July 9, 2019 – Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) Amendment 16 to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II Vol 153. Amendment 16 will come into force on December 12, 2019 except for sections 16 and 17 which are already into force. This is a significant milestone for Natural Resources Canada’s continued work under its Forward Regulatory Plan 2019-21.
The Amendment introduces or updates minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), testing standards, verification and reporting requirements to improve the energy efficiency of nine residential, commercial and industrial product categories. Specifically, the Amendment is designed to (a) introduce minimum energy performance standards, testing standards, verification and reporting requirements for two new product categories; (b) introduce more stringent minimum energy performance standards and/or update testing standards for six product categories currently regulated federally; and (c) introduce verification requirements, reporting requirements and testing standards for one new product category. The Amendment will come into force six months after the date of publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II, except for two provisions correcting a reference for room air conditioner, which will come into force on the date on which the Amendment is registered.
For the new product categories, import reports and energy efficiency reports will be required for the first time. The information requirements in the energy efficiency reports will be aligned to the extent possible with what is submitted in the United States.
The following is a list of changes that are being made through the Amendment.
(A) Introduce MEPS, testing standards, verification and reporting requirements for two new product categories
Clean water pumps
Clean water pumps are used in commercial and industrial applications. They move clean water by physical or mechanical action, and may be part of a pumping system that includes other mechanical equipment, drivers and controls. Clean water pumps covered by the scope of this amendment include end suction close-coupled pumps; end suction frame mounted with own bearings pumps; inline pumps; radially split, multi-stage, vertical inline diffuser casing pumps; and submersible turbine pumps.
For clean water pumps manufactured on or after January 27, 2020, the Amendment sets the MEPS at levels that will apply on that same date in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
Miscellaneous refrigeration products
Miscellaneous refrigeration products (MRPs) are used in residential applications and are designed for the cooling and storage of wine, food and other beverages. This new subcategory will include residential wine coolers that are already regulated (under wine chillers in the subcategory of refrigerators) and the scope will be expanded to cover coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products. For MRPs manufactured on or after October 28, 2019, the Amendment sets the MEPS at levels that will apply on that same date in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States. Similar to the residential wine coolers, the coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products will be required to carry an EnerGuide Label.
(B) Introduce more stringent MEPS and/or update testing standards for six currently regulated product categories
Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are suspended from the ceiling and circulate air via the rotation of fan blades. For ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 21, 2020, the Amendment sets the MEPS applicable to airflow efficiency at levels that will apply on that same date in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
Central air conditioners and heat pumps (single package central air conditioner, split-system central air conditioner, single package heat pumps and split-system heat pumps)
Central air conditioners and heat pumps are single-phase and three-phase air-source air conditioners and heat pumps, with a rated capacity of less than 19 kW (65 000 Btu/h). These include single package, split system, ductless, space-constrained, and small-duct, high-velocity air conditioners and heat pumps used in residential and small commercial applications.
For central air conditioners and heat pumps under 19 kW (65 000 Btu/h) manufactured on or after January 1, 2017, the Amendment sets the MEPS applicable to off-mode energy consumption at levels that are currently in place in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
Chillers
Chillers are used in large commercial and institutional buildings to provide space cooling by removing heat from a liquid, usually water, which is then used to provide the cooling needs of the building.
For chillers manufactured on or after December 31, 2019, the Amendment sets the MEPS at levels that are currently in place in Ontario and in the U.S. states that have adopted the ASHRAE standard. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those used in the United States and Ontario.
Refrigerated beverage vending machines
Refrigerated beverage vending machines are used in commercial applications to cool bottled or canned beverages and dispense them upon payment. Refrigerated beverage vending machines that contain both a refrigerated and non-refrigerated compartment separated by a solid partition will also be subject to the Regulations.
For refrigerated beverage vending machines that have been manufactured on or after January 8, 2019, the Amendment sets the MEPS at levels that will apply on that same date in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
Single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps
Single package vertical air conditioners (SPVACs) are air-cooled commercial single packaged equipment that provide space cooling and may or may not provide heating. Single package vertical heat pumps (SPVHPs) are air-cooled commercial single packaged equipment that provide both space cooling and heating. SPVACs and SPVHPs have their major components arranged vertically and are generally used in modular classrooms, office buildings and telecommunications shelters. Performance in cooling (SPVACs and SPVHPs) and heating (SPVHPs only) will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
Walk-in refrigeration systems
Walk-in refrigeration systems are designed to cool or freeze enclosed storage spaces less than 278.71 m2 (3 000 ft2) that allow a person to enter.
For walk-in refrigeration systems that have been manufactured on or after July 10, 2020, the Amendment sets the MEPS at levels that will apply on that same date in the United States. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States. The requirement for a nameplate to be attached is also aligned with the United States requirements.
(C) Introduce verification requirements, reporting requirements and testing standards for one new product category
Portable air conditioners
Portable air conditioners (PACs) are residential self-contained portable systems that deliver cooled, conditioned air to a single room and include single and dual duct. They include a source of refrigeration and may include additional means for air circulation and heating. They typically sit on the floor and come with an installation kit for quick set up.
For PACs manufactured on or after July 1, 2020, the Amendment will require the submission of energy efficiency reports and importation reports. Performance will be measured in accordance with testing standards aligned with those of the United States.
More information
Visit the Natural Resources Canada’s website for more information.
Contact:
Jamie Hulan
Director, Equipment Division
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
930 Carling Ave, Building 3, 1st Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0Y3
Email: nrcan.equipment-equipement.rncan@canada.ca