The HVAC sector is preparing for Jan. 1, 2018 when the U.S. Department of Energy energy conservation standards for commercial air conditioners and heat pumps and commercial warm-air furnaces take effect.

The new rules take effect Jan. 1, 2018.The rooftop air conditioner standards will cover new units on low-rise buildings such as hospitals, schools, and retail stores. DOE says the rules will take effect in two phases, increasing minimum efficiency by about 10% as of Jan. 1, 2018, and by 25-30% as of Jan. 1, 2023. Standards for new warm-air furnaces that often are installed along with commercial air conditioners become effective in 2023.

Based on the DOE’s estimates, the new rooftop air conditioner standard will save 1.7 trillion kWh over 30 years of sales.