[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 147 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45802-45835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18328]



[[Page 45801]]

Vol. 80

Friday,

No. 147

July 31, 2015

Part IV





Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 147 / Friday, July 31, 2015 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 45802]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010]
RIN 1904-AC80


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On May 21, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for 
dehumidifiers. On February 4, 2015, DOE published a supplemental notice 
of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend the proposed test procedure for 
dehumidifiers. Those proposed rulemakings serve as the basis for this 
action. DOE is issuing a final rule to revise its test procedure for 
dehumidifiers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
and establish a new test procedure for dehumidifiers in a new appendix. 
The amendments to the test procedure provide technical clarifications 
and repeatability improvements, and do not significantly modify the 
current test setup, conduct, or results. The new test procedure 
includes: Separate provisions for testing whole-home dehumidifiers 
(both refrigerant-only and refrigerant-desiccant types) with a ducted 
test setup; new dry-bulb temperature test conditions for both portable 
and whole-home dehumidifiers; an updated definition for off-cycle mode; 
and additional clarifications and adjustments.

DATES: The effective date of this rule is August 31, 2015. The 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 31, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting 
documents/materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov. 
All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov 
index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those 
containing information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not 
be publicly available.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010. This Web 
page will contain a link to the docket for this rule on the 
www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page will contain 
simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public 
comments, in the docket.
    For further information on how to review the docket, contact Ms. 
Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-0371. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Peter Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule incorporates by reference 
into part 430 the following industry standards:
    (1) American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society 
of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 
Standard 41.1-2013, Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, ASHRAE 
approved January 29, 2013, ANSI approved January 30, 2013.
    Copies of ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 can be obtained from the American 
National Standards Institute at 25 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, 
NY 10036, or by going to http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI%2FASHRAE+Standard+41.1-2013.
    (2) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc. (AMCA) 210-07, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans 
for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating, AMCA approved July 28, 
2006, ANSI approved August 17, 2007, ASHRAE approved March 17, 2008.
    Copies of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 can be obtained from the Air Movement 
and Control Association International, Inc. at 30 West University 
Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or by going to http://www.amca.org/store/item.aspx?ItemId=81.
    See section IV.N for additional information on these industry 
standards.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
    B. Current Dehumidifier Test Procedure
    C. Current Dehumidifier Test Procedure Rulemaking
    1. The May 2014 NOPR
    2. The February 2015 SNOPR
II. Summary of the Final Rule
III. Discussion
    A. Covered Products and Definitions
    1. Dehumidifier Definition
    2. Product Capacity Definition
    3. Configuration Definitions
    4. Convertible Products
    5. Coverage of Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
    6. Alternative Dehumidification Technologies
    7. Process Air Definition
    B. Dehumidification Mode
    1. Ambient Temperature--Portable Dehumidifiers
    2. Part-Load Testing
    3. Relative Humidity
    4. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Ducted Installation
    a. Inlet Temperature
    b. External Static Pressure
    c. Fresh Air Inlet
    5. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
    6. Compressor Run-in Period
    7. Psychrometer Requirements
    8. Condensate Collection
    9. Control Settings
    10. Ambient Condition Tolerances
    11. Measurement Frequency
    12. Test Period
    C. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement
    D. Off-Cycle Mode
    E. Technical Corrections and Clarifications
    1. Average Relative Humidity
    2. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
    3. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
    4. Definition of ``Inactive Mode''
    5. Codified Energy Conservation Standards
    F. Certification and Verification
    G. Compliance Dates of Amended Test Procedures
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    M. Congressional Notification
    N. Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42 
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of 
provisions designed to

[[Page 45803]]

improve energy efficiency.\1\ Part B of title III establishes the 
``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than 
Automobiles.'' \2\ These consumer products include dehumidifiers, the 
subject of this rule. (42 U.S.C. 6295(cc))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended 
through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, Public Law 
114-11 (Apr. 30, 2015).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, part B was redesignated as part A 
upon incorporation into the U.S. Code.
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    Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use as the basis for (1) certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted under EPCA, and (2) making representations about the efficiency 
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA.

A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process

    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA provides that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and shall not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test 
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test 
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered 
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(e)(1))

B. Current Dehumidifier Test Procedure

    The DOE test procedure for dehumidifiers is found at 10 CFR part 
430, subpart B, appendix X. EPCA specifies that the dehumidifier test 
criteria used under the ENERGY STAR program in effect as of August 8, 
2005,\3\ must serve as the basis for the DOE test procedure for 
dehumidifiers, unless revised by DOE. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(13)) The 
ENERGY STAR test criteria, effective on August 8, 2005, required that 
ANSI/Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Standard DH-1, 
``Dehumidifiers,'' be used to measure capacity while the Canadian 
Standards Association (CAN/CSA) standard CAN/CSA-C749-1994 (R2005), 
``Performance of Dehumidifiers,'' be used to calculate the energy 
factor (EF). The version of AHAM Standard DH-1 in use at the time the 
ENERGY STAR test criteria were adopted was AHAM Standard DH-1-1992. DOE 
adopted these test criteria, along with related definitions and 
tolerances, as its test procedure for dehumidifiers at 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, appendix X in 2006. 71 FR 71340, 71347, 71366-68 (Dec. 8, 
2006).
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    \3\ ``Energy Star Program Requirements for Dehumidifiers,'' 
Version 1.0, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Available at: 
www.energystar.gov/products/specs/system/files/DehumProgReqV1.0.pdf).
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    On October 31, 2012, DOE published a final rule to establish a new 
test procedure for dehumidifiers that references ANSI/AHAM Standard DH-
1-2008, ``Dehumidifiers,'' (ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008) for both energy use 
and capacity measurements. 77 FR 65941. The final rule also adopted 
standby and off mode provisions that satisfy the requirement in EPCA 
for DOE to include measures of standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption in its test procedures for residential products, if 
technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) This new DOE test 
procedure, codified at that time at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, 
appendix X1 (appendix X1), established a new metric, integrated energy 
factor (IEF), which incorporates measures of active, standby, and off 
mode energy use.
    DOE subsequently removed the existing test procedures at appendix X 
and redesignated the test procedures at appendix X1 as appendix X. 79 
FR 7366 (Feb. 7, 2014). Any representations of energy use, including 
standby mode or off mode energy consumption or efficiency of portable 
dehumidifiers must currently be made in accordance with the results of 
testing pursuant to the redesignated appendix X.

C. Current Dehumidifier Test Procedure Rulemaking

1. The May 2014 NOPR
    On May 21, 2014, DOE published a NOPR (hereinafter referred to as 
the May 2014 NOPR) in which it proposed to revise its existing test 
procedure for dehumidifiers in redesignated appendix X by adding 
clarifications for equipment setup during testing and correcting the 
calculations of active mode energy use and IEF. The NOPR also proposed 
to establish a new appendix, appendix X1, that would require certain 
active mode testing at a lower ambient dry-bulb temperature, account 
for fan-only mode energy consumption in the IEF metric, and include 
testing methodology and measures of performance for whole-home 
dehumidifiers. DOE also proposed to amend 10 CFR parts 429 and 430 to 
add clarifying definitions of covered products, amend the certification 
requirements, add verification instructions for capacity measurement, 
and make certain editorial corrections. 79 FR 29271 (May 21, 2014). DOE 
held a public meeting on June 13, 2014, to request comment on the May 
2014 NOPR, and accepted written comments, data, and information related 
to the proposal until August 4, 2014.
2. The February 2015 SNOPR
    On February 4, 2015, DOE published an SNOPR (hereinafter referred 
to as the February 2015 SNOPR) proposing additions and clarifications 
to the dehumidifier test procedure previously proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR. These proposals updated the whole-home dehumidifier test setup 
and conduct, introduced a method to determine whole-home dehumidifier 
case volume for product class differentiation, revised the off-cycle 
mode definition to incorporate the originally proposed fan-only mode, 
updated the combined low power mode energy use equations, provided a 
clarification to the relative humidity and capacity equations in ANSI/
AHAM DH-1-2008, ``Dehumidifiers'' (ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008) incorporated by 
reference, and included other additional technical corrections and 
clarifications. Other than the specific amendments newly proposed in 
the SNOPR, DOE continued to propose the test procedure amendments 
originally included in the May 2014 NOPR. 80 FR 5994 (Feb. 4, 2015).

II. Summary of the Final Rule

    In this final rule, DOE establishes amendments to various sections 
in 10 CFR part 429 that are associated with certification, compliance, 
and enforcement for dehumidifiers. These amendments update 10 CFR 
429.36 with requirements for determining capacity for a basic model and 
the certification reporting requirements. This final rule also updates 
10 CFR 429.134 to include

[[Page 45804]]

information about verification of capacity for enforcement purposes.
    This final rule also establishes amendments to various sections in 
10 CFR part 430. These amendments include: (1) Revising the 
dehumidifier definitions and adding new definitions for various 
dehumidifier configurations (portable, refrigerant-desiccant, and 
whole-home) in 10 CFR 430.2; (2) incorporating by reference new 
materials necessary for testing whole-home and refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers in 10 CFR 430.3; (3) and identifying in 10 CFR 430.23 the 
sections in the test procedure appendices used to determine capacity 
and IEF.
    This final rule also establishes specific clarifications and 
amendments to the dehumidifier test procedure codified in appendix X. 
These include: (1) New definitions for dehumidification mode and 
product capacity; (2) revisions to the test apparatus and general 
instructions section to provide guidance for the minimum number of 
psychrometers required when testing multiple units simultaneously; 
clarify psychrometer placement in relation to the unit with special 
instruction for those units with multiple air intake grilles; provide 
condensate collection setup with additional details for those units 
without gravity fed drains or pumps; specify required control settings 
for the dehumidification setting and fan speed; and include rounding 
requirements when calculating results; (3) revisions to the test 
measurement section to harmonize with the newly proposed 
dehumidification mode; and (4) updated equations and various editorial 
clarifications in the calculation of results section. The modifications 
to the test setup and test conduct in appendix X are intended to 
improve reproducibility and should not significantly impact test 
results.
    Finally, this final rule establishes a new test procedure for 
dehumidifiers at appendix X1 to 10 CFR part 430. The test procedure at 
appendix X1: (1) Incorporates provisions for representative test setup 
and test conduct for whole-home dehumidifiers; (2) reduces the test 
room ambient dry-bulb temperature for portable dehumidifiers to 65 
degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F), and for whole-home dehumidifiers, to 
73[emsp14][deg]F; (3) modifies the definition for off-cycle mode to 
incorporate fan operation when the compressor has cycled off; (4) 
introduces a test procedure for off-cycle mode; (5) incorporates 
instructions for determining whole-home dehumidifier case volume; and 
(6) introduces various adjustments to further improve repeatability and 
reproducibility while minimizing test burden.

III. Discussion

A. Covered Products and Definitions

1. Dehumidifier Definition
    EPCA defines a dehumidifier as a self-contained, electrically 
operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of --
    (1) a refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture 
from the atmosphere;
    (2) a refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
    (3) an air-circulating fan; and
    (4) means for collecting or disposing of the condensate. 42 U.S.C. 
6291(34).
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to amend the dehumidifier 
definition codified at 10 CFR 430.2 to specifically exclude portable 
air conditioners and room air conditioners, two other products that may 
provide dehumidification functions. DOE explained that the primary 
function of an air conditioner is to provide cooling by removing both 
sensible and latent heat, while a dehumidifier is intended to remove 
only latent heat. 79 FR 29271, 29291 (May 21, 2014). DOE also proposed 
to correct the definition of dehumidifier currently codified at 10 CFR 
430.2 to remove the term ``refrigerated'' between the terms 
``mechanically'' and ``encased'' for consistency with the EPCA 
definition. Id.
    In response to the May 2014 NOPR, Aprilaire noted that EPCA's 
definition of dehumidifier is too broad, and encompasses a wide range 
of products that also have a dehumidification mode, such as portable, 
room, and central air conditioners, as well as refrigerators for which 
dehumidification is not the intended use. Thus, Aprilaire stated that 
DOE should provide a clearer definition of what constitutes a 
dehumidifier. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 2 \4\) Aprilaire further 
contended that DOE's proposal would subject one method of whole-home 
humidity control to a test procedure for dehumidifiers, while air 
conditioners, also a method of whole-home dehumidification control, are 
subject to a different test procedure. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 18-20 \5\)
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    \4\ A notation in the form ``Aprilaire, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 18-20'' identifies an oral comment that 
DOE received during the June 13, 2014, NOPR public meeting, was 
recorded in the public meeting transcript in the docket for this 
test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010), and is 
available for review at www.regulations.gov. This particular 
notation refers to a comment (1) made by Aprilaire, Inc. during the 
public meeting; (2) recorded in document number 10, which is the 
public meeting transcript that is filed in the docket of this test 
procedure rulemaking; and (3) which appears on pages 18-20 of 
document number 10.
    \5\ A notation in the form ``Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 2'' 
identifies a written comment: (1) Made by Aprilaire, Inc.; (2) 
recorded in document number 5 that is filed in the docket of this 
test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2014- BT-TP-0010) and 
available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears 
on page 2 of document number 5.
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    DOE notes that it proposed a dehumidifier definition specifically 
excluding portable air conditioners and room air conditioners because 
the primary function of an air conditioner is to provide cooling by 
removing both sensible and latent heat, while a dehumidifier removes 
moisture (i.e., only latent heat). Moreover, Congress has already 
established energy conservation standards for consumer refrigerators, 
room air conditioners, and central air conditioners separately under 
EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(b), (c), and (d)), and DOE is currently 
considering new standards for portable air conditioners in a separate 
rulemaking.
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE further proposed that packaged 
terminal air conditioners be excluded in the dehumidifier definition 
for similar reasons of clarification. 80 FR 5994, 6005 (Feb. 4, 2015). 
AHAM did not oppose the definition for dehumidifier proposed in the 
February 2015 SNOPR. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 7)
    Therma-Stor expressed concern that excluding classes of equipment 
based upon generic descriptions may exclude or eliminate certain new 
designs that may be more efficient for some applications than existing 
designs. Therma-Stor noted that traditional dehumidifier designs 
convert latent heat into sensible heat within a single process air 
stream. However, recent designs such as split-dehumidifiers and 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers may transfer sensible and/or latent 
heat between air streams within the conditioned space and outside the 
conditioned space. Therma-Stor is concerned that these non-traditional 
designs may be excluded or categorized in an equipment class 
inconsistent with their intent and performance, and recommended that 
the definition of ``dehumidifier'' include equipment whose primary 
function is to remove latent heat at the specified test condition. This 
would allow new and innovative products that transfer some sensible 
heat to be included as long as their primary function at the test 
condition is to remove latent heat. (Therma-Stor, No. 15 at pp. 3-4)

[[Page 45805]]

    The definition for dehumidifier promulgated in EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6291(34)) does not establish coverage as a dehumidifier for products 
without a refrigeration-based system or for products that would not 
otherwise comply with that statutory definition, such as split 
dehumidifiers. This dehumidifier rulemaking focuses solely on products 
that provide the primary function of removing moisture from the 
conditioned space (i.e., latent heat removal). Therefore, DOE proposed 
to clarify the EPCA definition by excluding products that may provide 
condensate removal or latent heat removal as a secondary function. DOE 
notes that the definition does not exclude products that provide 
sensible heat removal in addition to the primary function of latent 
heat removal, including products that transfer sensible and/or latent 
heat between air streams within the conditioned space and outside the 
conditioned space such as refrigerant-desiccant whole-home 
dehumidifiers.
    Therefore, in this final rule, DOE establishes the following 
definition for dehumidifier:
    A product, other than a portable air conditioner, room air 
conditioner, or packaged terminal air conditioner, that is a self-
contained, electrically operated, and mechanically encased assembly 
consisting of--
    (1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture 
from the atmosphere;
    (2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
    (3) An air-circulating fan; and
    (4) A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
2. Product Capacity Definition
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed adjusting the definition for 
product capacity by further specifying that product capacity is the 
measure of moisture removed from the surrounding atmosphere measured in 
pints collected per 24 hours of operation under the specified ambient 
conditions. The added specificity of the ambient conditions was 
necessary due to the varying test conditions among different 
dehumidifier configurations. 79 FR 29271, 29281 (May 21, 2014).
    Therma-Stor commented that DOE should modify the definition to add 
``of condensate'' regarding the number of pints of moisture removed 
from the atmosphere and collected in 24 hour period. Therma-Stor 
suggested that this definition is necessary to clarify that the 
condensate should be in liquid form. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2)
    DOE recognizes that the majority of dehumidifiers covered by this 
test procedure collect the moisture in liquid form; however, 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers remove moisture from the 
conditioned space and discharge some of that moisture in vapor form 
outside the conditioned space instead of collecting or draining it as 
condensate. Because the primary function of a dehumidifier is to remove 
moisture from the air within a conditioned space rather than to collect 
condensate, and to ensure that the definition of product capacity 
properly represents all configurations of dehumidifiers, DOE elected in 
this final rule to maintain the definition for product capacity 
proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
3. Configuration Definitions
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to amend 10 CFR 430.2 to include 
definitions of portable, whole-home, and refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers. 79 FR 29271, 29275 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM agreed with the definition for a portable dehumidifier. (AHAM, 
No. 7 at p. 3) Aprilaire suggested that the whole-home dehumidifier 
definition should differentiate these units from portable dehumidifiers 
by intended use instead of installation. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 2) 
Therma-Stor stated that the proposed definitions for whole-home and 
portable dehumidifiers should be revised to accurately define specific 
attributes of each product type, allowing dealers and consumers to make 
comparisons without confusion. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 1) Due to the 
many similarities between certain portable and whole-home dehumidifiers 
and the inability to determine their intended use through examination 
of the product, DOE determined that design features associated with 
installation, namely the attachment of ducts, are the most reliable 
method for differentiation.
    Therefore, DOE is establishing in 10 CFR 430.2 definitions for 
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, which are identical to those 
proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. According to the definitions, a portable 
dehumidifier is a dehumidifier without ducting, although it may include 
optional ducts attachments, and a whole-home dehumidifier is a unit 
that is installed with ducting to deliver air to one or more locations 
in the dehumidified space.
4. Convertible Products
    As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE determined that some 
dehumidifiers on the market have optional ducting kits that allow the 
product to be used as either a portable or ducted (i.e., whole-home) 
dehumidifier. DOE proposed that these products would be tested under 
both the portable and whole-home test procedures and would be required 
to meet any applicable standards for each configuration. 79 FR 29271, 
29300 (May 21, 2014)
    Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), Alliance to Save 
Energy (ASE), American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), 
Consumers Union (CU), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and Natural 
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (hereinafter the ``Joint Commenters'') 
and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas 
Company (SCG), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern 
California Edison (SCE) (hereinafter the ``California Investor-Owned 
Utilities (IOUs)''), each agreed with the convertible product 
definition and DOE's proposal that if these products meet the 
definitions of both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, they be 
tested under both configurations. These commenters indicated that it is 
important to capture performance of convertible products in both 
configurations to ensure good performance regardless of how the 
customer chooses to operate the unit. According to the commenters, 
testing in both configurations would also provide information to 
consumers about capacity and efficiency in each, as performance can 
vary significantly depending upon the presence of ducting and overall 
configuration. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 2; California IOUs, No. 9 
at p. 1)
    Aprilaire stated that the proposed definition for convertible 
products places a burden on whole-home dehumidifier manufacturers that 
have no control over distributors that could convert products from 
whole-home to portable configuration and vice versa. Aprilaire also 
stated that it is unclear if the manufacturer would have to test for 
conditions that could arise from the installation or modification of 
the product by a third party. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 2)
    As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, convertible products are those 
dehumidifiers manufactured with optional ducting kits. 79 FR 29271, 
29275 (May 21, 2014). Therefore, any product sold by a manufacturer 
that meets both the portable and whole-home dehumidifier definition 
would be considered convertible. However, if the manufacturer does not 
provide a ducting kit and the distributor or installer devises a 
ducting kit or modifies the unit, the dehumidifier

