 2, 2021; 87 FR 64583, Oct. 25, 2022; 89 FR 82060, Oct. 9, 2024]; 90 FR 1273, Jan. 7, 2025; 90 FR 43378, Sept. 9, 2025]