DOE HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratings Changing 2023
Energy efficiency standards for air conditioning and heat pump systems will change in 2023. But does it mean homeowners should rush to invest in new HVAC systems?
Maybe, so. This helps to stay informed about these changes so you can plan ahead. Watch the video below to learn more about how the HVAC energy efficiency ratings are changing in 2023:
An Overview of the Changes
The Department of Energy is increasing the minimum efficiency ratings for HVAC systems, which vary depending on geographic regions.
2023 Minimum Efficiencies
| REGION | SYSTEM TYPE | CURRENT MINIMUM | NEW MINIMUM WITH M RATINGS |
NEW MINIMUM WITH M1 RATINGS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Region | Split System AC | 13.0 SEER | 14.0 SEER | 13.4 SEER2 |
| Southeast Region | Split System AC (AC < 45k Btu/h) |
14.0 SEER | 15.0 SEER | 14.3 SEER2 |
| Split System AC (AC ≥ 45k Btu/h) |
14.0 SEER | 15.0 SEER | 14.3 SEER2 | |
| Southwest Region | Split System AC (AC < 45k Btu/h) |
14.0 SEER | 15.0 SEER | 14.3 SEER2 |
| 12.2 EER | 12.2 EER* | 11.7 EER2** | ||
| Split System AC (AC ≥ 45k Btu/h) |
14.0 SEER | 14.5 SEER | 13.8 SEER2 | |
| 11.7 EER | 11.7 EER* | 11.2 EER2** | ||
| National | Split System HP | 14.0 SEER | 15.0 SEER | 14.3 SEER2 |
| 8.2 HSPF | 8.8 HSPF | 7.5 HSPF2 | ||
| SPC AC and Gas Electric (EER applies to SW only) |
14.0 SEER | 14.0 SEER | 13.4 SEER2 | |
| 11.0 EER | 11.0 EER | 10.8 EER2 | ||
| SPP HP and Dual- Fuel HP |
14.0 SEER | 14.0 SEER | 13.4 SEER2 | |
| 8.0 HSPF | 8.0 HSPF | 6.7 HSPF2 |
* 10.2 EER if the equipment is at or above 16.0 SEER
** 9.8 EER2 if the equipment is at or above 15.2 SEER2
SEER2 (M1): What Does It Mean?
New testing procedures are set for SEER2. These procedures will consider static pressure and ductwork, which were not included in the past tests.
SEER2 (M1) will establish that any newly manufactured residential and commercial HVAC equipment, including furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners, meet the required minimum energy efficiency standards. The requirements for single-phase residential and light commercial AC systems will differ by region. This new standard will take effect in 2023.
Your trusted HVAC dealer can further explain if there are other requirements for your region.
Effectivity of the New Regulations
The Department of Energy will implement and enforce these new efficiency standards for split AC systems and split-system heat pumps on January 1, 2023.
The Need for Changes
The Department of Energy evaluates the current innovations and technologies at least every six years. They assess their efficiency and the costs involved in using such technology. The goal is to achieve the right balance between costs and efficiency.
Efficient systems may be costly upfront, but they can give you better savings in the long run by reducing the amount of energy required for heating and cooling.
What’s Next for Homeowners?
As a homeowner, there is nothing left for you to do. But it’s advantageous to know that HVAC manufacturers must comply with these new standards in the coming year. In line with that, you should see new terminologies and labels on air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Precision Air & Plumbing Can Help!
Do you have questions about these new energy efficiency standards? Are you planning to invest in new heating or cooling equipment in 2023? Reach out to the experts at Precision Air & Plumbing. We can explain everything you should know about these new HVAC regulations and standards.