[[Page 45806]]

would not be considered a convertible product.
    Therma-Stor objected to the proposal for convertible products, and 
stated that the definitions for whole-home dehumidifier and portable 
dehumidifier should be revised to be mutually exclusive so that 
products would meet only one of these definitions. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 
at p. 1) DOE notes that the test procedure and standards for products 
are intended to represent the typical usage in the field. If a product 
is designed to be installed and used in either of two configurations 
that would result in different performance, the test procedure should 
consider both of these configurations individually and ensure the 
product is compliant with any applicable energy conservation standards. 
Without further input on specific changes that would make the 
definitions mutually exclusive, DOE is maintaining the proposal from 
the May 2014 NOPR and establishing in appendix X1 that units that meet 
the definitions for both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers as 
produced by the manufacturer, exclusive of any third-party 
modifications, must be tested in both configurations and comply with 
any applicable energy conservations standards for each configuration.
5. Coverage of Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
    The Joint Commenters supported the clarification in the May 2014 
NOPR that whole-home dehumidifiers, including refrigerant-desiccant 
units, are covered products. Although whole-home dehumidifiers 
currently represent a small portion of the total dehumidifier market, 
the Joint Commenters believe that the market share of these products 
will grow as homes are being built more airtight, resulting in a need 
for mechanical ventilation, a shift in the mix of sensible and latent 
loads, and more moisture to be removed. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 
2)
    Aprilaire commented that whole-home dehumidifiers are a separate 
product category, and that instead of extending the portable 
dehumidifier test procedure to whole-home dehumidifiers, which are much 
more complex and have multiple ways of solving the solution, DOE should 
propose a separate standard for whole-home dehumidifiers. Aprilaire 
also suggested that DOE fund research currently ongoing at AHAM to 
better understand humidity control models. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 20-22) Aprilaire further commented that 
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers are different classes of products 
in their construction, intended application, and function, and that 
combining these two classes of products under a single rule and test 
procedure is not practical. Therefore, Aprilaire indicated that it does 
not support the inclusion of whole-home dehumidifiers in this 
rulemaking. It recommended that DOE instead work with industry to 
better understand residential latent load requirements and methods of 
controlling it, and develop a test method that properly measures and 
compares different classes of products. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 1-2, 
4) Aprilaire additionally stated that its testing indicates whole-home 
dehumidifiers may use less energy than portable dehumidifiers and that 
further investigation may show how much is related to larger air flows, 
control logic, control accuracy, fan cycling for sampling, and the 
ability to control the space's humidity. Aprilaire believes that 
implementing a test for whole-home dehumidifiers could limit innovation 
and prevent the development of products that perform adequately while 
reducing overall energy use. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 4-5)
    DOE recognizes the differences between portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers, but because these products both meet the definition for 
dehumidifier as established under EPCA and because they provide similar 
primary functions, DOE is addressing both products in the current test 
procedure rulemaking. DOE is establishing in this final rule test 
methodology specific to whole-home dehumidifiers that will measure 
energy use of these products under representative installation and 
operating conditions. DOE discusses its evaluation of test burden on 
manufacturers in section IV.B of this preamble. DOE is also addressing 
energy conservations standards for portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers in the concurrent dehumidifier standards rulemaking. In 
the energy conservation standards NOPR published on June 3, 2015, DOE 
proposed separating dehumidifiers into portable and whole-home 
dehumidifier product classes for the purposes of setting standards. 80 
FR 31645, 31647
6. Alternative Dehumidification Technologies
    Because the EPCA definition for a dehumidifier specifies a 
refrigeration system, products that use solely a desiccant or 
technology other than vapor-compression refrigeration to remove a 
latent load would not be covered by statute. However, as discussed in 
the May 2014 NOPR, DOE is aware of a dehumidifier configuration that 
incorporates desiccant technology along with a refrigeration system, 
referred to as a ``refrigerant-desiccant'' dehumidifier. In the May 
2014 NOPR, DOE defined a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers as a 
whole-home dehumidifier that removes moisture from the process air via 
a desiccant material in addition to a refrigeration system. 79 FR 
29271, 29275 (May 21, 2014)
    Aprilaire noted that the dehumidifier configurations defined in the 
May 2014 NOPR do not include other methods of latent heat removal, such 
as desiccants. Aprilaire also stated that the current whole-home 
dehumidifier definition limits moisture removal to only ``refrigeration 
means.'' (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4)
    Therma-Stor commented that because the EPCA definition for 
dehumidifier does not include mention of a desiccant and specifies that 
there is a ``means for collecting or disposing of the condensate,'' the 
definition would not apply to a desiccant dehumidifier which removes 
water in vapor form. Therefore, Therma-Stor also believes that 
desiccant product types are outside the scope of the EPCA definition 
and should not be covered as a separate product type. However, it 
stated that dehumidifiers with desiccant (or other) components in 
addition to components included in the EPCA definition should be 
characterized as refrigerant dehumidifiers for testing and rating, 
rather than as a separate product type, or should be exempted from 
coverage. Therma-Stor added that DOE only considered one possible 
configuration that incorporates a desiccant component into a 
refrigerant dehumidifier and that other configurations exist in the 
market. The duct configurations, external static pressures (ESP), and 
volumetric flow rates may be different than for other whole-home 
dehumidifiers. Therma-Stor contends, therefore, that refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers are outside the scope of the EPCA definition. 
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at pp. 2, 5)
    DOE agrees that desiccant-only products do not meet the EPCA 
definition and are therefore not considered a covered product under 
this rulemaking. DOE further determines that the EPCA definition of 
dehumidifier, while specifying that the product contain a refrigerated 
surface that condenses moisture, does not require that this 
refrigeration system and cooled surface be the sole source of 
condensate removal. DOE therefore agrees that refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers should be covered and tested in a manner that would 
produce similarly representative results as their

[[Page 45807]]

refrigerant-only counterparts, though DOE concludes that a unique test 
setup and determination of moisture removal is necessary to account for 
the multiple air streams. DOE also notes that it is only aware of one 
configuration for residential dehumidifiers, refrigerant-desiccant, 
that employs additional technologies to complement the refrigeration 
system latent heat removal.
    Therefore, DOE is establishing in this final rule the definition of 
``refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier'' as proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR.
7. Process Air Definition
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to define process air as the air 
supplied to the dehumidifier from the dehumidified space and discharged 
to the dehumidified space after moisture has been removed. 79 FR 29271, 
29275 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM agrees with this definition of process air. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 
3) Aprilaire commented that the process air may not always come from 
the dehumidified space, and that a portion of the air may be 
ventilation air. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4) DOE recognizes that some 
portion of the process air may comprise outside ventilation air for 
some units in certain installations. However, without further data on 
typical percentages of ventilation air in the process air stream, DOE 
maintains its approach to consider the process air to be supplied to 
the dehumidifier solely from the dehumidified space.

B. Dehumidification Mode

    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed a definition of 
``dehumidification mode'' to specify an active mode in which the 
dehumidifier has activated its main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat or humidity sensor signal, and has activated either 
the refrigeration system or the fan or blower. DOE then proposed an 
updated version of this definition in the February 2015 SNOPR to 
include control settings as means for activating the main moisture 
removal function. 80 FR 5994, 6005 (Feb. 4, 2015)
    AHAM agreed with the definition for dehumidification mode proposed 
in the February 2015 SNOPR. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 7)
    Aprilaire commented that the proposed dehumidification mode 
definition should only apply to operation related to actively removing 
moisture from the air, corresponding to when the dehumidifier has its 
air-movement device and latent-heat removal system operating. Aprilaire 
suggested that a whole-home dehumidifier may turn on its fan or blower 
to sample the air, and some products also simultaneously activate the 
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system's fan to 
ensure proper measurements and mixing. Aprilaire was unsure if the 
proposed definition refers to the dehumidifier's fan or the HVAC fan. 
According to Aprilaire, some whole-home dehumidifiers use the HVAC fan 
while it has been energized for other reasons, such as cooling, air 
cleaning, or ventilation, and this could penalize a whole-home 
dehumidifier when such operation actually may reduce overall energy 
use. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 2-3) In this rulemaking, dehumidification 
mode refers to active moisture removal achieved via operation of the 
covered product, including energization of internal air-handling and 
latent-heat removal systems. Thus, the fan or blower included in the 
dehumidification mode definition only refers to the fan or blower that 
is within the unit's case and not the separate HVAC fan. HVAC fans are 
subject to separate standards under 10 CFR 430.32(y).
    Therma-Stor suggested that the dehumidification mode definition 
should include all combinations of operating and non-operating 
components engaged when the dehumidifier controller has activated a 
moisture removal operation. According to Therma-Stor, there are a 
number of different operational modes that may occur (based on the air 
and/or internal dehumidifier conditions) once a dehumidifier has been 
placed into moisture removal mode, and all should be considered when 
testing to determine capacity and efficiency ratings. (Therma-Stor, No. 
6 at p. 2) DOE acknowledges that some units may employ varying 
approaches in dehumidification mode to optimize operation with variable 
speed compressors or blowers. The DOE test procedure uses a fixed 
dehumidification mode test condition in which the ``main moisture 
removal function'' is activated throughout testing to ensure repeatable 
and comparable results among units. A particular unit may activate 
different combinations of operating components throughout the test 
period, but as long as the main moisture removal function remains 
activated, the energy use of each of these components is captured in 
the dehumidification mode test.
1. Ambient Temperature--Portable Dehumidifiers
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to require dehumidification mode 
testing in appendix X1 at nominal indoor ambient conditions of 65 
[deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 56.6 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, which 
corresponds to 60-percent relative humidity, for both portable and 
whole-home dehumidifiers. 79 FR 29271, 29279 (May 21, 2014). This 
proposal reduced the test conditions from those in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, 
80 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 69.6 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, 
corresponding to 60-percent relative humidity.
    The Joint Commenters, AHAM, NRDC, and ASAP agreed with the 65 
[deg]F dry-bulb temperature test condition proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR. AHAM stated that its member test results at these conditions were 
consistent with DOE's findings. The Joint Commenters confirmed that the 
current 80 [deg]F test condition is likely significantly higher than 
typical ambient conditions during dehumidifier use, and believe that 
the lower 65 [deg]F test condition will provide better information to 
consumers regarding capacity and efficiency and will ensure savings in 
the field. (NRDC, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 45; ASAP, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 46; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 5; Joint 
Commenters, No. 8 at p. 3)
    GE expressed concern that testing at 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
with 60-percent relative humidity would reduce the amount of water in 
the air available to be removed by the dehumidifier than at 80 [deg]F 
dry-bulb. GE indicated that at 80 [deg]F, the dehumidifier system runs 
more consistently with no frost developing on the evaporator, and 
therefore the higher test condition is much easier to perform. (GE, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 43)
    Aprilaire suggested that 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 60-
percent relative humidity may be an appropriate condition for testing, 
but that 65 [deg]F would be cool for basement conditions and that room 
temperature tends to increase because heat is rejected to the room from 
the operating dehumidifier. Therefore, Aprilaire suggested a higher 
ambient test temperature of 68 [deg]F, which is also the heating set 
point for a previous ENERGY STAR thermostat heat setting. (Aprilaire, 
No. 5 at p. 3) Therma-Stor also indicated that operating a refrigerant 
dehumidifier below grade or in a basement will increase the temperature 
of the space, because it converts the latent heat of the moisture and 
electrical energy consumed into sensible heat. Therefore, Therma-Stor 
believes that basements with dehumidifiers operating are a few degrees 
warmer than those without a dehumidifier. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 3)

[[Page 45808]]

    DOE recognizes that there may be temperature variation among 
specific basement locations; however, based on DOE's analysis presented 
in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE expects that the average ground temperature 
during the dehumidification season to be close to 65 [deg]F. In 
addition, although dehumidifiers add sensible heat to the room due to 
the conversion of the latent heat and the efficiencies of the 
electrical components, any temperature increase in the room will be a 
function of parameters including dehumidifier capacity in relation to 
basement size, slab and wall insulation, and air infiltration rates. 
Because of the uncertainty of such effects, DOE is not raising the test 
ambient temperature requirement above that determined from ground 
temperature analysis. Further, the 65 [deg]F test condition for 
portable dehumidifiers is also representative of units installed in 
above-grade living spaces, based on climate data analysis. Therefore, 
without further field temperature data to support a higher test 
temperature, DOE adopts the 65 [deg]F dry-bulb ambient temperature 
condition for testing portable dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode. 
DOE recognizes that dehumidifiers will extract less condensate at this 
dry-bulb temperature than at the current 80 [deg]F, which will result 
in a lower measured capacity, but believes that the 65 [deg]F condition 
is most representative of consumer usage of the product. If 
dehumidifiers defrost under 65 [deg]F ambient temperatures, it is 
appropriate for the test procedure to capture this operation; however, 
DOE notes that most current products did not require defrosts under 
these test conditions, and manufacturers would likely design their 
models to avoid defrosts during testing.
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed and requested comment on an 
alternate approach of conducting dehumidification mode testing at both 
65 [deg]F and 80 [deg]F ambient temperatures, with IEF and capacity 
calculated from the combined results of the two tests. DOE also 
proposed weighting factors for combining these two approaches (i.e., 79 
percent for the 65 [deg]F test condition and 21 percent for the 80 
[deg]F test condition) and requested feedback on alternate appropriate 
weighting factors. 79 FR 29271, 29279 (May 21, 2014).
    The California IOUs commented that a test condition of 80 [deg]F 
alone does not accurately measure dehumidifier efficiency in typical 
operating conditions. The California IOUs believe that moisture control 
is important both in basements where the average temperature is close 
to 65 [deg]F, which is currently the industry standard low-temperature 
test point in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, and in warmer conditions 
representative of the 80 [deg]F test condition. Therefore, they believe 
that measurements at both 65 [deg]F and 80 [deg]F should be required, 
and that the standards should be determined by a weighted average of 
performance at each temperature to account for variation in actual 
field conditions across the country. The California IOUs also supported 
DOE's proposed weighting percentages. (California IOUs, No. 9 at p. 2)
    The Joint Commenters encouraged DOE to require testing at a dry-
bulb temperature lower than 65 [deg]F, such as 55 [deg]F, in addition 
to testing at 65 [deg]F to capture performance under frost conditions 
that are likely encountered in the field. The Joint Commenters noted 
that Consumer Reports includes a ``cool room performance'' test which 
measures capacity and efficiency at 50 [deg]F. Because testing at 55 
[deg]F in addition to 65 [deg]F would likely capture defrost cycles, 
the Joint Commenters stated that this would encourage adoption of 
improved defrost methods and controls. If, as noted in the preliminary 
TSD, manufacturers are already testing their units at very low ambient 
temperatures, the Joint Commenters suggested that requiring testing at 
lower than 65 [deg]F as well as at 65 [deg]F may not represent a 
significant additional testing burden. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at pp. 
3-4) The California IOUs suggested that DOE also measure dehumidifier 
efficiency under conditions that lead to defrost mode operation. These 
commenters stated that defrost operation is necessary to remove frost 
that builds up on the evaporator coils at lower temperatures, reducing 
effectiveness of the dehumidifier and wasting energy. The California 
IOUs suggested that because different defrost methods may lead to a 
wide range in performance, defrost mode should be tested by adding an 
additional test point at a low ambient temperature where defrost is 
likely to occur. The California IOUs suggested that manufacturers 
should be required to report the results of the two temperature tests 
independently so that consumers can distinguish which units will 
function the most efficiently in a particular environment and 
application. (California IOUs, No. 9 at pp. 2-3)
    AHAM and NRDC opposed the alternative proposal to test portable 
dehumidifiers at 80 [deg]F and 65 [deg]F due to the additional testing 
burden. AHAM added that the 65 [deg]F test condition is sufficient, 
especially given DOE's extensive data and analysis supporting the 
proposal for 65 [deg]F. (NRDC, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 
45; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 6)
    DOE recognizes the potential value of testing dehumidifiers at 
additional temperatures higher or lower than 65 [deg]F to obtain a 
measure of performance under a broader range of real-world conditions, 
which could capture effects such as icing or the benefits of variable-
speed operation. However, DOE's information does not suggest that the 
alternative temperatures recommended by commenters are representative 
of a significant number of operating hours in regions of typical 
dehumidifier usage. For example, as depicted in Figure III.1, a review 
of the climate data from 2012 indicates that, in regions comprising the 
majority of dehumidifier usage (based on U.S. Department of Energy: 
Energy Information Administration's, Residential Energy Consumption 
Survey (RECS) 2009 data), only 3 percent of time during the 
dehumidification season (between April and October) occurs when ambient 
conditions are greater than 80 [deg]F and 60-percent relative humidity. 
Although more hours are attributed to periods when average ambient 
temperatures are lower than 55 [deg]F and relative humidity is 60 
percent or higher, DOE believes that during many of these hours, the 
conditioned space above-grade would be heated, thereby reducing the 
relative humidity. Similarly, few hours during the dehumidification 
season have soil temperatures below 55 [deg]F and thus this lower 
temperature would not be a representative testing condition for 
dehumidifiers installed in basements.

