Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Air Conditioners and Air-to-Air Heat Pumps - Model Regulation Guidelines

This technical guideline document provides practical guidance for governments and regional organisations to design and implement energy efficiency regulations for air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps, one of the fastest-growing electricity-consuming product groups in developing and emerging economies. It addresses Minimum Energy Performance Standards, energy labels, and refrigerant-related requirements to support improved energy efficiency and climate performance. The updated 2026 edition expands the scope of the 2019 version to include multi-split systems, such as variable refrigerant flow systems, and ducted split systems with cooling capacities up to 70 kilowatts. It introduces seasonal performance metrics, including Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor, Annual Performance Factor, and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, which better represent annual operation and part-load behaviour. The Guidelines apply a climate-sensitive approach using climate groups and outdoor temperature bin hours to help countries adapt regulatory design to local climatic conditions. The recommendations aim to balance ambitious efficiency improvements with product availability and affordability. An accompanying Supporting Information Document provides additional technical background and justification for the recommendations, including details on product scope, performance metrics, and proposed efficiency levels. Countries and regions can assess potential savings from these recommendations through the United for Efficiency Country Savings Assessments, which are available for 156 countries.