This measure is the installation of a new high efficiency single speed or dual speed central air conditioner. Per the Council’s Northwest Regional Cost-Effectiveness test this measure is not cost-effective, primarily because the energy savings occur in the summer and therefore do not align with the regional winter peak or get the benefit of deferred generation. However, for summer peaking utilities, this measure might have greater value. At adoption, the RTF set the measure to Planning as there remains uncertainty around regional cooling loads and the relationship between SEER and EER and energy usage in the Pacific Northwest. RTF Staff has developed a Research Strategy to target this uncertainty.
The region has already collected data that may suffice for proven category, but the data have not yet been analyzed per the research strategy. Prior to the next sunset date, the RTF CAT plans analyze the available data and present the results to the RTF for its consideration in moving the measure category from planning to proven. The analysis planned by CAT includes: a) analysis of the HEMS version 9.0 data with the goal of reducing uncertainty in regional cooling load estimates, and b) a 'desk study' review the efficiency metrics' validity in the PNW.