[[Page 45809]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.005

    Therefore, while DOE agrees that 80 [deg]F or 55 [deg]F are useful 
test conditions for determining performance under extremes of expected 
operation, DOE concludes that the minimal usage of dehumidifiers under 
these conditions would not warrant the burden of conducting additional 
dehumidification mode testing. Therefore, based on the analysis 
presented in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE concludes that the 65 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature is representative of the majority of conditions during 
periods of dehumidifier use and is not adopting a requirement to 
measure and average dehumidifier performance over multiple ambient test 
temperatures.
    Aprilaire suggested that DOE require two rating conditions but not 
combine them into the same metric. They believe this would allow 
manufacturers to design for specific uses (e.g., basement, living 
space, etc.) instead of combining them using a weighting factor. 
(Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 42) As discussed 
above, the minimal usage of dehumidifiers at extreme conditions of 
expected operation does not warrant additional test burden. Therefore, 
DOE is maintaining the proposed 65 [deg]F dry-bulb test condition for 
portable dehumidifiers.
2. Part-Load Testing
    In response to the May 2014 NOPR proposals, Aprilaire questioned 
how products with modulating or variable-speed capabilities that are on 
the market currently or will be on the market in the future would be 
considered. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 32) The 
Joint Commenters encouraged DOE to consider adding a part-load test, 
noting that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted 
part-load testing of four dehumidifiers and found, in a January 2014 
technical report,\6\ that efficiency can degrade significantly when 
there is a high rate of compressor cycling and continued fan operation 
after the compressor cycles off. The Joint Commenters also noted that 
NREL found that when the compressor stayed on for 3 to 6 minutes and 
the fan ran for 3 minutes after it shut off, 17 to 42-percent of the 
condensate was re-evaporated. The Joint Commenters suggested that a 
test procedure that captured part-load performance would discourage 
this type of fan control strategy that reduces efficiency in the field, 
and would instead encourage variable-speed compressors that would 
reduce compressor cycling not currently captured in the test procedure. 
The Joint Commenters further suggested that if DOE does not adopt a 
part-load test, DOE should consider an alternative approach to capture 
the impacts of re-evaporation on efficiency when the fan continues to 
operate following a compressor cycle. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 5) 
The California IOUs reiterated the Joint Commenters' suggestion, but 
further noted that variable-speed compressors are uncommon for this 
product type and that cycling degrades equipment and may shorten the 
dehumidifier life. The California IOUs suggested that a part-load test 
would be conducted by supplying humidity to the test chamber at a low 
rate so that the dehumidifier cycles on and off, and the test variable 
could be the number of compressor cycles and energy consumption during 
the rating test period. The California IOUs referenced the NREL study 
that provides information on how existing test chamber could be 
modified to accommodate part-load testing and how the test results can 
be interpreted. (California IOUs, No. 9 at pp. 2-3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ ``Measured Performance of Residential Dehumidifiers Under 
Cyclic Operation,'' National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-
5500-61076 (January 2014) (Available at http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/dehumidifiers_cyclic_operation.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to the February 2015 SNOPR, the Joint Commenters 
reiterated their suggestion that DOE include a test to capture 
performance under frost conditions and encouraged DOE to consider 
adding a part-load test in future rulemakings. They indicated that 
NREL's testing found when there is a high rate of compressor cycling, 
dehumidifier efficiency can degrade significantly. They believe that 
incorporating these two tests would encourage improved defrost methods 
and controls, as well as technologies such as variable-speed 
compressors and control strategies such as increasing the humidistat 
deadband that could improve efficiency by reducing

[[Page 45810]]

compressor cycling. (Joint Commenters, No. 17 at p. 2)
    DOE agrees that a part-load test could capture some effects of re-
evaporation and other performance impacts. However, DOE is not 
establishing a part-load test for dehumidifiers at this time because of 
concerns with significantly increased test burden and reduced 
repeatability and reproducibility. Current environmental chambers are 
able to maintain steady-state conditions, but it would be difficult for 
test laboratories to modulate the humidity in the chamber accurately 
over the duration of a test, given the variability in compressor 
capacities and chamber configurations and equipment. This would 
potentially require upgraded facilities and require more complex 
calculations to account for the varying conditions throughout the test. 
Accordingly DOE is maintaining the current approach for testing 
dehumidifiers that implements steady-state temperature and humidity 
conditions.
3. Relative Humidity
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that the ambient relative 
humidity level maintained throughout dehumidification mode testing 
shall remain at 60 percent, as specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. 79 FR 
29271, 29283 (May 21, 2014).
    Aprilaire, Therma-Stor, GE, and AHAM agreed with DOE's proposal to 
maintain 60-percent relative humidity for testing dehumidification 
mode. Aprilaire further commented that 60-percent relative humidity is 
the manufacturer-recommended set point and where consumers will likely 
run the dehumidifier for comfort. Therma-Stor stated that 60-percent 
relative humidity would be representative of consumer use because it is 
at or near the upper limit of many recognized comfort zones used to 
define acceptable indoor conditions during the summer cooling season. 
(GE, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 51; AHAM, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 51-52; Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 10 at p. 51; Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4; Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 4; 
AHAM, No. 7 at p. 7)
    Nyle Systems commented that dehumidifiers and heat pump hot water 
heaters are both installed in similar locations (e.g., basements and 
furnace rooms) and should therefore be tested at the same test 
conditions, namely the ambient temperature and relative humidity 
settings for testing heat pump hot water heaters (68 [deg]F and 50 
percent, respectively). Nyle Systems also stated that the proposed dew 
point is too high and that the heat pump hot water heater test 
conditions would be a reasonable dew point. (Nyle Systems, No. 12 at p. 
1) DOE notes that, despite potentially similar installation locations, 
the annual usage patterns and thus representative ambient conditions 
for dehumidifiers are different than those for water heaters. 
Therefore, DOE is not adopting the water heater test conditions as 
representative test conditions for dehumidifiers.
4. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Ducted Installation
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed modifications to the 
dehumidifier test setup to allow testing of whole-home dehumidifiers in 
a ducted configuration, including provisions regarding instrumentation, 
fresh air inlets, process air inlet and outlet ducts, test duct 
specifications, transition sections, and flow straighteners. 79 FR 
29271, 29283-86 (May 21, 2014). DOE based these proposals on current 
industry practices for testing ducted air treatment devices and 
investigative testing under various testing configurations.
    The Joint Commenters agreed that whole-home dehumidifiers should be 
tested with ducting because they are intended to be installed as part 
of a home's HVAC system, which imposes an external static pressure that 
reduces airflow and impacts capacity and efficiency. (Joint Commenters, 
No. 8 at p. 4)
    Therma-Stor believes that the test procedures for all product 
types, including refrigerant-desiccant units, should utilize the same 
measurement methods. Therma-Stor is concerned that different test 
procedures, conditions, and standards for each product type would lead 
to different performance ratings and cause confusion among dealers and 
consumers. Therefore, Therma-Stor prefers an approach which rates 
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers on a comparable basis. (Therma-
Stor, No. 6 at p. 5) Because DOE's test procedure must measure 
representative energy use of dehumidifiers, and because whole-home 
dehumidifiers are designed to be installed in a ducted configuration 
that results in performance different than when the unit is operated 
unducted, DOE is adopting a unique test setup and conduct for whole-
home dehumidifiers in appendix X1 that specifies the use of ducts and 
other associated instrumentation.
    The ducted installation requirements for whole-home dehumidifiers 
that DOE proposed in the May 2014 NOPR included: (1) Duct 
configurations, including specifications for fresh air inlets, process 
air inlet and outlet ducts, test duct specifications, transition 
sections, flow straighteners; and (2) instrumentation for measuring 
dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, ESP, and volumetric flow rate, 
as well as specifications for measurement frequency. DOE also proposed 
in the May 2014 NOPR a capacity measurement for refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers based on a vapor calculation method. 79 FR 29271, 29283-
29289 (May 21, 2014).
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE revised its proposal to reduce the 
required minimum duct length for whole-home dehumidifiers from 10 duct 
diameters to 4.5 duct diameters, but otherwise maintained the ducted 
installation proposals from the May 2014 NOPR. 80 FR 5994, 5998 (Feb. 
4, 2015). DOE received no comments in response to the proposed 
reduction in duct length for whole-home dehumidifiers and is adopting 
the February 2015 SNOPR duct length proposals to reduce test burden and 
improve reproducibility as discussed in the February 2015 SNOPR.
    Furthermore, with the exception of the provisions discussed in the 
following sections on which DOE received comments, DOE is maintaining 
the remaining whole-home dehumidifier testing provisions that were 
proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR for the reasons described in that 
proposal and the May 2014 NOPR.
    a. Inlet Temperature
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed that whole-home 
dehumidifiers be tested with all ducted intake air at 73 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature to maintain a 60-
percent relative humidity. DOE noted that the results for portable and 
whole-home dehumidifiers would not be directly comparable, but rather 
that the application, installation, and ambient conditions of the two 
product types are inherently different, and therefore it is reasonable 
that representative performance should also differ. 80 FR 5994, 5996-
5997 (Feb. 4, 2015).
    The Joint Commenters supported DOE's proposal to test whole-home 
dehumidifiers at an ambient temperature of 73 [deg]F, noting that the 
field study referenced in the February 2015 SNOPR found that the 
average inlet dry-bulb temperature during compressor operation for the 
four units in the study was 73.2 [deg]F. (Joint Commenters, No. 17 at 
p. 1)

[[Page 45811]]

    Aprilaire did not support using the Burke Study \7\ to conclude 
that 73 [deg]F is an appropriate rating point for whole-home 
dehumidifiers. According to Aprilaire, the dates, times, and associated 
temperatures of the average of each location are not known; therefore, 
the meaning of ``average by location'' is not clear. In addition, 
Aprilaire stated that there is no way to know if these locations were 
``typical'' in terms of installation, user habits, equipment set 
points, or weather. Additionally, Aprilaire noted that there were 
significant differences among the locations, climates, building types, 
and equipment at the sites in the study. Aprilaire expressed concern 
about whether a simple average of four test sites from two very 
different locations is a proper representation of the population of all 
homes in the United States. Based on the very limited data, Aprilaire 
recommended an ambient test temperature of 75 [deg]F to 80 [deg]F, or 
DOE's own recommendation for a cooling set point of 78 [deg]F, which 
could be changed in the future if additional data were available. 
(Aprilaire, No. 14 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ T. Burke, et al., Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Field-Monitoring 
Study, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Report No. LBNL-6777E 
(September 2014) (Available at https://isswprod.lbl.gov/library/view-docs/public/output/rpt83520.PDF).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE notes that, although the climate study showed the average 
outdoor temperature to be close to 65 [deg]F, data available from the 
limited field study indicated that 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature is a 
more appropriate inlet condition for whole-home dehumidifiers. DOE did 
not receive additional data demonstrating that a different dry-bulb 
temperature was warranted; accordingly, DOE is maintaining the test 
conditions as proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR for whole-home 
dehumidifiers: 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F wet-bulb 
temperature.
b. External Static Pressure
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE concluded that its analysis 
supported testing whole-home dehumidifiers at an ESP higher than 0.2 
inches of water column (in. w.c.) but substantially less than 0.5 in. 
w.c. Due to the limited data available to more precisely define this 
value, DOE proposed an ESP of 0.25 in. w.c. as the appropriate test 
condition for whole-home dehumidifiers. 80 FR 5994, 5998 (Feb. 4, 
2015).
    The Joint Commenters stated that DOE's proposal to specify an ESP 
of 0.25 in. w.c. for whole-home dehumidifiers is reasonable. (Joint 
Commenters, No. 17 at p. 1)
    Therma-Stor agreed that whole home dehumidifiers typically 
experience an ESP in excess of portable dehumidifiers, but feel that 
the proposed test ESP of 0.25 in. w.c. is still too high. According to 
Therma-Stor, manufacturers recommend installation practices, but the 
ESP that a whole-home dehumidifier experiences in the field is 
determined by the field installation. Therma-Stor recommends 
installation practices for its whole-home dehumidifiers that result in 
a lower ESP and suggested that the test condition be revised to 0.2 in. 
w.c. ESP. (Therma-Stor, No. 15 at p. 1) Therma-Stor further suggested 
that the ESP of a furnace and duct system is not a good proxy for 
whole-home dehumidifiers, which typically process a much smaller 
volumetric flow rate of air than a furnace or air handler. Therma-Stor 
indicated that whole-home dehumidifiers are designed with duct 
connections intended to provide less than 0.15 in. w.c. ESP per 100 
feet of duct. Therma-Stor stated that specifying 0.25 in. w.c. in the 
dehumidifier test procedure would force manufacturers to incorporate 
fans that require more power and make more noise than the fans 
currently in use without providing a real benefit. (Therma-Stor, No. 15 
at pp. 1-2)
    Aprilaire commented that the DOE test method would represent a 
``Return to Supply'' installation configuration. In this installation, 
air is pulled from the return and then put into the supply, which 
requires the dehumidifier blower to overcome the system pressure losses 
caused by the HVAC blower. According to Aprilaire, manufacturers have 
stated that this is not a typical installation, and that due to the 
very limited size of the market, the varying applications and 
installation methods, and the lack of industry organizations, a true 
data set of installation methods cannot be obtained. Therefore, 
Aprilaire believes that a ``Return to Return'' or ``Room to Return'' 
installation is typical. In such installations, Aprilaire stated that 
the highest static pressure would be equivalent to two elbows and a few 
feet of duct work, which would not result in an ESP close to 0.25 in. 
w.c.; rather, it would be much closer to zero. Aprilaire does not agree 
with a higher static pressure as a recommended test condition. 
(Aprilaire, No. 14 at pp. 2-3)
    Both the calculations and limited field data discussed in the 
February 2015 SNOPR resulted in representative ESPs of 0.2 and 0.23 in. 
w.c. for typical whole-home dehumidifier installations. DOE 
acknowledges that certain installations will have lower or higher ESPs, 
and agrees that its proposal to round the ESP to 0.25 in w.c. would 
result in a system static pressure on the high end of the estimated 
representative range. Thus, DOE concludes that 0.2 in. w.c. is a 
representative value that would best capture the effects of varying 
types of installations and duct configurations. In light of these 
results and feedback from commenters, DOE establishes in this rule that 
whole-home dehumidifier testing must be conducted with an ESP of 0.2 
in. w.c.
c. Fresh Air Inlet
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE tentatively determined, based on 
investigative test data, that the slight positive impact of using the 
fresh air inlet on a whole-home dehumidifier is not significant enough 
to warrant the added test burden of providing separate fresh air inlet 
flow; therefore, DOE proposed that any fresh air inlet on a whole-home 
dehumidifier be capped and sealed during testing. 79 FR 29271, 29285 
(May 21, 2014).
    Aprilaire agreed with the proposal to seal ventilation ducts and 
fresh air ducts because the inlet air would have similar conditions 
either way, and the ventilation air is part of the inlet air. 
(Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 60-61)
    Therma-Stor objected to sealing the fresh air inlet because it 
would reduce capacity and efficiency, leading to an unfair bias against 
whole-home dehumidifiers with fresh air inlets as compared to whole-
home units which do not incorporate a separate fresh air inlet. 
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 4) As mentioned above and in the May 2014 
NOPR, DOE's investigative testing indicated that sealing the fresh air 
inlets would produce a 5-percent or smaller reduction in capacity and 
EF. Additionally, DOE lacks information about consumer use of fresh air 
inlet ducts for these products. Therefore, the test procedure requires 
that any fresh air inlets be covered and sealed during testing due to 
the relatively small impact on test results and the added test burden 
if they were to be ducted separately.
5. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed that refrigerant-desiccant 
whole-home dehumidifier testing be conducted with a relative humidity 
sensor accurate to within 1 percent relative humidity. DOE 
maintained the original proposal from the May 2014 NOPR to use an 
aspirating psychrometer to measure inlet air relative humidity for 
portable and refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers. 80 FR 5994, 
5999 (Feb. 4, 2015).

[[Page 45812]]

    Therma-Stor noted that it has used both aspirating psychrometers 
and relative humidity sensors for dehumidifier testing and has found 
both instruments capable of providing accurate and precise 
measurements. Therma-Stor recommended that DOE allow both aspirating 
psychrometers and relative humidity sensors (with specified precision 
and accuracy) to be used for testing all types of dehumidifiers. 
Therma-Stor asserted that allowing a testing laboratory to use either 
instrument would minimize instrument costs and the time required to set 
up and conduct tests on different types of dehumidifiers. (Therma-Stor, 
No. 15 at p. 2)
    Aprilaire disagreed with the requirement for an aspirating 
psychrometer and recommended humidity sensors, or at a minimum a choice 
between the two methods. Aprilaire commented that humidity sensors are 
more reliable than, and not as sensitive to setup, calibration, and 
error during use, as aspirating psychrometers. Aprilaire also noted 
that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -certified testing 
facilities have confirmed that errors have been attributed to the 
setup, calibration, and use of an aspirating psychrometer, and that the 
facilities would prefer using humidity sensors. (Aprilaire, No. 14 at 
p. 3)
    DOE notes that the February 2015 SNOPR proposal to incorporate 
relative humidity sensors into testing was intended only for 
refrigerant-desiccant whole-home dehumidifiers that require ducting. 
This proposal was based on extensive testing and common practice with 
measuring relative humidity conditions in a duct. Although DOE's test 
procedure for portable dehumidifiers and refrigerant-only whole-home 
dehumidifiers does not require ducts with relative humidity 
instrumentation, DOE received feedback that relative humidity sensors 
are more reliable, accurate, and repeatable than aspirating 
psychrometers. Commenters suggested that relative humidity sensors 
should also be permitted for use when testing portable dehumidifiers 
and refrigerant-only whole home dehumidifiers. Based on discussions 
with manufacturers regarding in-house and third-party testing that they 
conduct, DOE also believes that the majority of testing laboratories 
already implement these relative humidity sensors in conducting a wide 
range of tests for various products. Additionally, DOE conducted market 
research that supported commenters assertions regarding the accuracy of 
relative humidity sensors. Therefore, in light of this information and 
widespread industry support, DOE adopts in this final rule provisions 
that would allow either aspirating psychrometers or relative humidity 
sensors to be used for testing portable and refrigerant-only whole-home 
dehumidifiers. The accuracy for both types of instrumentation must be 
within 0.1 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature, and either 0.1 [deg]F wet-bulb 
temperature (for aspirating psychrometers) or 1 percent relative 
humidity (for relative humidity sensors). DOE notes that the allowable 
accuracy for relative humidity sensors approximates the current 
allowable accuracy for wet-bulb temperature as measured using an 
aspirating psychrometer at dry-bulb temperatures close to the nominal 
values of either 65 [deg]F or 73 [deg]F.
    DOE further notes that ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 provides allowable dry-
bulb and wet-bulb temperature ranges throughout the test period. 
According to ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, wet-bulb temperatures must be within 
1 [deg]F of the nominal wet-bulb specification for individual readings, 
and within 0.3 [deg]F of the specified value for the arithmetical 
average over the test period. Because relative humidity sensors monitor 
relative humidity rather than wet-bulb temperature, DOE is establishing 
that all individual relative humidity readings be within 5 percent of 
the relative humidity setpoint, and the average relative humidity over 
the test period be within 2 percent of the relative humidity setpoint. 
These values approximately correspond to the current allowable wet-bulb 
temperature ranges for aspirating psychrometers.
6. Compressor Run-in Period
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE maintained the proposal from the 
May 2014 NOPR that the 24 hour run-in period need not be conducted in 
the test chamber. However, DOE proposed to clarify in appendix X1 that 
the run-in period must contain 24 hours of continuous compressor 
operation. This may be achieved by running the test unit outside of the 
test chamber with the control setpoint below the ambient relative 
humidity. 80 FR 5994, 6004 (Feb. 4, 2015).
    AHAM believes that the unit must be run-in in a test chamber to 
ensure standardization and reduce variation in the testing process, and 
does not expect that DOE's proposal would minimize test burden. 
According to AHAM, a laboratory would have no choice but to run the 
unit in the test chamber or a chamber of similar environment to ensure 
24 hours of continuous compressor operation. Accordingly, AHAM stated 
that test burden concerns should not preclude DOE requiring the run-in 
to occur in the test chamber. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 7) DOE recognizes 
AHAM's concern with maintaining continuous compressor operation for 24 
hours, but is still sensitive to the reduced burden that would be 
associated with conducting run-in outside of a test chamber. Further, 
even when operating in a test chamber at fixed ambient conditions, the 
compressor may periodically cycle off for reasons such as defrosting. 
The intent of run-in is to operate the compressor for a number of 
cumulative hours, and it is not necessary that those hours occur 
continuously. Therefore, DOE is clarifying in this final rule that the 
compressor need not operate for 24 continuous hours, but there must be 
a minimum of 24 hours of compressor operation in total. The compressor 
may periodically cycle off during this period as long as the cumulative 
compressor runtime is at least 24 hours.
7. Psychrometer Requirements
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that portable dehumidifiers with 
multiple intake grilles be tested with a separate sampling tree placed 
1 foot away in a perpendicular direction from the center of each air 
inlet. DOE also proposed to clarify that for portable dehumidifiers 
with only one intake grille, the psychrometer or sampling tree be 
placed 1 foot away in a perpendicular direction from the center of the 
air inlet. DOE proposed to add clarifying text that would allow no more 
than one portable dehumidifier connected to a single psychrometer 
during testing. DOE explained that these proposals would ensure 
consistency among test facilities and improve test result accuracy. 79 
FR 29271, 29289-90 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM agreed with DOE's proposal to require multiple sampling trees 
for multiple intake grilles. AHAM also agreed that no more than one 
portable dehumidifier should be connected to a single psychrometer 
during testing; otherwise, the measurement will be the average wet-bulb 
and dry-bulb temperature for all units connected to it. AHAM also 
proposed that DOE require sampling trees for testing all dehumidifiers, 
regardless of air intakes, for consistency and repeatability. AHAM's 
round robin testing revealed a clear difference between using a 
sampling tree and placing a psychrometer box one foot from the air 
intake. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 7) DOE reviewed the AHAM round robin test 
results provided in its comment, and notes that the data do not 
identify the

