Discover How The New Standards Impact You & Your Home
With the calendar having clicked over to 2023, there’s a major change to HVAC energy-efficiency standards with the implementation of SEER2.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and the SEER2 regulations replace the original SEER guidelines. The new guidance requires all new heating & air conditioning installed to conform to a more stringent set of efficiency goals. The idea is that reduced power consumption will improve comfort and protect the environment. For the first time, the standards incorporate data about the various climates across the country, bringing different requirements for different regions.
That’s all well and good, but how does it affect your home and its level of comfort?
The good news is that the higher required efficiency ratings mean that any new HVAC unit installed will consume less power to produce the same temperatures – meaning you’ll save on your monthly utility bills. Less energy consumption also means less negative impact on the environment.
Unfortunately, the advanced technology needed to meet these requirements means installation costs will go up. It’s important to speak to one of the experts at Innovative Air Pros to learn more so you can make informed decisions about your comfort.
What Are The New SEER2 Standards?
SEER2 features a new way of calculating the efficiency ratings of an HVAC unit, so we will provide the new rating as well as the equivalent old rating.
Air Conditioning Condensing Units
In the North region of the country, the minimum efficiency increases from 13.0 SEER to 13.4 SEER2 (Eq. 14.0 SEER); meanwhile the South and Southwest regions see higher standards, moving from 14.0 SEER to 14.3 SEER2 (Eq. 15.0 SEER).
Units manufactured before January 1st, 2023 with a 13.0 SEER can be installed in the North region, but not in the South and Southwest; units in that area that meet the old requirements must be sold to markets in the North.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps do not have regional requirements; instead, their new minimum ratings will be the same across the country. Heat pumps manufactured after January 1st, 2023 must have a minimum 14.3 SEER2 (Eq. 15.0 SEER). Units that have a 14.0 SEER rating can still be put in throughout all regions.
Single Packaged Units
A single packaged unit must meet the minimum rating of 13.4 SEER2 (Eq. 14.0 SEER). 14.0 SEER units can still be installed nationwide.
Mini-Splits
The new requirements for ductless mini-split HVAC systems are the same as those for air conditioner condensing units, including the variations by region.
Here is a very handy listing of all the new requirements, as well as further information about the implementation of SEER2.
Innovative Air Pros Is Here To Guide You Through
Have further questions about SEER2? Interested in a new AC system for your home? Innovative Air Pros has you covered. Send us a message online or give us a call at 918-205-1613 today!
