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.
We want to help you learn about about all things air conditioning and heating! Have any questions or want to see us write about something? Give us a call, chat, or email and we'll do our best to help you out.
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