[[Page 45813]]

individual laboratory test setups, nor did the submitted data quantify 
the impacts of individual test configurations or specific testing 
conditions. Although the AHAM data showed that one laboratory had a 
larger absolute z-score \8\ for its capacity and EF results than the 
other laboratories, there is insufficient data for DOE to determine the 
cause of this larger z-score or to attribute it to one single test 
setup component. The round robin did not evaluate changes to the test 
procedure conditions individually. Therefore, at this time, DOE is 
unable to conclude which approach, sampling tree or psychrometer-only, 
is most repeatable and provides the best results. DOE thus maintains 
the proposal from the May 2014 NOPR that testing for units with a 
single air intake be monitored with a psychrometer placed perpendicular 
to, and 1 foot in front of, the center of the intake grille. Units with 
multiple air intakes must have a separate sampling tree placed 
perpendicular to, and 1 foot in front of, the center of each intake 
grille, with the samples combined and connected to a single 
psychrometer using a minimal length of insulated ducting. This approach 
will minimize test burden for units with a single air intake, and limit 
the requirement for a sampling tree to those cases in which average 
inlet conditions must be determined from multiple locations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The ``z-score'' is a measure of how much a single data point 
within a set of data varies from the mean of the data. Z-score is 
defined as the difference between the data point (in this case, a 
single laboratory's capacity or EF) and the mean of the set of 
corresponding data points (either capacity or EF), divided by the 
standard deviation of the data set. A larger magnitude for the z-
score corresponds to a greater variation (either positive or 
negative) from the mean.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For units with multiple air intake grilles, if a relative humidity 
sensor is used instead of an aspirating psychrometer, separate sensors 
for measuring relative humidity and temperature must be placed 1 foot 
in front of the center of each intake grille. The relative humidity and 
temperature measurements from each sensor is then averaged to determine 
the overall inlet air conditions, and the overall air conditions must 
fall within the test procedure tolerances.
    Therma-Stor suggested that DOE clarify how to determine when more 
than one psychrometer is needed, because multiple intake grills could 
be very close to each other or far apart on different faces of the 
dehumidifier. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2) DOE's research showed that 
units with multiple air intakes were typically configured with the 
intakes on different faces of the unit. Because DOE does not specify 
the maximum size for an air intake, as long as an air intake is 
contiguous and along the same surface of the unit (i.e., perpendicular 
to the air stream), the test procedure requires only one psychrometer 
or relative humidity sensor.
    AHAM suggested that DOE define a standard psychrometer box and 
sampling tree in the test procedure, and recommended that DOE speak to 
third-party laboratories to develop such a specification. AHAM also 
proposed that DOE require a 90-degree elbow between the psychrometer 
fan and the dry and wet-bulb temperature sensors. AHAM believes that, 
depending on the location of the fan, there may be residual heat from 
the fan motor that is likely to affect the temperature readings. AHAM 
also indicated that air velocity in the psychrometer box has a direct 
effect on the wet-bulb temperature measurement and thus the overall 
temperature accuracy. Therefore, AHAM suggested that the acceptable air 
velocity range be changed from 700-1000 feet/minute to 900-1000 feet/
minute. ASHRAE 41.1, Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, as 
referenced by ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 for psychrometer box design, 
recommends an air velocity of 1000 feet/minute. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 7-
8, 11) Based on the AHAM-provided round robin data, DOE is unable to 
determine whether any repeatability improvements are associated with 
adjusting the fan location in relation to the dry-bulb and wet-bulb 
temperature sensors or with tightening the air velocity requirements 
because information about such test equipment configurations was not 
available. Also, DOE does not have sufficient data to quantify the 
burdens associated with reducing the allowable range from 700-1000 
feet/minute to 900-1000 feet/minute, so it is maintaining the industry-
accepted requirements as specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 at this time. 
DOE is, however, committed to working with AHAM to further investigate 
this issue to confirm whether AHAM's proposals would yield improvements 
in repeatability, and DOE does not expect such changes would impact the 
measured efficiency values.
    Therma-Stor suggested that DOE consider the accuracy and precision 
of instrumentation for measuring test chamber conditions if multiple 
psychrometers are required. Otherwise, Therma-Stor believes that 
maintaining air conditions within a tight tolerance at two or more 
measurement points within the test chamber may become burdensome. 
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2) DOE notes that a manufacturer need not 
test multiple dehumidifiers at the same time. For a unit with multiple 
air intakes, only one psychrometer is required and can be implemented 
with multiple sampling trees placed in front of each intake grille. 
Therefore, testing can be conducted while maintaining only one set of 
measured air conditions.
    Aprilaire suggested that it is easier to control the conditions in 
the room overall than at the inlet. According to Aprilaire, its test 
chamber is designed so that, with the unit running, the room conditions 
are mixed and thus the same as the inlet conditions. (Aprilaire, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 68-69) Because testing is conducted 
at many different test chambers, it is important to ensure that the air 
around and entering the unit is consistent from test to test and 
laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, DOE maintains in this final rule 
that the test chamber conditions must be measured at the inlet of the 
test unit.
8. Condensate Collection
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE investigated the test procedure 
condensate collection method to ensure that the amount of condensate 
measured during the dehumidification mode test for portable 
dehumidifiers and refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers is 
representative of the amount of moisture removed from the air during 
the 6-hour test. DOE proposed that if means are provided on the 
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, the 
condensate would be collected in a substantially closed vessel which 
would be placed on the weight-measuring instrument. DOE further 
proposed that if no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet 
are provided, any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode operation 
that would be activated when the collection container is full would be 
disabled to allow overflow. Any overflow would be collected in a pan 
that is completely covered to prevent re-evaporation and is placed 
beneath the dehumidifier. The collection pan would be sized to ensure 
that all water that overflows from the full internal collection 
container during the rating test period would be captured and covered 
by the collection pan. Both the pan and dehumidifier would be placed on 
the weight-measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate 
weight during the test. Finally, DOE proposed that any internal pump 
would not be used to drain the condensate into a substantially closed 
vessel unless such pump is provided for use by default in 
dehumidification

[[Page 45814]]

mode. 79 FR 29271, 29290 (May 21, 2014).
    Aprilaire and AHAM agreed with DOE's proposals regarding condensate 
collection. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 30; 
Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 3; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 8)
    Therma-Stor suggested that both the dehumidifier and condensate 
vessel should be placed on a scale for a true measure of condensate 
collected. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2) DOE notes that many condensate 
collection methods were investigated in its testing. DOE found that the 
simplest and most reproducible condensate collection approach is the 
gravity fed drain, where available. However, DOE recognized the direct 
scale measurement approach as the next most reproducible and maintains 
the proposal that the scale approach be used when no gravity drain 
option is available, as included in the May 2014 NOPR and the February 
2015 SNOPR.
9. Control Settings
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that for units with a 
``continuous on'' feature, that control setting be selected for 
dehumidification mode testing. For units without a feature for 
continuous operation, the fan would be set at the maximum speed if the 
fan speed is user adjustable, and the relative humidity controls would 
be set to the lowest available value during dehumidification mode 
testing. 79 FR 29271, 29290 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM, GE, and Therma-Stor agreed with DOE's proposals for control 
settings, including the relative humidity setpoint and fan speed 
setting. (AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 34; GE, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 34; Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 3, AHAM, 
No. 7 at p. 8)
    Aprilaire suggested that testing should be performed at settings 
that initiate latent heat removal at rated capacities. For units with 
multiple settings, Aprilaire suggested that manufacturers should be 
allowed to rate at multiple settings if it chooses to list the product 
that way. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 3) DOE notes that the proposed test 
procedure only specifies performance under one test condition and 
control setting, and has maintained this requirement for this final 
rule. However, manufacturers may provide additional documentation to 
consumers regarding performance under alternate control settings (e.g., 
energy saver).
    Therma-Stor stated that some whole-home dehumidifiers do not 
include integrated controls and are intended to operate with external 
controls of varying types. Therma-Stor suggested that these 
dehumidifiers should be manually set to dehumidification mode without 
the use of external controls if possible. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 3) 
DOE notes that all products in its test sample shipped with controls 
that could be used for conducting testing according to the test 
procedure proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE recognizes that there may 
be units that are designed to be set via external controls, and 
therefore do not have integrated controls. Such units should be set 
manually to the conditions being specified in this final rule, without 
the use of external controls.
10. Ambient Condition Tolerances
    In response to the May 2014 NOPR, AHAM proposed that DOE reduce the 
dry-bulb temperature tolerance from  2[emsp14][deg]F to 
1[emsp14][deg]F and the wet-bulb temperature tolerance from 
 1[emsp14][deg]F to  0.5[emsp14][deg]F. AHAM 
asserted that doing so would reduce test result variation without 
increasing testing burden because, as AHAM observed during round robin 
testing, laboratories are already capable of these more stringent 
tolerances. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 10)
    In addition to temperature measurement accuracy, AHAM proposed that 
DOE reduce the voltage tolerance from 2 percent to 1 percent because it 
would reduce variation, and AHAM believes test facilities already have 
the ability to maintain the more stringent tolerance based on 
observations during its round robin testing. AHAM also proposed that 
DOE change the condensate mass tolerance from 0.5 percent to +/-0.02 
pounds because it would maintain the same degree of accuracy when 
testing dehumidifiers with a range of capacities. AHAM based the 
suggested tolerance number on the amount of condensate that is 
collected by typical small-capacity dehumidifiers. AHAM also noted it 
is open to other balance accuracy requirements. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 11) 
DOE notes that during investigative testing, there was no indication 
that the ambient condition tolerances, voltage tolerance, or condensate 
collection tolerance reduced test repeatability and accuracy. Without 
specific data from the AHAM round robin testing that would allow DOE to 
evaluate the impact of these reduced tolerances, DOE does not have 
sufficient data to adjust the tolerances and is maintaining the 
proposals included in the May 2014 NOPR and the February 2015 SNOPR.
11. Measurement Frequency
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that the measurement frequency 
for whole-home dehumidifiers must be greater than for portable 
dehumidifiers. DOE found that the measurement interval of 10 minutes or 
less in appendix X was sufficient for the steady-state operation of a 
portable dehumidifier in the test chamber, but that the conditions of 
the air flowing through ducts for whole-home dehumidifiers may vary on 
time scales that are shorter than 10 minutes. Therefore, DOE proposed 
that whole-home dehumidifiers be tested with measurement acquisition 
rates for dry-bulb temperature, velocity pressure, and relative 
humidity equal to or more frequently than once per minute. 79 FR 29271, 
29289 (May 21, 2014).
    Aprilaire agreed with DOE's proposal to measure data at least every 
minute, but stated that it was not clear why data recording frequency 
should be higher for whole-home dehumidifiers than for portable 
dehumidifiers. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 78; 
Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4) AHAM proposed that dehumidifiers be tested 
with an acquisition rate of at least once per minute, and that weight 
measurements be included in the data to be recorded at each interval. 
AHAM believes that test facilities already have the necessary data 
acquisition equipment, so there should be no added test burden. AHAM 
noted that these requirements are also consistent with other DOE test 
procedure requirements, such as the refrigerator/freezer test 
procedure. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 12) As explained previously, DOE believes 
that the conditions of air flowing through ducts may vary on time 
scales shorter than 10 minutes, and thus whole-home dehumidifiers would 
warrant a minimum of one reading per minute. DOE notes that its 
portable dehumidifier investigative testing recorded ambient conditions 
and weight data at a higher sampling rate than the requirements in 
appendix X, and did not find significant variation in the test 
conditions for portable dehumidifiers. Therefore, DOE does not believe 
that it is necessary to reduce the interval between measurements for 
portable dehumidifiers, though DOE notes that this requirement is a 
minimum and that testing may be conducted with more frequent 
measurements if the laboratory chooses.
12. Test Period
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE did not propose modifying the current 6-
hour test period in appendix X. Therma-Stor commented that at the 
proposed ambient test temperature for portable dehumidifiers of 
65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb, the variability of the test may increase as

[[Page 45815]]

some models move from steady-state to cyclic operation due to the 
formation of ice and frost on the evaporator coils. Therma-Stor 
suggested that the test period and methodology may need to be revised 
to account for cyclic operation. Therma-Stor believes that a fixed test 
period may not provide repeatable results for cyclic operation because 
the condensate removal rate may increase and decrease during cycles, 
and capacity and efficiency may vary based on the portion(s) of the 
operating cycle when data are collected. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 3) 
While conducting the dehumidifier test procedure and standards 
rulemaking, DOE tested two separate groups of portable dehumidifiers. 
Both sets of units were selected from among various manufacturers and 
covered the full range of available capacities to act as a 
representative sample of units available on the market at the time. The 
sample units were tested at the ambient conditions proposed in the May 
2014 NOPR and February 2015 SNOPR (65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb 
temperature and 60-percent relative humidity). Of the first 14 units 
tested, 5 units cycled the compressor during the dehumidification mode 
test. Of the 13 units tested in the next round of testing, 2 cycled the 
compressor during dehumidification mode testing. All of the others 
operated the compressor continuously. DOE notes that the second round 
of testing was performed on units manufactured after October 2012, and 
thus the units had been certified as compliant with the current energy 
conservation standards that had taken effect that month. Therefore, 
these units were likely to represent the most current designs and 
typical operation at the test conditions. In response to Therma-Stor's 
comment, DOE's testing confirmed that the test procedure methodology 
and test period captured the cyclic nature of the dehumidifier models 
tested as part of DOE's investigation that are currently on the market. 
Because cyclic operation typically yields lower IEF values due to the 
inclusion of defrost energy, DOE expects that manufacturers will 
engineer updated models that will avoid defrost cycling at the new 
65[emsp14][deg]F and 60-percent relative humidity test conditions. In 
addition, DOE believes that Therma-Stor's comment likely also addresses 
whole-home dehumidifiers, which will be tested at 73[emsp14][deg]F 
rather than 65[emsp14][deg]F. Because cycling typically occurs less 
frequently at higher temperatures, DOE expects cyclic operation to be 
less of an issue for whole-home dehumidifiers, thereby alleviating 
Therma-Stor's concern.
    As discussed in the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE tested a limited 
sample of whole-home dehumidifiers at the proposed 73[emsp14][deg]F 
ambient condition and did not find that any of these test units cycled 
for defrost purposes. Because the test sample included units from a 
range of manufacturers, DOE does not believe that cycling for defrosts 
would be an issue for testing current whole-home dehumidifiers at the 
proposed 73[emsp14][deg]F test condition.

C. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement

    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed that whole-home 
dehumidifier case volume be determined based on the maximum length of 
each dimension of the whole-home dehumidifier case, exclusive of any 
duct collar attachments or other external components. 80 FR 5994, 6000 
(Feb. 4, 2015). DOE received no comments in response to the whole-home 
dehumidifier case volume measurements and calculations, and therefore, 
DOE maintains the case volume equation proposed in the February 2015 
SNOPR.

