What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) continuously enacts rules targeted on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the latest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you could wonder how these changes impact new air conditioning systems, energy efficiency and the need to replace your existing AC system. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the changes.

Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?

The new guidelines, which took effect on January1, 2023, apply to new AC units and heat pumps. These updates are supposed to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, generate 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) specifying the level of cooling output over a typical cooling season (in British thermal units or BTUs) divided by the power consumed (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is, as it can remove the same quantity of heat using less energy. This rating process has been an industry standard since the 1970s, enabling consumers to easily evaluate different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency desires.

Some air conditioning units 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 assesses the unit’s efficiency during peak operation. EER is used for determining an AC unit’s abilities during the hottest days of the year.

Heat pump heating efficiency is measured 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 power consumed. Like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating signifies better energy efficiency. HSPF has been a standard heating efficiency metric 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 install a particular AC unit or heat pump.

SEER2-compliant units also use updated refrigerants with less global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to previously used refrigerants. Outdated R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron) will be recovered and sold for restoring older units, but they won’t be allowed in new HVAC systems.

What Are the New 2023 Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency?

The changes in HVAC system testing criteria mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more precise. They involve testing equipment under more accurate 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 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 attached to the side of your air conditioning unit or heat pump. You can also look for your air conditioner or heat pump’s make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.

Units installed before 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 units made and installed in 2023 or later will come with 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 onward. If an installer breaks these regulations 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 shift to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly manufactured and installed HVAC units. There’s no legal necessity to replace your existing 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

Regardless if you determine now is the time to replace your current AC system, or you want to keep your current air conditioning in top shape and going strong, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’re well-versed in the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you find and install a compliant air conditioner or heat pump. We also perform dependable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not quite ready to replace your system.

When you reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you’re partnering with a cooling and heating company that understands your needs. We are committed to your comfort, environmental sustainability and absolute satisfaction.

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