Chillers

Energy Efficiency Regulations

Regulatory definition

Chiller, a machine, with or without an integral refrigerant condenser, that is designed to use a refrigerant cycle to remove heat from a liquid and to reject the heat to a cooling medium.

For the purposes of the verification mark, provision of information and the energy efficiency standard, a chiller is not considered to be an energy-using product unless it has an integral refrigerant condenser and is manufactured on or after October 28, 2004. Information pertaining to imports is still required.

Compliance date

Manufactured on or after December 31, 2019.

For models manufactured prior, refer to the Regulations.

Testing standard

As of December 31, 2019 as referenced in ASHRAE 90.1-2016:
AHRI 551/591-2015 (SI) or AHRI 550/590-2015 (I-P)
AHRI 560-2000 (for absorption chillers only)

Energy efficiency standard

Energy performance standard for chillers manufactured on or after December 31, 2019 as per ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016, Table 6.8.1-3 (SI version presented here, I-P version also accepted)

Product type	Size category	Compliance path
		Path A		Path B
		COP full load W/W	COP IPLV W/W	COP full load W/W	COP IPLV W/W
Air-cooled chillers	< 528 kW	2.985	4.048	2.866	4.669
	≥ 528 kW	2.985	4.137	2.866	4.758
Water-cooled, electrically operated positive displacement chillers	< 264 kW	4.694	5.867	4.513	7.041
	≥ 264 kW and < 528 kW	4.889	6.286	4.694	7.184
	≥ 528 kW and < 1055 kW	5.334	6.519	5.177	8.001
	≥ 1055 kW and < 2110 kW	5.771	6.770	5.633	8.586
	≥ 2110 kW	6.286	7.041	6.018	9.264
Water-cooled, electrically operated centrifugal chillers	< 528 kW	5.571	6.401	5.065	8.001
	≥ 528 kW and < 1055 kW	5.771	6.401	5.544	8.801
	≥ 1055 kW and < 1407 kW	6.286	6.770	5.917	9.027
	≥ 1407 kW and < 2110 kW	6.286	7.041	6.018	9.264
	≥ 2110 kW	6.286	7.041	6.018	9.264
Absorption
Single-effect absorption, air-cooled	All	0.600	-	NA	NA
Single-effect absorption, water-cooled	All	0.700	-	NA	NA
Double-effect absorption, indirect fired	All	1.000	1.050	NA	NA
Double-effect absorption, direct fired	All	1.000	1.000	NA	NA

kW = kilowatts
COP = coefficient of performance
IPLV = integrated part-load value
NA = not applicable

Notes:

The minimum energy performance requirements for centrifugal chillers shall be adjusted for nonstandard rating conditions per the equations in section 6.4.1.2.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 and are only applicable for the range of conditions listed there.

Both the full-load and IPLV (Integrated Part Load Value) requirements must be met or exceeded to comply. When there is a Path B, compliance can be with either Path A or Path B for any application.

Absorption chillers must follow Path A for compliance.

Energy efficiency report requirements

• name of product
• brand name
• model number
• manufacturer
• name of the certification body or province whose verification mark will be on the product or its package
• whether a mathematical model as defined in the Regulations was used to generate any of the information provided below
• type
• net cooling/heating capacity, in kW (tons)
• coefficient of performance
  • compliance path for the energy efficiency standard, namely, Path A or Path B of Table 6.8.1-3 of ASHRAE 90.1- 2016
  • integrated part-load value
  • list of non-standard conditions for centrifugal chillers designed for non-standard operation

Download the energy efficiency reporting template.

This document does not constitute part of the Energy Efficiency Act (Act) or its associated regulations. This document is an administrative document that is intended to facilitate compliance by the regulated party with the Act and its associated regulations. This document is not intended to provide legal advice regarding the interpretation of the Act or its associated regulations. If a regulated party has questions about their legal obligations or responsibilities under the Act or its associated regulations, they should seek the advice of legal counsel.