D. Off-Cycle Mode

    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed a definition for off-cycle mode 
that would preclude fan operation. However, DOE indicated that certain 
dehumidifier models maintain blower operation without activation of the 
compressor after the humidity setpoint has been reached. Such fan-only 
mode operation may be intended to draw air over the humidistat to 
monitor ambient conditions, or may occur immediately following a period 
of dehumidification mode to defrost and dry the evaporator coil to 
prevent the humidistat from prematurely sensing a humidity level high 
enough to reactivate the compressor. In these cases, the blower may 
operate continuously in fan-only mode, or may cycle on and off 
intermittently. DOE proposed provisions for accounting for the energy 
consumption for dehumidifiers that either enter off-cycle or fan-only 
mode. 79 FR 29271, 29290 (May 21, 2014).
    Therma-Stor and the Joint Commenters agreed with DOE's proposal to 
measure fan-only mode energy use. Additionally, Therma-Stor and GE 
suggested that if there is a control option that allows the user to 
manually engage the fan without dehumidification, either continuously 
or in an energy saver mode, that such a mode should be excluded from 
the overall energy use measurement. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 5; 
Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 5; GE, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at 
pp. 86-89)
    GE suggested that if a unit does not have a fan-only mode it should 
not be measured or accounted for in the EF. (GE, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at p. 85) DOE notes that the fan-only mode 
definition and proposed test procedure supplement the off-cycle mode 
provisions in appendix X. Therefore, if a unit does not have fan-only 
mode, as defined in the May 2014 NOPR, that unit would instead have 
off-cycle mode and the existing approach for testing and considering 
off-cycle mode would apply.
    Aprilaire recommended that only fan energy used during 
dehumidification mode be included. According to Aprilaire, the effects 
of fan operation outside of dehumidification mode and its effects on 
controlling humidity in the room, reducing cycling of the dehumidifier, 
and reducing energy use are not clearly understood at this time. 
(Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 4-5)
    Aprilaire commented that whole-home dehumidifier fans are activated 
for multiple reasons, including ensuring proper air circulation 
throughout the home or delivering other indoor air quality and 
temperature averaging properties. Aprilaire requested that DOE clarify 
whether fan mode refers to operation of the fan inside the unit or the 
HVAC fan. According to Aprilaire, certain whole-home dehumidifiers use 
the fan inside the unit to sample air but will use the HVAC fan when 
it's running to perform that sampling to minimize energy consumption. 
(Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 24-25, 89) As 
discussed above regarding dehumidification mode, DOE clarifies that 
fan-only mode is only referring to the fan or blower that operates 
within the dehumidifier's case and not the home's HVAC fan.
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed that off-cycle mode 
testing be conducted over a duration representative of the typical off-
cycle duration. Based on the metered off-cycle duration, DOE proposed 
an off-cycle mode test beginning immediately after completion of the 
dehumidification mode test and ending after a period of 2 hours. The 
average power measurement for the 2-hour period would then be applied 
to the 1,850 annual hours associated with off-cycle mode in the final 
IEF calculation. 80 FR 5994, 6001 (Feb. 4, 2015).
    AHAM asserted that DOE's proposed definition of off-cycle mode in 
the February 2015 SNOPR conflicts with the proposed dehumidification 
mode definition. AHAM stated that the dehumidification mode definition 
describes the fan or blower as being active without the activation of 
the

[[Page 45816]]

refrigeration system, and that this definition is similar to the off-
cycle mode definition, which provides that the dehumidifier may or may 
not operate its fan or blower. AHAM believes this may be a conflict, 
and therefore proposed alternate definitions for dehumidification mode 
and off-cycle mode:
    Dehumidification mode: An active mode in which a dehumidifier has 
activated the main moisture removal function according to the 
humidistat or humidity sensor signal and the ambient relative humidity 
is equal to or higher than the relative humidity setpoint.
    Off-cycle mode: a mode in which the dehumidifier has cycled off its 
main moisture removal function by humidistat or humidity sensor and the 
ambient relative humidity has fallen below the relative humidity 
setpoint. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 2)
    DOE notes that the dehumidification mode definition proposed in the 
February 2015 SNOPR requires first that the main moisture removal 
function be active, and then the second part of the definition, quoted 
by AHAM, clarifies that this may include operation of the refrigeration 
system or operation of the fan without operation of the refrigeration 
system. The off-cycle mode definition requires that the main moisture 
removal function has been cycled off, which would mean the unit is not 
in dehumidification mode; therefore, there is no conflict between the 
dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode definition. DOE also notes 
that the definitions cannot relate ambient relative humidity to the 
control setpoint because temperature sensors and thermostats vary in 
their sensitivity and each manufacturer may program their controls to 
react to changes in relative humidity differently. For example, one 
unit may cycle off the main moisture removal function when the sensor 
indicates the ambient humidity has dropped below the setpoint by at 
least 1-percent relative humidity, while other may choose a different 
deadband. Therefore, DOE is maintaining the definitions as proposed in 
the February 2015 SNOPR.
    The California IOUs support the proposed definition for off-cycle 
mode, and believe that the proposed energy use measurement while the 
product is in off-cycle mode would effectively capture the energy use 
of fan-only mode as well as standby mode. However, the California IOUs 
recommended that DOE consider amending the proposed off-cycle mode test 
procedure initiation process to initiate the transition from active 
mode to off-cycle mode by means of a change in ambient relative 
humidity rather than manually adjusting the dehumidifier setpoint to a 
level that places the dehumidifier into off-cycle mode while holding 
the ambient relative humidity of the test chamber constant. The 
California IOUs stated that this would assess how well the humidistat 
and setpoint controls work together to respond to changes in ambient 
conditions. (California IOUs, No. 18 at p. 2) Although the approach 
suggested by the California IOUs would represent varying ambient 
conditions as are seen in the field, DOE expects that the additional 
complexity necessary for the testing would increase test burden and 
decrease repeatability and reproducibility. This type of test would 
require testing only one unit at a time within a chamber because each 
unit may initiate off-cycle mode at a different relative humidity. 
Additionally, the rate of change of the relative humidity in the 
chamber would depend on the overall size of the chamber in relation to 
the capacity of the test unit. DOE notes that it would also be 
difficult to maintain other test conditions, such as temperature, 
within the chamber as relative humidity changes. DOE believes this 
additional test burden would not be warranted and expects its approach 
to test off-cycle mode for a fixed duration to provide repeatable and 
sufficiently representative results.
    AHAM agreed with DOE's proposed off-cycle mode instrumentation 
requirements and also agreed that the off-cycle mode measurement should 
begin immediately after the compressor operation for the 
dehumidification mode, as proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR. However, 
AHAM asked DOE to clarify if the transition from dehumidification mode 
to off-cycle mode is instantaneous. If so, AHAM believes the compressor 
function needs to be monitored to ensure it has ended before recording 
measurements for off-cycle mode. AHAM proposed to add an extension of 
10 minutes before the switch to the off-cycle mode measurements to 
ensure the compressor has cycled off. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 3) DOE notes 
that based on the definitions proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR, the 
switch from dehumidification mode to off-cycle mode is signified by the 
cycling off of the main moisture removal function. This is initiated by 
adjusting the dehumidifier's relative humidity setting and is confirmed 
by observing the compressor or main moisture removal function cycling 
off. DOE notes that all test units immediately cycled off the 
compressor in response to the relative humidity setpoint adjustment. 
Therefore, DOE proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR that the off-cycle 
rating period shall begin when the compressor has cycled off due to the 
change in relative humidity setpoint, immediately following 
dehumidification mode. As explained in the February 2015 SNOPR, 
conducting the off-cycle mode test immediately following the 
dehumidification mode test would capture all energy use of the 
dehumidifier under conditions that meet the newly proposed off-cycle 
mode definition, including fan operation intended to dry the evaporator 
coil, sample the air, or circulate the air. DOE also notes that a 10-
minute delay in the start of the off-cycle mode test period may exclude 
any energy consumed to dry off the evaporator coils. Therefore, DOE is 
not adopting a 10-minute delay between the end of the dehumidification 
mode test and the start of the off-cycle test.
    The California IOUs believe that under the same ambient conditions, 
two dehumidifiers may spend different amounts of time in off-cycle 
mode. According to the California IOUs the amount of time that each 
unit spends in off-cycle mode is a function of both humidistat accuracy 
and automatic setpoint control, as well as effective management of fan-
only mode. Therefore, the California IOUs recommended that DOE consider 
modifying the test procedure to standardize a method for measuring off-
cycle duration by using the test chamber to simulate field conditions. 
One method that the California IOUs suggested would be to define the 
rate of humidification in the test chamber such that the dehumidifier 
under test is capable of achieving its setpoint humidity. The test 
procedure would then require observing and measuring the operation of 
the unit as it enters off-cycle mode and then again as it reengages 
active mode once ambient humidity increases above the setpoint. The 
time that the device spends in off-cycle mode, as well as the ambient 
humidity levels at which the device entered and exited off-cycle mode, 
would be a reported test result that could be used as a variable for 
calculating annual energy use. (California IOUs, No. 18 at p. 3) DOE 
notes that this approach proposed by the California IOUs would increase 
test complexity similar to the method described above for initiating 
off mode. In addition to the concerns described for that approach, this 
suggested methodology would require a fixed humidification rate into 
the test chamber, and would only provide representative conditions for 
one room

[[Page 45817]]

size. Dehumidifiers are sold in various capacities that are targeted 
for different room sizes and applications. Therefore, it would not be 
representative to test all dehumidifiers according to one 
humidification rate. DOE further notes that extensive testing would be 
necessary to determine an appropriate humidification rate and there 
would be a significant increase in test burden to maintain and ensure a 
consistent humidification rate before and during the off-cycle mode 
rating test period. Due to the burdens and complexity associated with 
the suggested method, DOE establishes that off-cycle mode testing be 
initiated by changing the control setpoint of the test unit rather than 
by allowing ambient conditions to vary in the test chamber.
    AHAM requested the data DOE used to determine the average off-cycle 
duration of 2 hours. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 3) During the 2012 and 2013 
humidity seasons, DOE conducted a field metering study for portable 
dehumidifiers to monitor the cycling patterns of various modes during 
typical operation (hereinafter the 2013 Willem study).\9\ The study 
determined the average off-cycle duration for all test units, while 
excluding long duration off-cycle periods likely caused by a full 
condensate container or periods of time where the ambient relative 
humidity was considerably lower than the set point. The 2013 Willem 
study shows that, when excluding off-cycle durations longer than 12 
hours and repeating the analysis to exclude off-cycle duration longer 
than one day, the average off-cycle durations were 64 minutes and 169 
minutes, respectively. DOE believes that these values reflect typical 
off-cycle durations, while excluding time the dehumidifier spends with 
a full internal condensate collection container, during which 
dehumidification mode operation is suspended until the container is 
emptied. DOE selected an approximate midpoint between these two values, 
2 hours, as a representative off-cycle mode test period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ ``Using Field-Metered Data to Quantify Annual Energy Use of 
Residential Portable Unit Dehumidifiers,'' Lawrence Berkeley 
National Laboratory. Berkeley, CA. Report No. LBNL-6469E Rev. (2013) 
(Available at: https://publications.lbl.gov/).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The California IOUs and Joint Commenters supported DOE's intent to 
capture all energy use in off-cycle mode, but noted that the energy use 
impact of fan operation after the compressor cycles off would not be 
fully captured. In particular, they noted that while the proposed off-
cycle mode test would fully capture fan power consumption, it would not 
capture the efficiency impact of re-evaporation of moisture still on 
the evaporator coils. They noted that humidification of the space 
during off-cycle mode would decrease the overall dehumidifier 
efficiency, causing the ambient relative humidity to rise and leading 
to active mode operation reengaging sooner than otherwise would have 
been necessary. They asserted that, through this process, a device that 
does not properly manage its fan-only mode will consume more energy 
over time. The Joint Commenters noted in comments on the May 2014 NOPR 
that NREL's test of two portable dehumidifier units that continue to 
operate the fan after the compressor cycles off demonstrated that with 
compressor run times ranging from 3 to 6 minutes, 17 to 42 percent of 
the removed moisture was returned to the space, meaning that 17 to 42 
percent of the energy consumed in dehumidification mode was wasted. The 
California IOUs proposed that DOE consider an adjustment factor or 
other test procedure provisions to account for this issue. (Joint 
Commenters, No. 17 at p. 2; California IOUs, No. 18 at p. 2)
    The NREL study referenced by the Joint Commenters and the 
California IOUs determined a relationship between cyclic compressor run 
time and the percent of moisture returned to the room when the 
compressor cycles off. This relationship was developed based on part-
load test data from two portable dehumidifiers for which the compressor 
run times were set as test parameters and did not represent the default 
dehumidifier control schemes responding to changing ambient conditions. 
Compressor run times in the field likely vary significantly depending 
on local ambient conditions, resulting in runtimes which may be 
substantially longer than the 3 to 6-minute range where re-evaporation 
is a significant issue. For example, the 2013 Willem study found that 
the average compressor runtime was 50 minutes based on the most 
conservative estimate of eliminating all compressor on-cycles with 
durations longer than 4 hours. DOE notes that Figure 11 in the NREL 
report indicates that as compressor runtime increases, the percent of 
returned moisture quickly falls below 5 percent of the total removed 
condensate for compressor runtimes of 50 minutes. Because dehumidifier 
compressor operating time is both dependent on the local ambient 
conditions and the specific manufacturer control scheme, and because 
metering and test data indicate that re-evaporation would likely have a 
minimal effect, DOE is not incorporating provisions to quantify the 
effects of moisture returned to the conditioned space during off-cycle 
mode for the dehumidifier test procedure.

E. Technical Corrections and Clarifications

1. Average Relative Humidity
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed modified versions of Table 
II in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 to cover the range of dry-bulb and wet-bulb 
temperatures that would be necessary to determine relative humidity at 
the proposed ambient test conditions within the test tolerances for 
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers. 80 FR 5994, 6001-02 (Feb. 4, 
2015).
    AHAM and Therma-Stor noted that the proposed Table III.2, ``Percent 
Relative Humidity Determination for Portable Dehumidifiers'' included 
in the February 2015 SNOPR, appeared to provide an incorrect range for 
both the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. The proposed Table III.2 
lists a range of 72.5 [deg]F to 73.5 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 
63.3 [deg]F to 63.9 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. These commenters noted 
that these ranges do not match the proposed temperatures for portable 
dehumidifiers. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 4; Therma-Stor, No. 15 at p. 3)
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, the discussion section inadvertently 
presented two tables that each listed the range of dry-bulb and wet-
bulb temperatures proposed for whole-home dehumidifier testing, but not 
those that satisfied the proposed portable dehumidifier test 
conditions. However, Section 4.1.1 in the regulatory text section of 
the February 2015 SNOPR included correct temperature specifications for 
both whole-home dehumidifiers and portable dehumidifiers. DOE is 
maintaining the correct temperature tables as included in the proposed 
regulatory text in the February 2015 SNOPR.
2. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed substitute coefficients 
for the corrected capacity and corrected relative humidity equations in 
Section 7.1.7 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. DOE developed these proposed 
coefficients by analyzing the psychrometric properties within the 
tolerances of the portable and whole-home dehumidifier ambient test 
conditions. 80 FR 5994, 6003 (Feb. 4, 2015).
    AHAM agreed with DOE's methodology for determining the correction 
for capacity and relative humidity, but requested details of DOE's

[[Page 45818]]

data analysis and specific methodology used to develop the corrections. 
(AHAM, No. 16 at pp. 4-5)
    As explained in the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE calculated the percent 
change in humidity ratio from the standard rating conditions of 65 
[deg]F dry-bulb (for portable dehumidifiers) or 73 [deg]F dry-bulb (for 
whole-home dehumidifiers) and 60-percent relative humidity for small 
perturbations in either dry-bulb temperature or relative humidity. For 
the temperature adjustment coefficient, the dry-bulb temperature was 
varied within test tolerance while holding the relative humidity fixed. 
For the relative humidity adjustment coefficient, the wet-bulb 
temperature was varied within test tolerance while holding the dry-bulb 
temperature fixed, and the resulting variation in relative humidity was 
calculated. The coefficients themselves were calculated from linear 
curve fits of the changes in humidity ratio for the given temperature 
tolerance range. DOE used a similar approach to determine the 
appropriate coefficients for the corrected relative humidity equation 
based on small perturbations in barometric pressure. DOE also 
incorporated a clarification that the capacity used as an input to the 
corrected capacity equation would be the measured capacity for portable 
and refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers and the calculated 
capacity during testing for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home 
dehumidifiers.
3. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to modify the existing IEF 
equation in section 5.2 of appendix X to incorporate the annual 
combined low-power mode energy consumption, ETLP, in kWh per 
year, the fan-only mode energy consumption, EFM, in kWh per 
year, and the dehumidification mode energy consumption, EDM, 
in kWh, as measured during the dehumidification mode test. The proposed 
IEF equation used the measured condensate collected during the 
dehumidification mode test, with no adjustments for variations in the 
ambient test conditions. 79 FR 29271, 29291-92 (May 21, 2014). As 
discussed above, in the February 2015 SNOPR DOE proposed to remove fan-
only mode and to define off-cycle mode to include any fan operation 
when the compressor has cycled off, thereby removing separate fan-only 
mode energy use from the IEF equation. 80 FR 5994, 6000 (Feb. 4, 2015).
    AHAM opposed DOE's accompanying proposal to allocate the 1,840.5 
annual hours currently attributed to off-cycle mode to fan-only mode 
because of a lack of supporting data. AHAM believes the hours must be 
based on consumer use data and DOE assumed that the fan is continuously 
on, which may not always be the case. AHAM commented that DOE should 
study the amount of time dehumidifiers typically stay in fan-only mode 
in consumers' homes. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 4) DOE notes that with the 
updated proposal in the February 2015 SNOPR, no specific duration of 
fan operation is assumed. Instead, the proposed methodology, which is 
adopted in this final rule, allocates the annual hours to off-cycle 
mode, which would include any fan operation after the compressor has 
cycled off.
    GE stated that drawing air over the humidistat, defrosting the 
evaporator, and circulating air are not primary functions, and was 
concerned that if these are included in the energy factor, the reported 
energy use would greatly increase. GE stated that because these are 
optional functions, they would likely no longer be included if they are 
to be considered as part of the IEF. GE further commented that for a 
similar product, ENERGY STAR allows for an ``energy saver mode,'' in 
which the fan turns off when the compressor does, except that some air 
sampling is allowed and the fan may run for a certain period of time 
after the unit is shut off. For dehumidifiers, GE supports maintaining 
air sampling and defrosting functions. Therefore, GE requested that 
these functions be removed from the measured energy use. (GE, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 85-86) The February 2015 SNOPR 
proposed that the two hours of dehumidifier operation following a 
compressor cycle be measured and considered off-cycle mode. This off-
cycle mode energy consumption is monitored and included in the IEF 
metric to ensure that any energy consumption in continuous fan 
operation is addressed in the overall performance metric. During 
investigative testing, DOE found that fan operation following a 
compressor cycle can result in significant energy consumption, 
especially if it occurs following every compressor cycle, and believes 
that it is important to include a measure of such energy use to 
properly measure the representative energy consumption of the 
dehumidifier. DOE notes that short periods of fan operation for 
sampling air or other necessary functions over the course of the 2-hour 
test duration would impact the calculated IEF to a much lower extent 
than continuous fan operation.
    AHAM and Therma-Stor observed that the proposed IEF equation does 
not convert the corrected capacity, Ct, in pints per day, to 
liters per day, and instead yields a result of pounds of water per kWh. 
Therma-Stor recommended that the equation should be adjusted to yield a 
result in liters of water per kWh. AHAM further requested that DOE 
apply a multiplication factor of 0.473 to the corrected capacity to 
convert from pints per day to liters per day. The numerator would then 
be divided by a factor of 24 hours to get the appropriate units of 
liters and multiplied by six to get the capacity within the test 
period. AHAM also requested that DOE clarify if this equation applies 
to both appendix X and appendix X1, and if so, DOE must ensure that it 
does not change measured energy in appendix X. (AHAM, No. 16 at pp. 5-
6; Therma-Stor, No. 15 at pp. 3-4)
    DOE agrees that the IEF equation proposed for appendix X1 in the 
February 2015 SNOPR inadvertently results in units of pounds of water 
per kWh and not the intended units of liters of water per kWh. DOE 
maintains its approach to convert the corrected capacity, and not the 
measured capacity as proposed by AHAM. Therefore, DOE adds a conversion 
factor to convert from pounds of water to liters of water to correct 
the proposed IEF equation in appendix X1. DOE estimated that the water 
condensed on the evaporator and collected in the condensate collection 
container would be similar to the evaporator temperature. Therefore, 
DOE concluded that the typical specific weight of water collected is 
8.345 pounds per gallon at 40[emsp14][deg]F. Using the conversion of 
3.785 liters per gallon, DOE determined a conversion factor of 0.454 
liters per pound of water. DOE removes reference to the measured water 
removed during the 6-hour test and only includes the corrected capacity 
in the list of variables for the IEF equation. In sum, DOE establishes 
the appendix X1 IEF equation in this final rule as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.006

Where:

Cr is the corrected product capacity in pints per day;
t is the test duration in hours;
EDM is the energy consumption during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in kWh;
ETLP is the annual combined low-power mode energy 
consumption in kWh per year;
1,095 is the dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert 
ETLP to combined

[[Page 45819]]

low-power mode energy consumption per hour of dehumidification mode;
6 is the hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert 
annual combined low-power mode energy consumption per hour of 
dehumidification mode for integration with dehumidification mode 
energy consumption;
1.04 is the density of water in pounds per pint;
0.454 is the liters of water per pound of water; and
24 is the number of hours per day.
4. Definition of ``Inactive Mode''
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE proposed to specifically exclude 
the humidistat and humidity sensor from the internal sensor mentioned 
in the inactive mode definition, initially proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR. 80 FR 5994, 6005 (Feb. 4, 2015). AHAM agreed with DOE's proposed 
modification to the inactive mode definition. (AHAM, No. 16 at p. 7) 
Accordingly, DOE has maintained in this final rule the definition of 
inactive mode as proposed in the February 2015 SNOPR.
5. Codified Energy Conservation Standards
    Energy conservation standards for all dehumidifiers manufactured on 
or after October 1, 2012, are codified in 10 CFR 430.32(v)(2) as shown 
in Table III.1.

