New 2023 SEER HVAC Standards

01/04/23

Does your heating or air conditioning system need replacement? If your unit is getting older, it’s time to consider new HVAC equipment for your home — and the new changes to Department of Energy efficiency standards may affect your product selection and replacement timing.

The new standards took effect on Jan. 1, 2023, so here’s what that means for you.

What’s a SEER Rating?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the ratio of cooling output over the energy it uses, measured in watt-hours. A higher SEER rating equals greater efficiency, and through 2022, the minimum rating for new HVAC installations was 14.0 for the Southern region.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, split system ACs under 45K Btu/h now require ratings of 15.0 SEER and 14.3 SEER 2. Split system ACs equal to or greater than 45K Btu/h will need ratings of 14.5 SEER and 13.8 SEER 2.

Heat pumps use a different rating system called Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which increased from 8.2 HSPF to 8.8 HSPF 2. Furnaces are rated on Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which went from 80% to 81%.

The Department of Energy reevaluates current HVAC technology, cost, and efficiency to adjust rating requirements to advance emission reduction goals.

What Does This Mean for Our Customers?

The most common concern for those finding out about new SEER minimum required ratings is that they’ll have to go out and purchase new equipment to meet the updated standards. Rest assured — the rating requirements only apply to newly manufactured units. That means you can keep your system in use through the end of its useful life cycle, regardless of its SEER rating.

However, unless your system is brand new, it’s worth looking at the new, more efficient equipment hitting the market so you can plan for eventual replacement. If you know you’ll need a new AC or heating unit soon, be aware that your budget may have to change.

Higher efficiency HVAC equipment is almost always a greater upfront cost, but it’s absorbed relatively quickly by the energy savings you’ll accumulate from day one. There’s also the Inflation Reduction Act provision that offers rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient systems when it’s time to replace any of your HVAC systems.

HVAC Questions? Contact Caffi Services

Federal changes like these recent updates to energy efficiency requirements can be confusing, but in this case, the consumer comes out on top. Starting in 2023, manufacturers will only be able to sell higher-efficiency products, which means all your options will save you money on energy bills.

Contact Caffi Services today to learn more about air conditioning and heating efficiency and which systems are best for your needs.