The White House has announced new energy-efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners and heat pumps that will save businesses billions and slash pollution levels. Starting in 2018, the minimum efficiency ratings for commercial HVAC market air conditioners and furnaces will rise 13%. In 2023, they will increase another 15% for  units used in HVAC construction. The Obama administration estimates that the new green HVAC requirements will save U.S. businesses $167 billion and cut carbon pollution by 885 .metric tons in coming years. Officials point out that the new standards were developed with HVAC sales groups’ input, including the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which represents HVAC market equipment manufacturers.