Table III.1--Current Dehumidifier Energy Conservation Standards Codified
                               in the CFR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Minimum energy
            Product capacity (pints/day)             factor (liters/kWh)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 35.00........................................                 1.35
35.01-45.00........................................                 1.50
45.01-54.00........................................                 1.60
54.01-75.00........................................                 1.70
75.00 or more......................................                 2.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE notes that the current minimum energy factor table places a 
dehumidifier with a capacity of 75.00 in two product classes, and that 
the largest capacity product class does not correctly reflect the 
product class definitions set forth in Part B of Title III of EPCA (42 
U.S.C. 6295(cc)), DOE is therefore amending 10 CFR 430.32(v)(2) to 
specify that the largest product class includes dehumidifiers with 
product capacity of 75.01 or more, in accordance with EPCA.

F. Certification and Verification

    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed various requirements for 
dehumidifier certification reports. DOE proposed to require that for a 
given test sample size of a basic model, the average of the measured 
capacities be used for certification purposes. DOE also proposed to 
clarify which sections of the test procedure in appendix X and X1 
should be used to measure capacity. DOE proposed to include rounding 
instructions in appendix X and X1 to clarify that the measurement of 
capacity and calculated IEF should be rounded to two decimal places. 79 
FR 29271, 29292 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM agreed with the proposal that the average of the capacities 
measured for a given sample be used for certification purposes. AHAM 
also supported the proposal to round the capacity measurement to 2 
decimal places. However, AHAM asked whether DOE would permit 
conservative ratings of capacity. (AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 
10 at p. 96; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 10) As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, 
DOE proposed that dehumidifier capacity be rated and certified based on 
the average of the capacities measured for a given basic model sample 
size. Therefore, DOE does not allow for variations from the average of 
the measured capacities for rating purposes. DOE notes that 
manufacturers may conservatively rate IEF under the proposed 
certification requirements.
    AHAM also asked whether the certified capacity would be the exact 
average of each sample or a rounded value, and whether individual 
capacity measurements should be rounded before the final average is 
rounded. (AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 94-95; AHAM, 
No. 7 at p. 10) As proposed in the May 2014 NOPR, the capacity for each 
sample must be determined based on the specified sections of appendix X 
or X1 and rounded to two decimal places. Therefore, the certified 
capacity would be the average of the rounded capacity for each unit in 
the test sample. DOE maintains these requirements in this final rule.
    For verification purposes, DOE proposed that the test facility 
measurement of capacity must be within 5 percent of the rated capacity, 
or 1.00 pints/day, whichever is greater. DOE also proposed that if a 
rated capacity is not within 5 percent of the measured capacity, or 
1.00 pints/day, whichever is greater, the capacity measured by the test 
facility would be used to determine the energy conservation standard 
applicable to the tested model. 79 FR 29271, 29292 (May 21, 2014).
    AHAM agrees that enforcement provisions should require a test 
laboratory measurement of capacity to be within 5 percent of the rated 
value, or 1.00 pint/day, whichever is greater, and if this tolerance is 
not met, the laboratory value should be used to determine the product 
class. This approach is consistent with AHAM's verification program. 
(AHAM, No. 7 at p. 10) Thus, DOE maintains these provisions in this 
final rule.

G. Compliance Dates of Amended Test Procedures

    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that manufacturers would be 
required to use the revised appendix X for representations 180 days 
after the publication of any final amended test procedures in the 
Federal Register. DOE also proposed that, alternatively, manufacturers 
may certify compliance with any amended energy conservation standards 
prior to the compliance date of those amended energy conservation 
standards by testing in accordance with appendix X1. However, DOE 
proposed that manufacturers would be required to use the new appendix 
X1 for determining compliance with any amended standards adopted in the 
ongoing energy conservation standards rulemaking. 79 FR 29271, 29292 
(May 21, 2014).
    Therma-Stor suggested that if the test procedure is significantly 
revised, DOE should allow a reasonable grace period between publication 
of the final rule and the compliance date to allow small manufacturers 
to make necessary revisions to their products, literature materials, 
test facilities, and test instrumentation. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 6; 
Therma-Stor, No. 15 at p. 4) DOE notes that in the energy conservation 
standards NOPR for dehumidifiers, DOE proposed a compliance date of 3 
years after publication of any amended standards to provide 
manufacturers sufficient time to comply with the new test procedures 
and standards. 80 FR 31645 (June 3, 2015).
    AHAM opposed the open-ended early compliance date for testing, 
noting that it supported such an approach for residential 
refrigerators/freezers and clothes washers for the limited purpose of 
easing the burden associated with manufacturers transitioning their 
full product lines to comply with amended standards on one date. (AHAM, 
No. 7 at p. 2)
    AHAM supported DOE's guidance permitting early use of a new or 
amended test procedure as long as the products are certified to the 
applicable new or amended standards. However, AHAM requested that DOE 
remove the following phrase from DOE's guidance document ``if a new or 
amended standard has not yet been established, manufacturers should 
ensure that their products or equipment satisfy the existing 
standard.'' AHAM believes this is contrary to EPCA's intent and policy

[[Page 45820]]

to provide consumers with accurate, credible, and comparative energy 
information, especially if ENERGY STAR requires the use of a revised 
test procedure in advance of DOE compliance. AHAM suggested that this 
guidance would also allow manufacturers to pick and choose a test 
procedure that would result in more advantageous performance 
measurements. AHAM further suggested that the guidance would present 
challenges for verification because third parties could also test with 
either test procedure and, because a translation equation is an 
approximation, may not achieve the same results when using a different 
procedure. Accordingly, AHAM proposed that DOE revise its introductory 
notes to ensure that only one test procedure is in use at a given time 
to comply with a standard. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 2-3; AHAM, No. 16 at pp. 
7-8)
    AHAM further stated that early test procedure compliance must be 
connected to compliance with the amended standard. AHAM noted that, 
given the dramatic changes to capacity and IEF due to changes in 
ambient conditions and the inclusion of fan-only mode, early use of the 
test procedure will likely be needed for a brief time to ease the 
transition to the new standard, but the transition period must be 
limited. AHAM believes that DOE should clearly state a ``start date'' 
for early use of the test procedure, which AHAM requests should be no 
earlier than 9 months before the compliance date of standards. (AHAM, 
No. 7 at p. 3)
    Where DOE has determined the amended test procedure will impact the 
measured efficiency and compliance with standards, DOE provides the 
opportunity for manufacturers to certify compliance using the new test 
procedure after the issuance of amended energy conservation standards. 
This approach is consistent with the guidance document issued in June 
2012 and revised in August 2014, in which DOE provides discussion and 
details regarding early compliance.\10\ Further, DOE does not believe 
it is appropriate to place a limit on the allowable period for early 
compliance. After the issuance date of a final rule to establish 
amended energy conservation standards, manufacturers may test according 
to appendix X1 to certify compliance with the amended standards. As 
established in this rule, appendix X and appendix X1 each contain 
introductory notes explaining when manufacturers may test and certify 
according to each version of the test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Guidance document is available at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/tp_earlyuse_faq_2014-8-25.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that test 
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory 
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory 
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this 
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the OMB.

B. Review under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act of 1996) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) for 
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment and a final 
regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any such rule that an agency 
adopts as a final rule, unless the agency certifies that the rule, if 
promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis 
examines the impact of the rule on small entities and considers 
alternative ways of reducing negative effects. As required by Executive 
Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency 
Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and 
policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of 
its rules on small entities are properly considered during the DOE 
rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its procedures and 
policies available on the Office of the General Counsel's Web site: 
http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    DOE reviewed this final rule under the provisions of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on February 
19, 2003. DOE has concluded that the rule would not have a significant 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for 
this certification is as follows:
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers a business entity 
to be small business, if, together with its affiliates, it employs less 
than a threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121. These 
size standards and codes are established by the North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS). The threshold number for NAICS 
classification code 335211, ``Electric Housewares and Household Fan 
Manufacturing,'' is 750 employees; this classification specifically 
includes manufacturers of dehumidifiers.
    DOE surveyed the AHAM member directory to identify manufacturers of 
residential dehumidifiers. DOE then consulted publicly available data, 
purchased company reports from vendors such as Dun and Bradstreet, and 
contacted manufacturers, where needed, to determine if they meet the 
SBA's definition of a ``small business manufacturing facility'' and 
have their manufacturing facilities located within the United States. 
Based on this analysis, DOE estimates that there are five small 
businesses that manufacture dehumidifiers.
    This final rule amends the current test procedure in appendix X and 
establishes a new test procedure for dehumidifiers at appendix X1 that 
revises ambient temperature for active mode testing and requires that 
whole-home dehumidifiers be tested in active mode with ducting in 
place. The lower temperature test that DOE is establishing for portable 
dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode requires ambient temperature and 
humidity levels identical to those contained in section 8.2, Low 
Temperature Test, of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, which some manufacturers 
already may be using. The test room ambient temperatures for whole-home 
dehumidifiers are higher than those for portable dehumidifiers, and 
would therefore be no more difficult or costly to achieve than the 65 
[deg]F test condition. In addition, product specifications for 
dehumidifiers from each of the small businesses indicate that they 
produce dehumidifiers rated for operation at ambient temperatures of 65 
[deg]F or below, suggesting that these manufacturers have conducted 
lower temperature testing already.
    Friedrich commented that testing portable dehumidifiers at 65 
[deg]F would force a redesign of its product line because that ambient 
temperature would require larger coils, thus increasing unit cost. 
(Friedrich, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 96-97) DOE notes 
that product redesigns would likely be in response to potential amended 
energy conservation standards for dehumidifiers rather than the 
establishment of a new test procedure. Products currently available on 
the market can be tested according to the newly established test 
procedure, and any cost impacts associated with design changes 
necessary to achieve potential amended energy conservation standards

[[Page 45821]]

would be considered in the concurrent dehumidifier standards 
rulemaking.
    In response to the proposed alternate approach in the May 2014 NOPR 
to combine results of two test points, Aprilaire commented that 
combining test points could limit innovation and force manufacturers to 
design products to meet test requirements rather than achieve optimal 
performance of its intended application. Aprilaire recommended that DOE 
consider rating points based on manufacturers' recommended uses. 
(Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 3) For the reasons discussed in section III.B.1 
of this preamble, the proposal to include two test points and combine 
results from both to produce the final performance metric was not 
adopted in this final rule, and instead only one test condition is 
required for testing. This single test condition, 65 [deg]F for 
portable dehumidifiers and 73 [deg]F for whole-home dehumidifiers, is 
the basis for ratings and certifications.
    In assessing the burden from the new test procedure, DOE also 
considered the cost of additional ducting, associated components, and 
instrumentation that would be required for whole-home dehumidifier 
testing. Based on its research of retail prices for components required 
to construct the instrumented inlet and outlet ducts, as well as 
estimate for the purchase of a complete instrumented duct assembly from 
a third-party laboratory, DOE determined that the cost of each non-
instrumented duct would be approximately $1,500, and that the cost of 
an instrumented, calibrated duct would not exceed $2,700. Therefore, 
the equipment cost for testing a refrigeration-only whole-home 
dehumidifier with no inlet duct and a non-instrumented outlet duct 
would be approximately $1,500 or $3,000 for whole-home dehumidifiers 
with two outlets. For refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, which would 
require instrumented ducts at the inlet and outlet of the process 
airstream and at the inlet of the reactivation air stream, the total 
equipment cost would be approximately $8,100. DOE also concludes that 
some whole-home dehumidifier manufacturers may already test their 
products in chambers that can accommodate comparably-sized ducting 
because product literature indicates that performance has been measured 
at non-zero ESP.
    Aprilaire does not support DOE regulating the whole-home 
dehumidifier industry at this time. Aprilaire commented that in this 
relatively new industry, innovative products are being developed every 
year to help control whole-home latent conditions, and that little data 
is available regarding how products are designed, applied, and used. 
Aprilaire does not see the potential financial or energy savings 
benefit to regulation at this time and instead believes that 
regulations have a much higher probability of limiting innovation, 
growth, and energy savings because designs and applications are not 
fully understood today and are rapidly changing. Instead, Aprilaire 
encouraged DOE to work alongside manufacturers and organizations, such 
as ASHRAE, to establish representative testing methods prior to energy 
conservation standards. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 2; Aprilaire, No. 14 at 
p. 1)
    Therma-Stor commented that the secondary costs to test whole-home 
dehumidifiers, including substantially larger psychrometric chambers, 
upgraded data acquisition systems, and additional cost to prepare and 
perform the test, would be orders of magnitude higher than DOE 
estimates for primary costs. Therma-Stor also stated that it has 
limited engineering design, manufacturing, and marketing resources 
because it is a small manufacturer. According to Therma-Stor, it 
typically maintains and manufactures a model for several years, and a 
substantial test procedure change might require it to reengineer 
current designs and revise related literature. Therma-Stor noted that, 
due to its small size and limited resources, reengineering may require 
more time for Therma-Stor and other small manufacturers than larger 
entities with larger resource pools. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at pp. 5-6; 
Therma-Stor, No. 15 at p. 4)
    DOE is sensitive to the constraints under which small entities 
design, produce, and market new products. Over the course of this 
rulemaking, DOE has sought and considered carefully inputs received 
from interested parties regarding the testing burdens and associated 
impacts on manufacturers of dehumidifiers of a new test procedure for 
whole-home dehumidifiers. Because DOE has determined that whole-home 
dehumidifiers meet the statutory definition of a dehumidifier and are 
thus covered products for the purposes of EPCA, DOE is fulfilling the 
statutory obligation promulgated under EPCA to establish test 
procedures that measure representative energy use of whole-home 
dehumidifiers. This final rule is being issued in advance of any 
amended energy conservation standards for dehumidifiers. Analysis 
related to changing product designs to improve efficiencies and 
determining potential energy savings associated with amended standards 
and the impacts of such standards on manufacturers would be conducted 
as part of the concurrent energy conservation standards rulemaking for 
dehumidifiers. DOE notes that it conducts manufacturer interviews as 
part of the standards rulemaking, during which manufacturers may 
provide confidential feedback on all issues, including test procedures.
    In the February 2015 SNOPR, DOE estimated the costs for a new or 
expanded environmental chamber to be $30,000, based on manufacturer 
feedback. DOE has also adopted a reduced duct length for whole-home 
dehumidifier testing to limit the need for updated environmental 
chambers. DOE expects that those manufacturers that conduct the DOE 
dehumidifier test in-house will likely be able to conduct testing on a 
majority of units within existing test chambers. For any unit too large 
for the manufacturer's existing test chamber, DOE believes that 
manufacturers will likely test at a third-party laboratory as needed, 
rather than invest in a larger environmental chamber. DOE expects 
whole-home dehumidifier testing at a third-party laboratory to cost 
approximately $7,000 per test. Additionally, DOE believes that many 
manufacturers likely already conduct certification testing at third-
party laboratories, so there would be little or no increased cost 
associated with the third-party laboratory testing.
    Therma-Stor expressed concern that changes to testing and rating 
may lead to confusion in the marketplace, as consumers are accustomed 
to the current rating scheme. According to Therma-Stor, it will be 
necessary to educate dealers and consumers about the substantial 
changes to the capacity and efficiency rating of each dehumidifier 
model. Therma-Stor is also concerned about divergence of the test 
procedure from that used for the ENERGY STAR program, noting that 
additional testing to determine multiple product ratings may place a 
larger burden on small manufacturers. Therma-Stor requested that DOE 
work with ENERGY STAR to harmonize test procedures to minimize cost, 
time, and complexity of compliance for manufacturers. (Therma-Stor, No. 
6 at p. 6; Therma-Stor, No. 15 at p. 4) For covered products such as 
dehumidifiers, the ENERGY STAR program uses the Federal method of test 
as required by law. DOE will work with EPA to ensure the specification 
gets revised to reflect the updates in this final rule and the 
associated compliance timelines.''
    DOE notes that although the International Electrotechnical 
Commission (IEC) Standard 62301, titled ``Household electrical 
appliances-Measurement of standby power,''

[[Page 45822]]

Publication 62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01) test method would not be 
applicable for any fan operation during off-cycle mode, the power meter 
accuracy specified in IEC Standard 62301 would still be necessary to 
accurately measure power consumption during periods of off-cycle mode 
with no fan operation. DOE is requiring that the power metering 
instrumentation for testing dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode 
comply with the requirements of both ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 and IEC 
Standard 63201. DOE is aware that power meters meeting the accuracy 
requirements of both test standards are readily available and currently 
in use in certain test laboratories. Therefore, DOE does not believe 
that these requirements would significantly increase the testing burden 
associated with instrumentation.
    Test facilities that use a single psychrometer box to test multiple 
units simultaneously that do not already own additional psychrometer 
boxes would need to purchase an additional psychrometer box for each 
additional unit that would be tested concurrently. Based on DOE 
research and input from test laboratories, DOE estimates that test 
facilities may purchase and calibrate the required equipment for 
approximately $1,000 each.
    Additionally, test laboratories with only one sampling tree for 
each psychrometer box may be required to purchase additional sampling 
trees to account for units with multiple air inlets. In this final 
rule, DOE establishes that a sampling tree be placed in front of each 
air inlet on a test unit. DOE expects laboratories may purchase 
additional sampling trees at an estimated cost of $300 each to comply 
with the proposed test requirements.
    DOE estimates that the cost of a relative humidity sensor is 
approximately $1,000, which is comparable to that of an aspirating 
psychrometer and its associated calibration costs. Therefore, DOE does 
not expect that the option to test any dehumidifier configurations with 
a relative humidity sensor or an aspirating psychrometer would increase 
test burden. Based on feedback from interested parties and its own 
research, DOE also expects the optional use of a relative humidity 
sensor would decrease test burden because it confirmed that most 
laboratories already use these types of sensors for other testing and 
because they are less labor-intensive to operate and maintain compared 
to aspirating psychrometers.
    After estimating the potential impacts of the new test procedure 
provisions and considering feedback from interested parties regarding 
test burdens, DOE has determined that the rule would not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Manufacturers of dehumidifiers must certify to DOE that their 
products comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. In 
certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their products according 
to the DOE test procedures for dehumidifiers, including any amendments 
adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established regulations for 
the certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered 
consumer products and commercial equipment, including dehumidifiers. 76 
FR 12422 (March 7, 2011); 80 FR 5099 (Jan. 30, 2015). The collection-
of-information requirement for the certification and recordkeeping is 
subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA). This requirement has been approved by OMB under OMB control 
number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the certification is 
estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this final rule, DOE amends its test procedure for 
dehumidifiers. DOE has determined that this rule falls into a class of 
actions that are categorically excluded from review under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's 
implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this rule 
amends an existing rule without affecting the amount, quality or 
distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, will not result in any 
environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical 
Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any 
rulemaking that interprets or amends an existing rule without changing 
the environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999) 
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing 
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism 
implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the 
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would 
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess 
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires 
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely 
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE 
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental 
consultation process it will follow in the development of such 
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE examined this final rule and determined 
that it will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State 
regulations as to energy conservation for the products that are the 
subject of this final rule. States can petition DOE for exemption from 
such preemption to the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in 
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive 
Order 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal 
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) 
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to 
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected 
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification 
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable 
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the 
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) specifies the

