NOM-015-ENER-2018 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes energy efficiency requirements, test methods, and labeling specifications for household refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers operated by hermetic motor-compressors. The standard aims to promote energy conservation, reduce environmental impact, and provide consumers with clear information about appliance energy performance.

Scope and Applicability:

The standard applies to:

  • Household refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers with a capacity up to 1,104 liters (39 ft3).
  • Household freezers with a capacity up to 850 liters (30 ft3).
  • New appliances sold in Mexico, whether domestically produced or imported, powered by hermetic motor-compressors.

Exclusions:

  • Commercial refrigeration units covered by NOM-022-ENER/SCFI-2014 (e.g., self-contained commercial refrigerators).
  • Specialty products like wine coolers, water dispensers, or water coolers.
  • Appliances not intended for household use.

Key Requirements:

1. **Energy Efficiency Limits**:

  • Sets maximum energy consumption limits (in kWh/year) based on appliance type, capacity, and configuration (e.g., top-freezer, side-by-side).
  • Limits are tiered by volume and implemented in stages:
    – Stage 1 (June 24, 2019): Applied to units ≥550 liters.
    – Stage 2 (June 17, 2020): Extended to units ≥400 liters.
    – Stage 3 (June 12, 2021): Covered all units within scope, requiring full compliance with updated limits.

2. Test Methods:

  • Specifies standardized procedures to measure energy consumption and calculate refrigerated volume, based on Mexican standards (e.g., NMX-J-521 series) and aligned with international protocols (e.g., IEC or AHAM methods).
  • Tests include:
  • Energy consumption under controlled conditions (e.g., 32°C ambient temperature).
  • Volume measurement for refrigerated and freezer compartments.
  • Verification of performance factors like temperature stability.

3. Labeling:

  • Requires an energy consumption label on each appliance, displaying:
  • Annual energy use (kWh/year).
  • Total refrigerated volume (liters).
  • Appliance type and model.
  • Efficiency rating or comparison metrics (e.g., relative to maximum allowed consumption).
  • Labels must be in Spanish, legible, and affixed visibly to the product at the point of sale.
  • Manufacturer or importer name, country of origin, and compliance with NOM-015-ENER-2018 must also be included.

4. Compliance:

  • Manufacturers and importers must obtain a Certificate of Conformity from accredited certification bodies through testing by approved laboratories.
  • Compliance is verified at customs for imports and through market surveillance by PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Agency).

Purpose and Enforcement:

The standard supports Mexico’s energy efficiency goals by reducing electricity demand from household appliances, which are significant energy consumers. It encourages manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies (e.g., better insulation, efficient compressors) and informs consumers via standardized labels.

Enforcement involves:

  • Customs checks for import compliance.
  • Market inspections by PROFECO and the Comisión Nacional para el Uso Eficiente de la Energía (CONUEE).
  • Penalties for non-compliance, including fines, product seizures, or sales bans.

Energy Certifications