Department of Energy’s Dehumidifier Testing Rule
The Department of Energy (DOE) has published a “Final Rule Pertaining to Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers” that goes into effect August 25, 2023. In the publication, the DOE clarified definitions of a whole-home vs. portable dehumidifier. We would like to outline what has changed and any resulting impacts on your business. What has changed with the new rule: The DOE clarified that a unit is portable vs. whole-home based on whether the manufacturer’s instructions call for it to operate with ducting. For example, if a manufacturer designs a crawlspace unit to operate with ducting, then it is a whole-home unit and must meet whole-home standards. The “Standard” specifically indicates: Portable Dehumidifier: as a dehumidifier that, in accordance with any manufacturer instructions available to a consumer, operates within the dehumidified space…