[[Page 45823]]

retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) 
addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general 
draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. 
Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to 
review regulations in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) 
and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to 
meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and 
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this final rule meets 
the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a regulatory action resulting in a rule that may cause the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year 
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, 
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for 
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820 (This policy is 
also available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE 
examined this final rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy 
and determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental 
mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure of $100 
million or more in any year. Accordingly, no further assessment or 
analysis is required under UMRA.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This final rule will not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity 
of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it 
is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation will not 
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth 
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most 
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines 
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by 
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and 
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has 
reviewed this final rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has 
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those 
guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB, 
a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy action. A 
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final 
rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under Executive 
Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use if the regulation is implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This regulatory action is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has 
it been designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator 
of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and, 
accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 
1974

    Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act 
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), DOE must comply with section 
32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-275), 
as amended by the Federal Energy Administration Authorization Act of 
1977 (Pub. L. 95-70). (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) Section 32 essentially 
provides in relevant part that, where a proposed rule authorizes or 
requires use of commercial standards, the notice of proposed rulemaking 
must inform the public of the use and background of such standards. In 
addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with the Attorney 
General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on 
competition.
    This final rule establishes testing methods contained in the 
following commercial standards: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, 
Standard Method for Temperature Measurement; and ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007/
ANSI/AMCA 210-07, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating. While the newly established test 
procedure at appendix X1 is not exclusively based on these standards, 
one component of the test procedure, namely ducted installation 
requirements for testing whole-home dehumidifiers, adopts provisions 
from these standards without amendment. DOE has evaluated these 
standards and is unable to conclude whether they fully comply with the 
requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA, (i.e., that they were 
developed in a manner that fully provides for public participation, 
comment, and review). DOE has consulted with the Attorney General and 
the Chairman of the FTC concerning the impact on competition of 
requiring manufacturers to use the test methods contained in these 
standards, and neither recommended against incorporation of these 
standards.

[[Page 45824]]

M. Congressional Notification

    As required by 5 U.S.C. 801, DOE will report to Congress on the 
promulgation of this rule before its effective date. The report will 
state that it has been determined that the rule is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

N. Materials Incorporated by Reference

    In this final rule, DOE incorporates by reference the ANSI and 
ASHRAE test standard, titled ``Standard Method for Temperature 
Measurement,'' ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 
41.2013 is an industry-accepted standard that describes temperature 
measurement methods intended for use in heating, refrigerating, and air 
conditioning equipment and components. The test procedure established 
in this final rule references a section of ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 to 
determine the number and locations of temperature sensors within the 
ducts for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home dehumidifiers. ANSI/ASHRAE 
41.1-2103 is available on ANSI's Web site at http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI%2FASHRAE+Standard+41.1-2013.
    In this final rule, DOE also incorporates by reference the ANSI and 
AMCA test standard, titled ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for 
Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating,'' ANSI/AMCA 210-07. ANSI/AMCA 
210-07 is an industry-accepted test procedure that defines uniform 
methods for conducting laboratory tests on housed fans to determine 
airflow rate, pressure, power and efficiency at a given speed of 
rotation. The test procedure established in this final rule references 
sections of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 to describe required instrumentation and 
measurements of external static pressure, pressure losses, and velocity 
pressures for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home dehumidifiers testing. 
ANSI/AMCA 210-07 is available on AMCA's Web site at http://www.amca.org/store/item.aspx?ItemId=81.

V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final 
rule.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports.

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small 
businesses.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE amends part 429 and 430 
of Chapter II of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as set forth 
below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.


0
2. Section 429.36 is amended by adding paragraphs (a)(3) and (4), and 
revising paragaraph (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.36  Dehumidifiers.

    (a) * * *
    (3) The capacity of a basic model is the mean of the measured 
capacities for each tested unit of the basic model. Round the mean 
capacity value to two decimal places.
    (4) For whole-home dehumidifiers, the case volume of a basic model 
is the mean of the measured case volumes for each tested unit of the 
basic model. Round the mean case volume value to one decimal place.
    (b) * * *
    (2) Pursuant to Sec.  429.12(b)(13), a certification report must 
include the following public product-specific information: The energy 
factor in liters per kilowatt hour (liters/kWh), capacity in pints per 
day, and for whole-home dehumidifiers, case volume in cubic feet.

0
3. Section 429.134 is amended by adding paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.134  Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (f) Dehumidifiers--(1) Verification of capacity. The capacity will 
be measured pursuant to the test requirements of part 430 of this 
chapter for each unit tested. The results of the measurement(s) will be 
averaged and compared to the value of capacity certified by the 
manufacturer for the basic model. The certified capacity will be 
considered valid only if the measurement is within five percent, or 
1.00 pint per day, whichever is greater, of the certified capacity.
    (i) If the certified capacity is found to be valid, the certified 
capacity will be used as the basis for determining the minimum energy 
factor allowed for the basic model.
    (ii) If the certified capacity is found to be invalid, the average 
measured capacity of the units in the sample will be used as the basis 
for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
    (2) Verification of whole-home dehumidifier case volume. The case 
volume will be measured pursuant to the test requirements of part 430 
of this chapter for each unit tested. The results of the measurement(s) 
will be averaged and compared to the value of case volume certified by 
the manufacturer for the basic model. The certified case volume will be 
considered valid only if the measurement is within two percent, or 0.2 
cubic feet, whichever is greater, of the certified case volume.
    (i) If the certified case volume is found to be valid, the 
certified case volume will be used as the basis for determining the 
minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
    (ii) If the certified case volume is found to be invalid, the 
average measured case volume of the units in the sample will be used as 
the basis for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the 
basic model.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
4. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

0
5. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition of 
``Dehumidifier'' and adding the definitions for ``Portable 
dehumidifier'', ``Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier'', and ``Whole-
home dehumidifier'' in alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Dehumidifier means a product, other than a portable air 
conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal air 
conditioner, that is a self-contained, electrically operated, and 
mechanically encased assembly consisting of--
    (1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture 
from the atmosphere;
    (2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
    (3) An air-circulating fan; and

[[Page 45825]]

    (4) A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
* * * * *
    Portable dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to operate 
within the dehumidified space without the attachment of additional 
ducting, although means may be provided for optional duct attachment.
* * * * *
    Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier means a whole-home dehumidifier 
that removes moisture from the process air by means of a desiccant 
material in addition to a refrigeration system.
* * * * *
    Whole-home dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to be 
installed with ducting to deliver return process air to its inlet and 
to supply dehumidified process air from its outlet to one or more 
locations in the dehumidified space.

0
6. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (b) through (v) as (c) through (w) and 
adding new paragraph (b);
0
b. Further redesignating newly redesignated paragraphs (g)(6) through 
(g)(13) as paragraphs (g)(7) through (g)(14); and
0
c. Adding new paragraph (g)(6) and revising newly redesignated 
paragraphs (i)(1) and (q)(4).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  430.3  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (b) Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. 
(AMCA), 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, (847) 
394-0150, or by going to http://www.amca.org/store/item.aspx?ItemId=81.
    (1) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (``ANSI/AMCA 210''), 
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic 
Performance Rating, AMCA approved July 28, 2006; IBR approved for 
appendix X1 to subpart B.
    (2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (6) ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 (``ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1''), Standard Method 
for Temperature Measurement, ANSI approved January 30, 2013; IBR 
approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 (``ANSI/AHAM DH-1''), Dehumidifiers, ANSI 
approved May 9, 2008, IBR approved for appendices X and X1 to subpart 
B.
* * * * *
    (q) * * *
    (4) IEC 62301 (``IEC 62301''), Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power, (Edition 2.0, 2011-01), IBR approved for 
appendices C1, D1, D2, G, H, I, J2, N, O, P, X, and X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *

0
7. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  430.23  Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water 
consumption.

* * * * *
    (z) Dehumidifiers. When using appendix X, determine the capacity, 
expressed in pints per day (pints/day), and the energy factor, 
expressed in liters per kilowatt hour (L/kWh), in accordance with 
section 4.1 of appendix X of this subpart. When using appendix X1, 
determine the capacity, expressed in pints/day, according to section 
5.2 of appendix X1 to this subpart; determine the integrated energy 
factor, expressed in L/kWh, according to section 5.4 of appendix X1 to 
this subpart; and determine the case volume, expressed in cubic feet, 
for whole-home dehumidifiers in accordance with section 5.7 of appendix 
X1 of this subpart.
* * * * *

0
8. Section 430.32 is amended by revising paragraph (v)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  430.32  Energy and water conservation standards and their 
compliance dates.

* * * * *
    (v) * * *
    (2) Dehumidifiers manufactured on or after October 1, 2012, shall 
have an energy factor that meets or exceeds the following values:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Minimum energy
              Product capacity (pints/day)                factor (liters/
                                                               kWh)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 35.00.............................................            1.35
35.01-45.00.............................................            1.50
45.01-54.00.............................................            1.60
54.01-75.00.............................................            1.70
75.01 or more...........................................             2.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
9. Appendix X to subpart B of part 430 is amended:
0
a. By revising the note after the heading;
0
b. In section 2, Definitions, by revising section 2.3, redesignating 
sections 2.4 through 2.10 as sections 2.5 through 2.11, adding new 
section 2.4, and revising newly redesignated sections 2.7 and 2.10;
0
c. In section 3, Test Apparatus and General Instructions, by revising 
section 3.1 and adding new sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.4;
0
d. In section 4, Test Measurement, by revising sections 4.1, 4.2.1, and 
4.2.2; and
0
e. In section 5, Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements, 
by revising sections 5.1 and 5.2.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:

Appendix X to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers

    Note:  After January 27, 2016, any representations made with 
respect to the energy use or efficiency of portable dehumidifiers 
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to 
this appendix.

    Until January 27, 2016, manufacturers must either test portable 
dehumidifiers in accordance with this appendix, or the previous 
version of this appendix as it appeared in the Code of Federal 
Regulations on January 1, 2015. DOE notes that, because testing 
under this appendix X must be completed as of January 27, 2016, 
manufacturers may wish to begin using this test procedure 
immediately.
    Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance with any 
amended energy conservation standards for portable dehumidifiers 
prior to the compliance date of those amended energy conservation 
standards by testing in accordance with appendix X1. Any 
representations made with respect to the energy use or efficiency of 
such portable dehumidifiers must be in accordance with whichever 
version is selected.
    Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any 
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy 
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be 
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to appendix 
X1.
* * * * *

2. Definitions

* * * * *
    2.3 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available 
modes other than dehumidification mode.
    2.4 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a 
dehumidifier:
    (1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
    (2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated 
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
* * * * *
    2.7 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the 
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote 
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor, 
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
* * * * *
    2.10 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the 
ability of the

[[Page 45826]]

dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding atmosphere, 
measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation under the 
specified ambient conditions.
* * * * *

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions

    3.1 Active mode. The test apparatus and instructions for testing 
dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode shall conform to the 
requirements specified in Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4, 
``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with the 
following exceptions.
    3.1.1 Psychrometer placement. Place the psychrometer 
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the intake 
grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple intake grilles, place a 
separate sampling tree perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the 
center of each intake grille, with the samples combined and 
connected to a single psychrometer using a minimal length of 
insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to monitor inlet 
conditions of one test unit only.
    3.1.2 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the 
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, collect 
the condensate in a substantially closed vessel to prevent re-
evaporation, and place the collection vessel on the weight-measuring 
instrument. If no means for draining condensate away from the 
cabinet are provided, disable any automatic shutoff of 
dehumidification mode operation that is activated when the 
collection container is full, and collect any overflow in a pan. The 
pan must be covered as much as possible to prevent re-evaporation 
without impeding the collection of overflow water. Place both the 
dehumidifier and the overflow pan on the weight-measuring instrument 
for direct reading of the condensate weight during the test. Do not 
use any internal pump to drain the condensate unless such pump 
operation is provided for by default in dehumidification mode.
    3.1.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select 
that setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest available 
relative humidity level and, if the dehumidifier has a user-
adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting.
    3.1.4 Recording and rounding. Record measurements at the 
resolution of the test instrumentation. Round calculated values to 
the same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round 
the final capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor 
values to two decimal places.
* * * * *

4. Test Measurement

    4.1 Active mode. Measure the energy consumption in 
dehumidification mode, EDM, expressed in kilowatt-hours 
(kWh), the energy factor, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/
kWh), and product capacity, expressed in pints per day (pints/day), 
in accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 7, 
``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
* * * * *
    4.2.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in 
section 2.7 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average 
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts. 
Otherwise, if the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average off 
mode power of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
    4.2.2 If the dehumidifier has an off-cycle mode, as defined in 
section 2.9 of this appendix, measure and record the average off-
cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.

5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    5.1 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate 
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for 
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per 
year, according to the following:

ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + 
(POC x SOC)] x K

Where:

PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power, 
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as measured 
in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as 
measured in section 4.2.2 of this appendix.
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode 
annual hours.
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.

    5.2 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy 
factor, IEF, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour, rounded to two 
decimal places, according to the following:

IEF = LW/[EDM + ((ETLP/1095) x 6)]

Where:

LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in liters, as measured in section 4.1 of 
this appendix.
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in kilowatt-hours, as measured in section 
4.1 of this appendix.
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption 
in kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section 5.1 of this 
appendix.
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert 
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per 
hour of dehumidification mode.
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert combined 
low-power mode energy consumption per hour of dehumidification mode 
for integration with dehumidification mode energy consumption.


0
10. Appendix X1 is added to subpart B of part 430 to read as follows:

Appendix X1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers

    Note:  Manufacturers may certify compliance with any amended 
energy conservation standards for portable dehumidifiers prior to 
the compliance date of those amended energy conservation standards 
by testing in accordance with this appendix. Any representations 
made with respect to the energy use or efficiency of such portable 
dehumidifiers must be in accordance with either appendix X or this 
appendix, whichever version is selected for testing and compliance 
with standards.

    Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any 
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy 
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be 
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this 
appendix.

1. Scope

    This appendix covers the test requirements used to measure the 
energy performance of dehumidifiers.

2. Definitions

    2.1 ANSI/AHAM DH-1 means the test standard published by the 
American National Standards Institute and the Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers, titled ``Dehumidifiers,'' ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.2 ANSI/AMCA 210 means the test standard published by ANSI, the 
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning 
Engineers, and the Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc., titled ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.3 ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1 means the test standard published by ANSI 
and ASHRAE, titled ``Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,'' 
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.4 Active mode means a mode in which a dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source, has been activated, and is 
performing the main functions of removing moisture from air by 
drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil using a fan or 
circulating air through activation of the fan without activation of 
the refrigeration system.
    2.5 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available 
modes other than dehumidification mode.
    2.6 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a 
dehumidifier:
    (1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
    (2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated 
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
    2.7 Energy factor for dehumidifiers means a measure of energy 
efficiency of a dehumidifier calculated by dividing the water 
removed from the air by the energy consumed, measured in liters per 
kilowatt-hour (L/kWh).

[[Page 45827]]

    2.8 External static pressure (ESP) means the process air outlet 
static pressure minus the process air inlet static pressure, 
measured in inches of water column (in. w.c.).
    2.9 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ``Household 
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication 
62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
430.3).
    2.10 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the 
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote 
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor, 
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
    2.11 Off mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source and is not providing any active 
mode or standby mode function, and where the mode may persist for an 
indefinite time. An indicator that only shows the user that the 
dehumidifier is in the off position is included within the 
classification of an off mode.
    2.12 Off-cycle mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier:
    (1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by 
humidistat or humidity sensor;
    (2) May or may not operate its fan or blower; and
    (3) Will reactivate the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
    2.13 Process air means the air supplied to the dehumidifier from 
the dehumidified space and discharged to the dehumidified space 
after some of the moisture has been removed by means of the 
refrigeration system.
    2.14 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the 
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding 
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation 
under the specified ambient conditions.
    2.15 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers means a 
measure of the rectangular volume that the product case occupies, 
exclusive of any duct attachment collars or other external 
components.
    2.16 Reactivation air means the air drawn from unconditioned 
space to remove moisture from the desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier and discharged to unconditioned space.
    2.17 Standby mode means any modes where the dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the 
following user-oriented or protective functions which may persist 
for an indefinite time:
    (1) To facilitate the activation of other modes (including 
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote switch 
(including remote control), internal sensor, or timer;
    (2) Continuous functions, including information or status 
displays (including clocks) or sensor-based functions. A timer is a 
continuous clock function (which may or may not be associated with a 
display) that provides regular scheduled tasks (e.g., switching) and 
that operates on a continuous basis.

