Energy Code Ace - I need to learn how to use California’s appliance efficiency database

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The Modern Appliance Efficiency Database (MAEDbS) allows you to verify which models of regulated products are legal to sell or offer for sale in California. Manufacturers must test their Title 20-regulated products using required test methods and certify the results to the California Energy Commission's (CEC) MAEDbS. If an appliance is listed in the MAEDbS, it is legal. The CEC uses the MAEDbS to verify compliance for products and issue penalties to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who sell or offer for sale non-compliant products.

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Appliance manufacturers, their third-party certifiers, or their test labs must use the MAEDbS to certify that their regulated products comply with Title 20 prior to selling or offering their products for sale in California.

Retailers, distributors, and installers must use the MAEDbS to verify that the products they sell are compliant prior to selling or offering them for sale in California. Anyone from the public may search the MAEDbS to confirm if a product has been properly certified or not. Users do not need to create an account in MAEDbS if they are only searching for products.

When builders, designers, and contractors are specifying or purchasing appliances that are regulated by Title 20, they must verify that the products are listed in the MAEDbS. In addition, the Energy Code also includes requirements for lamps and luminaires, specifically in residential occupancies that require a building permit to have high-efficacy light sources installed.

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To find out more about how to search the MAEDbS, take this On-demand Energy Code Ace training or see our MAEDbS 101 factsheet - which details how to do quick searches and detailed dives.

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If your company is found selling noncompliant 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, gain access to a leading consumer appliance market, and ensure that their customers have efficient appliances that are affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

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