From measured performance.
To defensible US ratings.

Compare the product’s function, capacity, configuration and intended application with DOE definitions. Identify any exclusions or special provisions. A residential-looking unit may fall into a different regulatory class because of its characteristics, and a commercial name alone does not settle the classification.

• Record the regulation and class used for each model family.

Use the DOE procedure applicable to the product and relevant compliance date. Review setup conditions, operating modes, calculations and any product-specific options before testing. Reports generated for another market may contain useful measurements but should not be assumed to meet the US procedure without comparison.

• Keep test settings and software versions reproducible.

DOE reporting works with basic models under product-specific rules. Decide which individual models can be grouped and whether differences affect energy or water performance. Apply the applicable sampling and rating provisions instead of presenting the best result from a single unit as the entire family’s certified value.

• Document the basis for model grouping and representations.

Applicable certification reports are submitted through DOE’s Compliance Certification Management System, using the relevant product template and reporting requirements. The dataset should connect brand names, individual models, basic models and rated values. Assign a reviewer who can reconcile the submission against the underlying engineering evidence.

• Check reporting obligations before distribution and for later updates.

Retain the tested-unit identification, raw results, calculations and rationale behind the certified ratings. Keep commercial literature consistent with those values. When an importer or authorised third party submits information, agree how the responsible business receives the final report and maintains access to supporting records.

• Use a release checklist that compares labels, reports and sales data.

Changes to compressors, controls, insulation or other performance-related components can affect a certified rating. Establish a trigger for engineering review before revised products ship. Track amendments affecting the product class and applicable reporting schedules rather than assuming the initial submission remains sufficient indefinitely.

• Investigate any performance discrepancy between production and tested samples.