Energy Star Certification Official Application Steps and Energy Efficiency Test Data Submission Guidelines

Energy Star Certification Official Application Steps and Energy Efficiency Test Data Submission Guidelines

I. Scope of Energy Star Certification

Applicable Product Categories (Partial Examples):

Home Appliances: Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners

Office Equipment: Monitors, Computers, Printers

Lighting: LED Bulbs, Lamp Fixtures

Building Products: Windows, Insulation Materials

HVAC: Heat Pumps, Boilers

Certification Standards: Different products have separate energy efficiency standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR V9.0 applies to monitors).

Must comply with EPA testing methods (e.g., ANSI/ASHRAE 37-2009 applies to air conditioners).

II. Energy Star Certification Application Steps

1. Confirm Product Compliance with Certification Standards

Check the latest product specifications on the Energy Star website.

1. Ensure your product's energy efficiency exceeds the minimum requirements (MEPS), for example:

LED bulbs: Luminous efficacy ≥ 85 lm/W

Refrigerators: Energy consumption ≥ 15% lower than the standard

2. Select an EPA-accredited Certification Bodies (CBs)

Laboratory Requirements:

Must be an EPA-accredited laboratory.

Some products require testing in a U.S.-based laboratory (e.g., HVAC equipment).

List of Certification Bodies (CBs):

Can be found on the EPA website: EPA Accredited Certification Bodies.

3. Submit Product Test Data

Test Report Requirements:

A complete test report issued by an accredited laboratory (must include EPA test methods).

Test data must include:

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) / Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year)

Standby Power (if applicable)

Performance parameters (e.g., brightness, cooling capacity)

4. Submit Certification Application

Application Method: Submit online through the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Certification System (ECS).

Required Documents:

Test Report (PDF format)

Product Technical Specifications (including model, dimensions, voltage, etc.)

Declaration of Conformity (DoC) (manufacturer's signature)

5. EPA Audit and Certification

Audit Time: Typically 2-4 weeks (may take longer for complex products).

Certification Validity:

Typically 1 year, annual audit required (may be 2 years for some products).

Post-Certification Requirements:

Product packaging and promotional materials may display the Energy Star logo.

Requires cooperation with EPA market spot checks (failure to comply may result in certification revocation).

III. Energy Efficiency Test Data Submission Requirements

1. Test Items (Depending on Product Category)

Product Category Key Test Items Test Standards Refrigerator Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year) DOE 10 CFR Part 430 LED Bulb Luminous Efficacy (lm/W), Color Temperature (CCT) IES LM-79 Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), SEERAHRI 210/240

2. Test Report Format Requirements

Must include:

Laboratory Name & EPA Accreditation Number

Product Model, Serial Number

Test Date, Environmental Conditions (e.g., Temperature, Humidity)

Raw Data + Calculation Method (e.g., EER = Cooling Capacity / Input Power)

3. Common Reasons for Rejection

❌ Incorrect Test Method (Not Performed According to EPA Standards)

❌ Incomplete Data (e.g., Missing Standby Power Consumption Test)

❌ Product Energy Efficiency Does Not Meet Standards (e.g., Measured Value is Lower Than Energy Star Requirements)

IV. Certification Fees and Time

Project Fee (USD) Time Laboratory Testing $1,000 - $5,000 + 1-3 weeks EPA Certification Fee: $500 - $2,000 2-4 weeks Annual Maintenance Fee: $200 - $1,000 Annual Renewal

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can non-US companies apply?

✅ Yes, but must submit through an EPA-approved certification body (CB). Some products require a US agent.

Q2: How to maintain compliance after certification?

Annual audit (submit the latest test report) Market spot checks (EPA may purchase products for retesting)

Q3: What is the difference between Energy Star and DOE certification?

Comparison Item Energy Star DOE Certification Nature Voluntary Mandatory (US Market Access) Applicable Products High Energy Efficiency Products All Regulated Products Testing Standards EPA Methods DOE Regulations (e.g., 10 CFR Part 430)