The Department of Energy (DOE) continuously implements rules targeted on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the most recent 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you could wonder if the changes impact new air conditioning systems, energy efficiency and the need to replace your existing AC system. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the changes.
Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?
The new guidelines, which took effect on January1, 2023, apply to new AC units and heat pumps. These changes are supposed to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, produce 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 get a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicating the level of cooling output in British thermal units or BTUs over a normal cooling season divided by the power consumed. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is, as it can remove the same quantity of heat using a reduced level of energy. This rating method has been an industry standard since the 1970s, empowering consumers to easily evaluate different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency requirements.
Many air conditioners 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 factor in seasonal changes and instead evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak use. EER is used for identifying an air conditioner’s performance during the hottest days of the year.
Heat pump heating efficiency is tested with the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). This ratio finds the total heating required during the heating season (in BTUs) divided by the total watt-hours of electricity consumed. Similar to SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating means better energy efficiency. HSPF has been a standard heating efficiency measurement since the late 1980s.
How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?
SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the latest ways to evaluate air conditioning and heat pump efficiency. These cutting-edge standards give homeowners a more reliable picture of their energy use when they purchase a particular AC unit or heat pump.
SEER2-compliant designs also use updated refrigerants with less global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to previous refrigerants. Outdated R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron) will be recovered and sold for fixing older units, but they won’t be allowed in new Air conditioning systems.
What Are the New 2023 Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency?
The changes in HVAC system testing specifications mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more precise. They involve testing equipment under more practical field conditions, accounting for ductwork and static pressure, which SEER, EER and HSPF ratings don’t take into consideration.
The new air conditioner and heat pump energy efficiency regulations 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 on the side of your air conditioner or heat pump. You can also search for your system's make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.
Models installed prior to 2023 will list a SEER rating. Those manufactured in 2022 or earlier but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All systems produced and installed in 2023 or later will have a SEER2 rating.
Know that air conditioners made before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant models are required from January 1 onward. If an HVAC company breaches these guidelines and the DOE cites them, they must replace the non-compliant air conditioner free of charge to the homeowner.
Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?
No, the switch to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only impacts newly made and installed HVAC units. There’s no legal necessity to replace your current cooling system. However, if you’re looking to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on electric bills and provide you with more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.
Partner with Strogen's Service Experts For HVAC Service in Rochester
Whether you decide now is the time to replace your existing AC system, or you want to keep your current system in top shape and going strong, Strogen's Service Experts can help. We’re very familiar with the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you pick out and install a compliant air conditioning or heat pump. We also perform reputable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.
When you reach out to Strogen's Service Experts, you’re partnering with a cooling and heating company that understands your needs. We are dedicated to your comfort, environmental sustainability and total satisfaction.
Prepared to switch to a SEER2-compliant cooling system? Still have questions? Call Strogen's Service Experts at 603-923-4570 today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way!