California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations, or also known as Title20, set minimum performance requirements for energy and water saving appliances. In August 2015, the CA Energy Commission (CEC) launched the Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDbS). It allows us to verify which models of regulated products are legal to sell or offer for sale in California.
Who uses the MAEDbS?
– Manufacturers
– Third Party Labs
– Distributors, Retailers & Installers
– Consumers
Which Product Types are included in MAEDbS?
All products regulated by Title20 and/or the US DOE must be certified to the MAEDbS. In addition, federally regulated products must also be certified to the DOE’s Compliance Certification Management System (CCMS). Notes: If a manufacturer, distributor or retailer sells both state and federally regulated products in California, the MAEDbS can be used to verify compliance with both.
Currently, there are 26 general product categories of appliance types found on the MAEDbS, including:
- Air Conditioners, Heating Equipment & Fans
- Battery Charger Systems
- Clothes, Washers & Dryers
- Computers & Monitors
- Cooking Products and Food Service Equipment
- Dish washers
- Distribution Transformer
- Electric Motors
- External Power Supplies
- Landscape Irrigation Equipment
- Lighting Products
- Plumbing Fitting and Fixture Products
- Pool & Spa Equipment
- Refrigerators, Refrigerator-freezers
- Televisions, and Consumers Audio/Video Equipment
- Water Heater Products
For the Lighting Products category, here is the list of the items:
How do I use the Appliance Efficiency Database (MAEDbS)?
Visit the MAEDbS website (http://bit.ly/MAEDbS)
Once you are in the MAEDbS, there are two search options to choose from:
– Quick Search
– Advanced Search
Quick Search is the best search option if you have a particular product you would like to verify. It allows users to search by one or all the following filters: By Model Number, By Appliance Type or Status, By Company, By Brand
Advanced Search allows users to search by category, appliance type and appliance status, just like with the quick search. However, the Advanced option includes two additional search functionalities – selecting fields to display and using filters.
What happens if I sell a non-compliant product?
If a company is found selling non-compliant products, the CEC can administer fines up to $2,500 per unit sold. By verifying that all Title 20-regulated products are compliant, distributors, retailers, and installers will avoid enforcement fines.
