What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) frequently releases new rules focused on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the newest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you could wonder if the changes impact new AC units, energy efficiency and the need to replace your existing AC system. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on these new standards.

Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?

The new rules, which took effect on January1, 2023, apply to new air conditioning systems and heat pumps. These changes are designed to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, create more environmentally friendly options and develop 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 over a normal cooling season (in British thermal units or BTUs) divided by the energy consumed (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is, as it can remove the same amount of heat using a lesser amount of energy. This rating method 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.

Some air conditioning units 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 account for seasonal changes and instead evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak performance. EER is used for identifying an air conditioner’s abilities during the hottest days of the year.

Heat pump heating efficiency is tested utilizing the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). This ratio figures the total heating required during the heating season (in BTUs) divided by the total watt-hours of power consumed. A lot like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating signifies greater energy efficiency. HSPF has been a common heating efficiency calculation since the late 1980s.

How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?

SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the most recent ways to evaluate air conditioning and heat pump efficiency. These new standards give homeowners a more reliable picture of their energy use when they buy a particular AC unit or heat pump.

SEER2-compliant units also use updated refrigerants with reduced 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 assessment requirements mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more exact. 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 AC and heat pump energy efficiency requirements 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 stuck to the side of your air conditioner or heat pump. You can also check for your air conditioner or heat pump’s make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.

Systems installed earlier than 2023 will have a SEER rating. Those made in 2022 or before but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All models constructed and installed in 2023 or later will have a SEER2 rating.

Know that AC models made before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant units are required from January 1 forward. If an installer breaks these guidelines 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 switch to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly made and installed HVAC units. There isn’t any legal requirement to replace your current AC unit. Having said that, if you’re wanting to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on energy bills and grant access to more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.

Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning For HVAC Service in Fort Lauderdale

No matter if you determine now is the time to replace your current AC system, or you want to keep your current system in top shape and going strong, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 AC or heat pump. We also perform dependable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.

When you reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you’re partnering with an HVAC company that understands your needs. We are dedicated to your comfort, environmental sustainability and utter satisfaction.

Eager to switch to a SEER2-compliant cooling system? Still have questions? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today, and we’ll assist you every single step of the way!