The Department of Energy (DOE) regularly releases new rules aimed at reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the most recent 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you could wonder how these changes impact new AC units, energy efficiency and whether they’ll mean you need to replace your existing AC system. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the changes.
The new regulations, which took effect on January1, 2023, impact new AC units and heat pumps. These changes aim to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, generate more environmentally friendly options and establish new standards for refrigerants and testing methods.
All air conditioners and heat pumps receive a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicating the level of cooling output over a typical 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 system is, as it can remove the same amount of heat using less energy. This rating process has been an industry standard since the 1970s, allowing consumers to easily compare different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency desires.
Quite a few air conditioners also receive 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 account for seasonal changes and instead measures the unit’s efficiency during peak performance. EER is used for determining an AC unit’s performance during the hottest days of the year.
Heat pump heating efficiency is measured using the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). This ratio calculates the total heating required during the heating season (in BTUs) divided by the total watt-hours of electricity consumed. A lot like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating signifies greater energy efficiency. HSPF has been a standard heating efficiency calculation since the late 1980s.
SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the latest ways to measure air conditioner and heat pump efficiency. These new standards give homeowners a more reliable idea of their energy use when they purchase a particular AC unit or heat pump.
SEER2-compliant models also use updated refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to refrigerants used in the past. Outdated R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron) will be recovered and sold for fixing older units, but they won’t be allowed in new HVAC systems.
The changes in HVAC system testing criteria mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more accurate. They involve testing equipment under more practical field conditions, accounting for ductwork and static pressure, which SEER, EER and HSPF ratings don’t consider.
The new AC and heat pump energy efficiency requirements for 2023:
The first place to check is the yellow EnergyGuide label attached to the side of your air conditioner 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.
Units installed before 2023 will list a SEER rating. Those manufactured in 2022 or sooner but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All units manufactured and installed in 2023 or later will get a SEER2 rating.
Note that air conditioning systems manufactured before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant units are required from January 1 onward. If an installer breaks these rules and the DOE cites them, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit without charging the homeowner.
No, the change to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly constructed and installed HVAC units. There’s no legal need to replace your existing AC unit. However, if you’re looking to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on electricity bills and grant access to more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.
Whether you conclude now is the time to replace your existing AC system, or you want to keep your current air conditioner in top shape and going strong, Falso Service Experts can help. We’re very familiar with the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you select and install a compliant air conditioner or heat pump. We also perform reliable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not quite ready to replace your system.
When you reach out to Falso Service Experts, you’re partnering with a service provider that understands your needs. We are committed to your comfort, environmental sustainability and complete satisfaction.
Ready to switch to a SEER2-compliant AC? Still have questions? Call Falso Service Experts at 315-313-6531 today, and we’ll assist you every step of the way!
If your business or facility has appliances that run on gas, such as unit heaters in a warehouse or a rooftop unit and it’s been “red tagged" you’re probably frantically looking for answers as to what your options are now. No need to stress the experts at Service Experts Commercial HVAC are... Continue reading
Are you looking for a dependable, affordable home comfort system? If electricity is the best or only option available to you, a central heat pump or ductless mini-split could be a good choice. Both systems operate on electric power and run in heating and cooling modes for 365 days of... Continue reading
You have likely heard that having a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs. While this is genuinely true, you don’t immediately save just by swapping out your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To make the most of your savings, you should select, set up and... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