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions

    3.1 Active mode.
    3.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus and 
instructions for testing in dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode 
must conform to the requirements specified in Section 3, 
``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, 
``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3), with the following exceptions. Note that if a 
product is able to operate as both a portable and whole-home 
dehumidifier by means of installation or removal of an optional 
ducting kit, it must be tested and rated for both configurations.
    3.1.1.1 Testing configuration for whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Test dehumidifiers, other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, with ducting attached to 
the process air outlet port. The duct configuration and component 
placement must conform to the requirements specified in section 
3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 or Figure 3, except that the 
flow straightener and dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity 
instruments are not required. Maintain the external static pressure 
in the process air flow and measure the external static pressure as 
specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this appendix.
    3.1.1.2 Relative humidity instrumentation. A relative humidity 
sensor with an accuracy within 1 percent relative humidity may be 
used in place of an aspirating psychrometer. When using a relative 
humidity sensor for testing, disregard the wet-bulb test tolerances 
in Table 1 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3), the average relative humidity over the test period must be 
within 2 percent of the relative humidity setpoint, and all 
individual relative humidity readings must be within 5 percent of 
the relative humidity setpoint. When using a relative humidity 
sensor instead of an aspirating psychrometer, use a dry-bulb 
temperature sensor that meets the accuracy as required in section 
4.1 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1.
    3.1.1.3 Instrumentation placement. Place the aspirating 
psychrometer or relative humidity and dry-bulb temperature sensors 
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the process 
air intake grille. When using an aspirating psychrometer, for 
dehumidifiers with multiple process air intake grilles, place a 
separate sampling tree perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the 
center of each process air intake grille, with the samples combined 
and connected to a single psychrometer using a minimal length of 
insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to monitor inlet 
conditions of one test unit only. When using relative humidity and 
dry-bulb temperature sensors, for dehumidifiers with multiple 
process air intake grilles, place a relative humidity sensor and 
dry-bulb temperature sensor perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, 
the center of each process air intake grille.
    3.1.1.4 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the 
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, collect 
the condensate in a substantially closed vessel to prevent re-
evaporation and place the vessel on the weight-measuring instrument. 
If no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet are 
provided, disable any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode 
operation that is activated when the collection container is full 
and collect any overflow in a pan. Select a collection pan large 
enough to ensure that all water that overflows from the full 
internal collection container during the rating test period is 
captured by the collection pan. Cover the pan as much as possible to 
prevent re-evaporation without impeding the collection of overflow 
water. Place both the dehumidifier and the overflow pan on the 
weight-measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate 
weight collected during the rating test. Do not use any internal 
pump to drain the condensate into a substantially closed vessel 
unless such pump operation is provided for by default in 
dehumidification mode.
    3.1.1.5 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select 
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest 
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a 
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting. Do 
not use any external controls for the dehumidifier settings.
    3.1.1.6 Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during 
which the compressor operates for a cumulative total of at least 24 
hours prior to dehumidification mode testing.
    3.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus 
and instructions for testing refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in 
dehumidification mode must conform to the requirements specified in 
Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and 
Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except as follows.
    3.1.2.1 Testing configuration. Test refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers with ducting attached to the process air inlet and 
outlet ports and the reactivation air inlet port. The duct 
configuration and components must conform to the requirements 
specified in section 3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 through 
Figure 3. Install a cell-type airflow straightener that conforms to 
the specifications in Section 5.2.1.6, ``Airflow straightener'', and 
Figure 6A, ``Flow Straightener--Cell Type'', of ANSI/AMCA 210 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) in each duct consistent 
with Figure 1 through Figure 3.
    3.1.2.2 Instrumentation.
    3.1.2.2.1 Temperature. Install dry-bulb temperature sensors in a 
grid centered in the duct, with the plane of the grid perpendicular 
to the axis of the duct. Determine the number and locations of the 
sensors within the grid according to Section 5.3.5, ``Centers of 
Segments--Grids,'' of ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3).
    3.1.2.2.2 Relative humidity. Measure relative humidity with a 
duct-mounted,

[[Page 45828]]

relative humidity sensor with an accuracy within 1 
percent relative humidity. Place the relative humidity sensor at the 
duct centerline within 1 inch of the dry-bulb temperature grid 
plane.
    3.1.2.2.3 Pressure. The pressure instruments used to measure the 
external static pressure and velocity pressures must have an 
accuracy within 0.01 in. w.c. and a resolution of no 
more than 0.01 in. w.c.
    3.1.2.2.3.1 External static pressure. Measure static pressures 
in each duct using pitot-static tube traverses that conform with the 
specifications in Section 4.3.1, ``Pitot Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 
210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with pitot-static 
tubes that conform with the specifications in Section 4.2.2, 
``Pitot-Static Tube,'' of ANSI/AMCA, except that only two 
intersecting and perpendicular rows of pitot-static tube traverses 
shall be used. Record the static pressure within the test duct as 
measured at the pressure tap in the manifold of the traverses that 
averages the individual static pressures at each pitot-static tube. 
Calculate duct pressure losses between the unit under test and the 
plane of each static pressure measurement in accordance with section 
7.5.2, ``Pressure Losses,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210. The external static 
pressure is the difference between the measured inlet and outlet 
static pressure measurements, minus the sum of the inlet and outlet 
duct pressure losses. For any port with no duct attached, use a 
static pressure of 0.00 in. w.c. with no duct pressure loss in the 
calculation of external static pressure. During dehumidification 
mode testing, the external static pressure must equal 0.20 in. w.c. 
 0.02 in. w.c.
    3.1.2.2.3.2 Velocity pressure. Measure velocity pressures using 
the same pitot traverses as used for measuring external static 
pressure, and which are specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this 
appendix. Determine velocity pressures at each pitot-static tube in 
a traverse as the difference between the pressure at the impact 
pressure tap and the pressure at the static pressure tap. Calculate 
volumetric flow rates in each duct in accordance with Section 7.3.1, 
``Velocity Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3).
    3.1.2.2.4 Weight. No weight-measuring instruments are required.
    3.1.2.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select 
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest 
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a 
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting. Do 
not use any external controls for the dehumidifier settings.
    3.1.2.4 Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during 
which the compressor operates for a cumulative total of at least 24 
hours prior to dehumidification mode testing.
    3.1.3 Ducting for whole-home dehumidifiers. Cover and seal with 
tape any port designed for intake of air from outside or 
unconditioned space, other than for supplying reactivation air for 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Use only ducting constructed of 
galvanized mild steel and with a 10-inch diameter. Position inlet 
and outlet ducts either horizontally or vertically to accommodate 
the default dehumidifier port orientation. Install all ducts with 
the axis of the section interfacing with the dehumidifier 
perpendicular to plane of the collar to which each is attached. If 
manufacturer-recommended collars do not measure 10 inches in 
diameter, use transitional pieces to connect the ducts to the 
collars. The transitional pieces must not contain any converging 
element that forms an angle with the duct axis greater than 7.5 
degrees or a diverging element that forms an angle with the duct 
axis greater than 3.5 degrees. Install mechanical throttling devices 
in each outlet duct consistent with Figure 1 and Figure 3 to adjust 
the external static pressure and in the inlet reactivation air duct 
for a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier. Cover the ducts with 
thermal insulation having a minimum R value of 6 h-ft\2\ - [deg]F/
Btu (1.1 m\2\ - K/W). Seal seams and edges with tape.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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[[Page 45830]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.008


[[Page 45831]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.009

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
    3.1.4 Recording and rounding. When testing either a portable 
dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier, record measurements at 
the resolution of the test instrumentation. Record measurements for 
portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other than 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers at intervals no greater than 10 
minutes. Record measurements for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers 
at intervals no greater than 1 minute. Round off calculations to the 
same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round the 
final product capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor 
values to two decimal places, and for whole-home dehumidifiers, 
round the final product case volume to one decimal place.
    3.2 Inactive mode and off mode.
    3.2.1 Installation requirements. For the inactive mode and off 
mode testing, install the dehumidifier in accordance with Section 5, 
Paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the 
determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes.
    3.2.2 Electrical energy supply.
    3.2.2.1 Electrical supply. For the inactive mode and off mode 
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage and frequency 
indicated in Section 7.1.3, ``Standard Test Voltage,'' of ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3). The electrical 
supply frequency shall be maintained 1 percent.
    3.2.2.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the inactive mode and off 
mode testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform 
indicated in Section 4, Paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated 
by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    3.2.3 Inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle mode wattmeter. The 
wattmeter used to measure inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle 
mode power consumption must meet the requirements specified in 
Section 4, Paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3).
    3.2.4 Inactive mode and off mode ambient temperature. For 
inactive mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air 
temperature conditions as specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.2 of 
IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    3.3 Case dimensions for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure case 
dimensions using equipment with a resolution of no more than 0.1 in.

4. Test Measurement

    4.1 Dehumidification mode.
    4.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Measure the energy 
consumption in dehumidification mode, EDM, expressed in 
kilowatt-hours (kWh), the average relative humidity, Ht, 
either as

[[Page 45832]]

measured using a relative humidity sensor or using the tables 
provided below when using an aspirating psychrometer, and the 
product capacity, Ct, expressed in pints per day (pints/
day), in accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 
7, ``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), except that the 
standard test conditions for portable dehumidifiers must be 
maintained at 65[emsp14][deg]F  2.0[emsp14][deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F  
1.0[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb temperature, when recording conditions 
with an aspirating psychrometer, or 60 percent  2 
percent relative humidity, when recording conditions with a relative 
humidity sensor. For whole-home dehumidifiers, conditions must be 
maintained at 73[emsp14][deg]F  2.0[emsp14][deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 63.6[emsp14][deg]F  
1.0[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb temperature, when recording conditions 
with an aspirating psychrometer, or 60 percent  2 
percent relative humidity, when recording conditions with a relative 
humidity sensor. When using relative humidity and dry-bulb 
temperature sensors, for dehumidifiers with multiple process air 
intake grilles, average the measured relative humidities and average 
the measured dry-bulb temperatures to determine the overall intake 
air conditions.

                        Table 1--Relative Humidity as a Function of Dry-Bulb and Wet-Bulb Temperatures for Portable Dehumidifiers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Dry-Bulb temperature ([deg]F)
 Wet-Bulb temperature ([deg]F)  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    64.5       64.6       64.7       64.8       64.9       65.0       65.1       65.2       65.3       65.4       65.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.3...........................      60.32      59.94      59.57      59.17      58.80      58.42      58.04      57.67      57.30      56.93      56.56
56.4...........................      60.77      60.38      60.00      59.62      59.24      58.86      58.48      58.11      57.73      57.36      56.99
56.5...........................      61.22      60.83      60.44      60.06      59.68      59.30      58.92      58.54      58.17      57.80      57.43
56.6...........................      61.66      61.27      60.89      60.50      60.12      59.74      59.36      58.98      58.60      58.23      57.86
56.7...........................      62.40      61.72      61.33      60.95      60.56      60.18      59.80      59.42      59.04      58.67      58.29
56.8...........................      62.56      62.17      61.78      61.39      61.00      60.62      60.24      59.86      59.48      59.10      58.73
56.9...........................      63.01      62.62      62.23      61.84      61.45      61.06      60.68      60.30      59.92      59.54      59.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       Table 2--Relative Humidity as a Function of Dry-Bulb and Wet-Bulb Temperatures for Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Dry-Bulb temperature ([deg]F)
 Wet-Bulb temperature ([deg]F)  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    72.5       72.6       72.7       72.8       72.9       73.0       73.1       73.2       73.3       73.4       73.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.3...........................      60.59      60.26      59.92      59.59      59.26      58.92      58.60      58.27      57.94      57.62      57.30
63.4...........................      60.98      60.64      60.31      59.75      59.64      59.31      58.98      58.65      58.32      58.00      57.67
63.5...........................      61.37      61.03      60.70      60.36      60.02      59.69      59.36      59.03      58.70      58.38      58.05
63.6...........................      61.76      61.42      61.08      60.75      60.41      60.08      59.74      59.41      59.08      58.76      58.43
63.7...........................      62.16      61.81      61.47      61.13      60.80      60.46      60.13      59.80      59.47      59.14      58.81
63.8...........................      62.55      62.20      61.86      61.52      61.18      60.85      60.51      60.18      59.85      59.52      59.19
63.9...........................      62.94      62.60      62.25      61.91      61.57      61.23      60.90      60.56      60.23      59.90      59.57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing 
conditions set forth in section 3.1.2 of this appendix. Measure the 
energy consumption, EDM, expressed in kWh, in accordance 
with the test requirements specified in Section 7, ``Capacity Test 
and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except that: (1) individual readings of 
the standard test conditions at the air entering the process air 
inlet duct and the reactivation air inlet must be maintained within 
73[emsp14][deg]F  2.0[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
and 60 percent  5 percent relative humidity and the 
arithmetic average of the inlet test conditions over the test period 
shall be maintained within 73[emsp14][deg]F  
0.5[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 60 percent  2 
percent relative humidity; (2) the instructions for psychrometer 
placement do not apply; (3) the data recorded must include dry-bulb 
temperatures, relative humidities, static pressures, velocity 
pressures in each duct, volumetric air flow rates, and the number of 
samples in the test period; (4) the condensate collected during the 
test need not be weighed; and (5) the calculations in Section 7.2.2, 
``Energy Factor Calculation,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 need not be 
performed. To perform the calculations in Section 7.1.7, 
``Calculation of Test Results,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1: (1) replace 
``Condensate collected (lb)'' and ``mlb'', with the 
weight of condensate removed, W, as calculated in section 5.6 of 
this appendix; and (2) use the recorded relative humidities rather 
than the tables in section 4.1.1 of this appendix to determine 
average relative humidity.
    4.2 Off-cycle mode. Establish the test conditions specified in 
section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2 of this appendix, but use the wattmeter 
specified in section 3.2.3 of this appendix. Begin the off-cycle 
mode test period immediately following the dehumidification mode 
test period. Adjust the setpoint higher than the ambient relative 
humidity to ensure the product will not enter dehumidification mode 
and begin the test when the compressor cycles off due to the change 
in setpoint. The off-cycle mode test period shall be 2 hours in 
duration, during which the power consumption is recorded at the same 
intervals as recorded for dehumidification mode testing. Measure and 
record the average off-cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, 
POC, in watts.
    4.3 Inactive and off mode. Establish the testing conditions set 
forth in section 3.2 of this appendix, ensuring that the 
dehumidifier does not enter active mode during the test. For 
dehumidifiers that take some time to enter a stable state from a 
higher power state, as discussed in Section 5, Paragraph 5.1, Note 1 
of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), allow 
sufficient time for the dehumidifier to reach the lower power state 
before proceeding with the test measurement. Follow the test 
procedure specified in Section 5, Paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 for 
testing in each possible mode as described in sections 4.3.1 and 
4.3.2 of this appendix.
    4.3.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in 
section 2.10 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.11 of this appendix, measure and record the average 
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts.
    4.3.2 If the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in section 
2.11 of this appendix, measure and record the average off mode power 
of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
    4.4 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure 
the maximum case length, DL, in inches, the maximum case 
width, DW, in inches, and the maximum height, 
DH, in inches, exclusive of any duct collar attachments 
or other external components.

5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    5.1 Corrected relative humidity. Calculate the average relative 
humidity, for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for 
barometric pressure variations as:

Hc,p = Ht x [1 + 0.0083 x (29.921 - B)]
Hc,wh = Ht x [1 + 0.0072 x (29.921 - B)]


[[Page 45833]]


Where:

Hc,p = portable dehumidifier average relative humidity 
from the test data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric 
pressure of 29.921 in. mercury (Hg);
Hc,wh = whole-home dehumidifier average relative humidity 
from the test data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric 
pressure of 29.921 in. Hg;
Ht = average relative humidity from the test data in 
percent; and
B = average barometric pressure during the test period in in. Hg.

    5.2 Corrected product capacity. Calculate the product capacity, 
for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for variations 
in temperature and relative humidity as:

Cr,p = Ct + 0.0352 x Ct x (65 - 
Tt) + 0.0169 x Ct x (60 - HC,p)
Cr,wh = Ct + 0.0344 x Ct x (73 - 
Tt) + 0.017 x Ct x (60 - HC,wh)

Where:

Cr,p = portable dehumidifiers product capacity in pints/
day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 65[emsp14][deg]F 
dry-bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Cr,wh = whole-home dehumidifier product capacity in 
pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 
73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 60 percent relative 
humidity;
Ct = product capacity determined from test data in pints/
day, as measured in section 4.1.1 of this appendix for portable and 
refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers or calculated in section 
5.6 of this appendix for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home 
dehumidifiers;
Tt = average dry-bulb temperature during the test period 
in [deg]F;
HC,p = portable dehumidifier corrected relative humidity 
in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix; and
HC,wh = whole-home dehumidifier corrected relative 
humidity in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix.

    5.3 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate 
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for 
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kWh per year:

ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + 
(POC x SOC)] x K

Where:

PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power, 
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as measured 
in section 4.3 of this appendix;
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as 
measured in section 4.2 of this appendix;
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode 
annual hours;
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours; 
and
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kWh.

    5.4 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy 
factor, IEF, expressed in L/kWh, rounded to two decimal places, 
according to the following:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.010

Where:

Cr = corrected product capacity in pints per day, as 
determined in section 5.2 of this appendix;
t = test duration in hours;
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in kWh, as measured in section 4.1 of 
this appendix;
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption 
in kWh per year, as calculated in section 5.3 of this appendix;
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert 
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per 
hour of dehumidification mode;
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert annual 
combined low-power mode energy consumption per hour of 
dehumidification mode for integration with dehumidification mode 
energy consumption;
1.04 = the density of water in pounds per pint;
0.454 = the liters of water per pound of water; and
24 = the number of hours per day.

    5.5 Absolute humidity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 
Calculate the absolute humidity of the air entering and leaving the 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier in the process air stream, 
expressed in pounds of water per cubic foot of air, according to the 
following set of equations.
    5.5.1 Temperature in Kelvin. The air dry-bulb temperature, in 
Kelvin, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.011

Where:

TF = the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air in 
[deg]F.

    5.5.2 Water saturation pressure. The water saturation pressure, 
expressed in kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.012

Where:

TK = the calculated dry-bulb temperature of the air in K, 
calculated in section 5.5.1 of this appendix.

    5.5.3 Vapor pressure. The water vapor pressure, expressed in 
kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.013


[[Page 45834]]


Where:

RH = percent relative humidity during the rating test period; and
Pws = water vapor saturation pressure in kPa, calculated 
in section 5.5.2 of this appendix.

    5.5.4 Mixing humidity ratio. The mixing humidity ratio, the mass 
of water per mass of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.014

Where:

Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section 
5.5.3 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
0.62198 = the ratio of the molecular weight of water to the 
molecular weight of dry air.

    5.5.5 Specific volume. The specific volume, expressed in feet 
cubed per pounds of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.015

Where:

TK = dry-bulb temperature of the air in K, as calculated 
in section 5.5.1 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section 
5.5.3 of this appendix;
0.287055 = the specific gas constant for dry air in kPa times cubic 
meter per kg per K;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
16.016 = the conversion factor from cubic meters per kilogram to 
cubic feet per pound.

    5.5.6 Absolute humidity. The absolute humidity, expressed in 
pounds of water per cubic foot of air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.016

Where:

HR = the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry 
air, as calculated in section 5.5.4 of this appendix; and
[nu] = the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air, as 
calculated in section 5.5.5 of this appendix.

    5.6 Product capacity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 
The weight of water removed during the test period, W, expressed in 
pounds is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.017

Where:

n = number of samples during the test period in section 4.1.1.2 of 
this appendix;
AHI,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the inlet 
side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry air, as 
calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XI,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the 
inlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for sample 
i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the volumetric flow 
rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow rate at test 
conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3);
AHO,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the 
outlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry 
air, as calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XO,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the 
outlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for 
sample i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the 
volumetric flow rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow 
rate at test conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3);
t = time interval in seconds between samples, with a maximum of 60; 
and
60 = conversion from minutes to seconds.

    The capacity, Ct, expressed in pints/day, is:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.018
    
Where:

24 = number of hours per day;
1.04 = density of water in pounds per pint; and
T = total test period time in hours.

    Then correct the product capacity, Cr,wh, according 
to section 5.2 of this appendix.
    5.7 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. The 
product case volume, V, in cubic feet, is:

[[Page 45835]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31JY15.019

Where:

DL = product case length in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix;
DW = product case width in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix;
DH = product case height in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix; and
1,728 = conversion from cubic inches to cubic feet.
[FR Doc. 2015-18328 Filed 7-30-15; 8:45 a.m.]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P