Split-system central air conditioners and heat pumps
Energy Efficiency Regulations
Regulatory definition
Split-system central air conditioner, a single-phase or three-phase central air conditioner that is a split-system with a cooling capacity of less than 19 kW (65,000 Btu/h).
Split-system heat pump, a single-phase or three-phase air-to-air heat pump that is a centrally ducted split-system and that has a cooling or heating capacity of less than 19 kW (65,000 Btu/h).
Compliance date
Manufactured on or after January 1, 2017
For models manufactured prior, refer to the Regulations
Compliant product models
Split-system central air conditioners as listed on NRCan’s searchable database
Split-system heat pumps as listed on NRCan’s searchable database
Testing standard
CAN/CSA-C656-14 and 10 C.F.R. Appendix M for off mode power consumption
Energy efficiency regulations by province
Some provinces also have their own energy efficiency regulations for many of the federally regulated products – find out which ones!
Energy efficiency standard
| Energy-using product | Energy performance standard |
|---|---|
| Split-system central air conditioners, other than those that are small-duct and high-velocity | SEER ≥ 13.0 * Off mode power consumption ≤ 30 W |
| Split-system central air conditioners that are small-duct and high-velocity | SEER ≥ 12.0 * Off mode power consumption ≤ 30 W |
| Split-system heat pumps, other than those that are small-duct and high-velocity | SEER ≥ 14.0 HSPF (Region V) ≥ 7.1 * Off mode power consumption ≤ 33 W |
| Split-system heat pumps that are small-duct and high-velocity | SEER ≥ 12.0 HSPF (Region V) ≥ 6.3 * Off mode power consumption ≤ 30 W |
SEER = Seasonal energy efficiency ratio – the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump in Btu during its normal annual usage period for cooling, divided by the electric power usage in watt-hours during the same period
HSPF = Heating seasonal performance factor (Region V) – the total heating output of a heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, divided by the total electric power input in watt-hours during the same time period
Note: To compare U.S. energy efficiency levels with Canadian levels for heat pumps, HSPF V is equivalent to HSPF IV/1.15
Btu/h = British thermal units per hour
kW = kilowatts
W = watts
* single-phase only
Energy efficiency report requirements
- name of product
- brand name
- model number
- manufacturer
- name of the certification body or province whose verification mark will be on the product or its package
- whether a mathematical model as defined in the Regulations was used to generate any of the information provided below
- Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) classification
- off mode power consumption
- phase of electric current
- cooling capacity in kW (Btu/h)
- heating capacity (if a heat pump) in kW (Btu/h)
- information that indicates whether the product is small-duct and high-velocity
- seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)
- heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) and the region for the factor (if a heat pump)
- the stage type the product has, namely, single-stage or multi-stage (if a heat pump)
- the system the product has, namely, mini-split, multi-split or ducted
Download the energy efficiency reporting template.
This document does not constitute part of the Energy Efficiency Act (Act) or its associated regulations. This document is an administrative document that is intended to facilitate compliance by the regulated party with the Act and its associated regulations. This document is not intended to provide legal advice regarding the interpretation of the Act or its associated regulations. If a regulated party has questions about their legal obligations or responsibilities under the Act or its associated regulations, they should seek the advice of legal counsel.
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