Energy Department, freezer maker reach settlement over efficiency standards

The Energy Department, which has vowed to get tough on enforcement of federal appliance efficiency standards, has reached a consent decree with freezer maker Haier America that settles an investigation of the company's compliance.

The consent decree is the first that DoE has entered into to enforce the energy efficiency standards, which apply to a wide range of consumer and commercial appliances.

While under investigation by DoE, the company voluntarily identified a parts defect that caused certain freezer models to consume extra power. The company also halted distribution of the models and began repairing units in its custody, according to DoE.

Under the consent decree, the company will undertake new efforts to inform consumers that their freezers might be defective, agree to repair the units for free, extend the warranties for one year, and contribute $150,000 to the U.S. Treasury.