Portable Air Conditioners Frequently Asked Questions

February 1, 2020. 

Yes. Portable air conditioners manufactured before February 1, 2020, can still be sold in California. Portable air conditioners manufactured prior to February 1, 2020, are not required to be certified to the CEC database or meet any efficiency standards. 

In scope:
Only single and dual-duct portable air conditioners designed for attachment to an adjustable window bracket are in the scope of this standard.  

Out of scope:
Spot air conditioners with no ducts or ducts not attached to an adjustable window bracket. 

For more information, visit the following links: 

• Docket # 18-AAER-04 for all information pertaining to the rulemaking 
• The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 20, section 1605.3(d)(1) for the new standards 

The definitions are located in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 20, section 1602(d) and include: 

• “Adjusted cooling capacity at 83°F conditions” is the adjusted cooling capacity of a single-duct or dual-duct portable air conditioner tested at the 83°F dry-bulb outdoor conditions, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Adjusted cooling capacity at 95 °F conditions” is the adjusted cooling capacity of a single-duct or dual-duct portable air conditioner tested at the 95°F dry-bulb outdoor conditions, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Annual energy consumption in cooling mode” is the annual energy consumption of a single-duct portable air conditioner in cooling mode, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Annual energy consumption in cooling mode at 83°F conditions” is the annual energy consumption of a dual-duct portable air conditioner in cooling mode tested at the 83°F dry-bulb outdoor conditions, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Annual energy consumption in cooling mode at 95°F conditions” is the annual energy consumption of a dual-duct portable air conditioner in cooling mode tested at the 95°F dry-bulb outdoor conditions, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Annual energy consumption in inactive or off mode” is the annual energy consumption of a single-duct or dual-duct portable air conditioner in inactive or off mode, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 
• “Annual energy consumption in off-cycle mode” is the annual energy consumption of a single-duct or dual-duct portable air conditioner in off-cycle mode, as determined using the test method specified in section 1604(d). 

The portable air conditioner test procedure is 10 CFR 430.23(dd) (Appendix CC to subpart B of part 430), with no modifications. 

February 1, 2020. 

No. Spot air conditioners will continue to follow the ANSI/ASHRAE 128-2001 test procedure. 

The new standards are located in the CCR, Title 20, section 1605.3(d)(1): 

Energy Efficiency Standards for Portable Air Conditioners. The combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) of single-duct and dual-duct portable air conditioners manufactured on or after February 1, 2020, shall not be less than the value calculated in the seasonally adjusted cooling capacity of a portable air conditioner equation: 

CEER = 1.04 X SACC / (3.7117 X SACC ^0.6384)

CCR, Title 20, section 1607(b) states that the following must be “permanently, legibly, and conspicuously displayed on an accessible place on each unit” of the regulated appliance: 

• Manufacturer’s name, brand name, or trademark 
• Model number 
• Date of manufacture including year and month or smaller increment 

The date of manufacturer is the completion date of the production or assembly of the appliance. 

No. Date of import is not relevant for compliance with California standards, only federal standards. 

Yes. A manufacturer, or  authorized third-party certifier, is responsible for fulfilling the certification requirements for all models of portable air conditioners to MAEDbS to sell or offer for sale in California. 

Manufacturers can certify to the MAEDbS system on and after February 1, 2020. 

The rounding requirements can be found in table 1 of ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015.