While the new energy efficiency rules, commonly referred to as “AWEF”, have been in place since January 1, 2020, we are still receiving numerous questions surrounding the new regulations including whether the rules apply to new or retrofit installs.

Staying true to Our Continued Commitment to the Refrigeration Professional, we are here to answer any and all of your AWEF questions.

We have already established how to achieve compliance through AWEF standards and who is responsible for ensuring products and equipment are compliant, but what about the equipment that is used for either new or retrofit installations? Is there a difference between the two when it comes to the effects of the AWEF regulations?

What equipment has to be compliant?

According to NRCAN and DOE’s WICF ruling, the AWEF regulations apply to anyone manufacturing, producing, assembling or importing certified walk-in cooler and freezer components.

In terms of commercial refrigeration, compliant components refer to dedicated and packaged condensing units, both indoor and outdoor, used in (and this is the important part) both new and retrofit applications. This includes the following:

• Condensing units that are assembled to construct a new walk-in cooler and freezer
• Condensing units to replace an existing, previously installed walk-in cooler and freezer component, otherwise known as a retrofit
• Condensing units used within packaged systems

In addition to the condensing units, unit coolers (evaporators), doors, panels and lighting are also considered to be within the authority of the new AWEF regulations.

Does the date apply to the date of install, sale, or manufacture of affected equipment?

The new regulations came into effect January 1, 2020. Therefore, the date applies to the manufacturing of the equipment, not the date of the sale or installation.

While impacted parties must meet the applicable standards based on the date of manufacture, contractors and wholesalers can still use and stock condensing units that were manufactured before January 1, 2020. Any condensing units manufactured after January 1, 2020, whether it’s a new or retrofit installation, must comply with the new AWEF standards.

So, does it matter if it’s a new install or retrofit?

The answer is no, it doesn’t matter because ultimately compliance is required on all new equipment for both retrofits and for new installations.

The AWEF regulations have had broad impacts throughout the industry, from OEMs and wholesalers to contractors and end-users. Because the new standards impact both new and retrofit equipment, every segment of the commercial refrigeration supply chain has needed to understand its implications, including us.

Whether you’re gearing up for a new or retrofit commercial refrigeration installation, make sure that all of your equipment is compliant under the 2020 AWEF regulations.

If you’re unsure how to proceed with these new regulations and ensuring your commercial refrigeration equipment is AWEF compliant, KeepRite Refrigeration can help guide you in a number of ways. First off, be sure to check out our AWEF FAQ page for answers to other questions surrounding AWEF. In addition, feel free to call your local sales representative or our Small Condensing Units product specialists at 1-844-893-3222 ext. 521.

With a wide range of compliant products to choose from along with over 75 years of expertise, you can count on KeepRite Refrigeration to help you achieve compliance on all of your commercial refrigeration installations.