Millions of consumers will save operating costs and the environment will be improved under a nationwide standard expected from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. A Senate vote of 52-47 cleared the way for a 20% increase in the efficiency of residential central air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured by 2006.
The vote came on an amendment to energy legislation offered by senators concerned about the higher costs imposed on consumers under a proposal to increase the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio from the current 10 SEEP to 13 SEER. Such a measure could discourage replacement of older, less efficient equipment.