This paper summarizes the energy efficiency standards of air conditioning and heat pumps in China. The relationships between seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)

integrated part load value (IPLV)

and annual performance factor (APF) are expounded. The development process of energy efficiency (grade) standards is analyzed. The air-cooled air-conditioning and heat pump change from single operating conditions using the energy efficiency ratio (EER) or coefficient of performance (COP)

to a SEER and heating season performance factor (HSPF)

whereas the water-cooled air-conditioning and heat pump change from single operating conditions using COP to an integrated part load value. This paper puts forward the three-stage IPLV(H) recommended value of a low ambient temperature air-source heat pump. The current situation and problems in the energy efficiency standards are pointed out. For example

theoretical knowledge needs be strengthened

the evaluation indicators are not unified

some of the energy efficiency standards are deficient

and other energy efficiency standards do not correspond to the product standards. A direction for the energy efficiency standards is also suggested.