The Department of Energy (DOE) continuously releases new rules focused on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the latest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you may wonder if the changes impact new air conditioners, energy efficiency and the need to replace your home’s AC system. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?
The new regulations, which took effect on January1, 2023, cover new air conditioning systems and heat pumps. These changes 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 have 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 electricity consumed. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the model is, as it can remove the same quantity of heat using less energy. This rating system has been an industry standard since the 1970s, empowering consumers to easily compare different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency desires.
Quite a few ACs also have 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 measures the unit’s efficiency during peak performance. EER is used for identifying an air conditioner’s performance during the hottest days of the year.
Heat pump heating efficiency is tested using 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 energy consumed. Similar to SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating signifies greater 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 newest ways to assess air conditioning and heat pump efficiency. These new standards give homeowners a more precise picture of their energy use when they purchase a particular AC unit or heat pump.
SEER2-compliant models 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 repairing 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 evaluation requirements 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 factor into calculations.
The new AC 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 look is the yellow EnergyGuide label attached to the side of your air conditioner or heat pump. You can also look for your unit’s make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.
Models installed prior to 2023 will list a SEER rating. Those made in 2022 or sooner but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All models made and installed in 2023 or later will get a SEER2 rating.
Know that air conditioners made before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant systems are required from January 1 forward. If an installer violates these policies and the DOE cites them, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit without charging the homeowner.
Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?
No, the change to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only impacts newly made and installed HVAC units. There is not a legal necessity to replace your existing air conditioner. However, if you’re looking to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on electric bills and grant access to more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.
Partner with Parker Pearce Service Experts For HVAC Service in Gaithersburg
Regardless if you think 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, Parker Pearce Service Experts can help. We’re on top of the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you pick out and install a compliant air conditioner or heat pump. We also perform reliable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.
When you choose Parker Pearce Service Experts, you’re partnering with an HVAC company that understands your needs. We are fully committed to your comfort, environmental sustainability and utter satisfaction.
Ready to switch to a SEER2-compliant cooling system? Still have questions? Call Parker Pearce Service Experts at 301-476-4577 today, and we’ll assist you each and every step of the way!