Understanding the New SEER 2 Rating and Why It Matters

Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword; it’s an important consideration for homeowners who are intent on saving money and who also want to promote environmental sustainability. The launch of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a significant shift in how we view cooling efficiency. These changes affect new HVAC installations as well as ongoing AC maintenance and repairs. Explore the nuances of these changes and how they apply to you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the conventional metric employed to calculate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the lower the operating charges.

SEER is computed by dividing the cooling output during a typical cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These computations are generated under special test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It applies modified testing practices to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Consequently, you can expect that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be lower, even though they evaluate the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A comparable cooling rating called the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also moving to a new standard called EER 2. Also, heat pumps have a heating-related rating for cold weather operation. It’s named heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more rigorous testing standards.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

Such changes probably will make you wonder—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has created different requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. As expected, the South has tighter requirements because this region relies more heavily on air conditioning. Here’s what to know when purchasing a new AC or heat pump:

The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Northern states is 14 SEER, which translates to 13.4 SEER 2.
The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Southern states is 15 SEER, which is equivalent to 14.3 SEER 2.
The 2023 minimum EER rating only applies to air conditioners installed in Southwestern states. It’s 12.2 EER, which is the same as 11.7 EER 2.
The 2023 minimum ratings for heat pumps apply nationwide. They are 15 SEER (14.3 SEER 2) and 8.8 HSPF (7.5 HSPF 2).

Why SEER 2 Matters for Homeowners

The switch to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is crucial for a number of reasons.

Cost Savings

The more exact measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units enable homeowners to make informed decisions about new HVAC installations, potentially leading to diminished energy bills over the system’s life span.

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient systems with a high SEER 2 rating consume significantly less energy. This reduces a building’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to the new SEER rating standards and recognizing the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Of course, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that satisfies new testing guidelines.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 ACs can still be installed in 2023, so long as they were produced before January 1. Having said that, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioning systems can be installed after January 1. If an installer breaches these regulations and is penalized by the DOE, they are required to replace the non-compliant AC unit at no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re looking to purchase a new air conditioner in 2023, you probably will see SEER or SEER 2 ratings shown on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, so long as it fulfills the regional minimum.

But, it’s vital to note that the new SEER rating standards only apply to systems acquired and installed after January 1, 2023. Existing systems installed before this date don’t need to be replaced if they still perform properly. This exception makes sure homeowners aren’t burdened by extra expenses but are still able to encourage future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Appreciating SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Rather, it’s about aligning your property with the changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more accurate measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners approach new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it concerns this emerging era of heating and cooling efficiency. Our devotion to excellence, professionalism and wallet-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From instructing homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to doing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Fort Lauderdale, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to make your decisions easier.

Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how we can help you adopt the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you set up a more energy-efficient home tailored to your needs and aligned with the future of air conditioning technology. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment for air conditioning service in Fort Lauderdale.