The Department of Energy (DOE) continuously enacts rules targeted on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the newest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you may wonder if the changes impact new air conditioners, energy efficiency and whether they'll mean you need to replace your home's AC system. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on the changes.
Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?
The new guidelines, which took effect on January1, 2023, impact new air conditioners and heat pumps. These modifications are designed to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, generate more environmentally friendly options and establish new standards for refrigerants and testing methods.
How Is Heating and Cooling Efficiency Measured?
All air conditioners and heat pumps receive a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicating the level of cooling output over a regular cooling season (in British thermal units or BTUs) divided by the power consumed (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the model is, as it can remove the same level of heat using less energy. This rating system has been an industry standard since the 1970s, enabling consumers to easily compare different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency requirements.
Quite a few air conditioning units also earn an energy efficiency ratio (EER) calculated by dividing the cooling output (BTUs per hour) by the electrical power input (in watts) at a single point in time. Unlike SEER, EER does not take into account seasonal changes and instead evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak operation. EER is used for calculating an air conditioner's abilities during the hottest days of the year.
Heat pump heating efficiency is judged with the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). This ratio figures the total heating required during the heating season (in BTUs) divided by the total watt-hours of power consumed. A lot like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating indicates better energy efficiency. HSPF has been a common heating efficiency metric since the late 1980s.
How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?
SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the most recent ways to evaluate AC and heat pump efficiency. These brand-new standards give homeowners a more accurate idea of their energy use when they buy a particular AC unit or heat pump.
SEER2-compliant designs also use updated refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to previously used refrigerants. Outdated R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron) will be recovered and sold for repairing older units, but they won’t be allowed in new HVAC systems.
What Are the New 2023 Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency?
The changes in HVAC system evaluation criteria mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more accurate. They involve testing equipment under more accurate field conditions, accounting for ductwork and static pressure, which SEER, EER and HSPF ratings don’t factor into calculations.
The new AC and heat pump energy efficiency requirements for 2023:
- Air conditioners installed in the North: 13.4 SEER2 (14 SEER)
- Air conditioners installed in the South: 14.3 SEER2 (15 SEER)
- Air conditioners installed in the Southwest: 14.3 SEER2 (15 SEER) & 11.7 EER2 (12.2 EER)
- Heat pumps installed nationwide: 14.3 SEER2 (15 SEER) & 7.5 HSPF2 (8.8 HSPF)
How Do I Find My Current HVAC Efficiency Rating?
The first place to check out is the yellow EnergyGuide label attached to the side of your air conditioning unit or heat pump. You can also search for your air conditioner or heat pump's make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.
Systems installed before 2023 will have a SEER rating. Those manufactured in 2022 or earlier but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All systems constructed and installed in 2023 or later will have a SEER2 rating.
Note that air conditioners manufactured before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant systems are required from January 1 and afterward. If a heating and cooling professional violates these policies and the DOE punishes them, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit without charging the homeowner.
Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?
No, the shift to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly made and installed HVAC units. There isn't any legal necessity to replace your home's cooling system. Having said that, if you’re wanting to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on electricity bills and provide you with more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.
Partner with Service Experts For HVAC Service in the U.S
Whether you determine now is the time to replace your home's AC system, or you want to keep your current system in top shape and going strong, Service Experts can help. We’re well-versed in the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you find and install a compliant AC or heat pump. We also perform reliable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.
When you work with Service Experts, you’re partnering with a service provider that understands your needs. We are committed to your comfort, environmental sustainability and absolute satisfaction.
Eager to switch to a SEER2-compliant AC? Still have questions? Call Service Experts at (866) 963-7996 today, and we’ll assist you every step of the way!
