What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) continuously enacts rules aimed at reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the most recent 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you may wonder how the new rules impact new air conditioning systems, energy efficiency and whether they’ll mean you need to replace your home’s AC system. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic.

Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?

The new regulations, which took effect on January1, 2023, cover new air conditioning systems and heat pumps. These modifications aim to standardize and optimize energy efficiency, create more environmentally friendly options and establish 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 normal 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 amount of heat using less energy. This rating process has been an industry standard since the 1970s, empowering consumers to easily analyze different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency desires.

Some air conditioners 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 account for seasonal changes and instead evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak operation. EER is used for calculating an AC unit’s abilities during the hottest days of the year.

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

How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?

SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the newest ways to evaluate AC and heat pump efficiency. These brand-new standards give homeowners a more accurate picture of their energy use when they buy 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 refrigerants used in the past. 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 cooling systems.

What Are the New 2023 Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency?

The changes in HVAC system evaluation criteria mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more exact. They include testing equipment under more practical field conditions, accounting for ductwork and static pressure, which SEER, EER and HSPF ratings don’t consider.

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 check out is the yellow EnergyGuide label attached to the side of your AC 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.

Models installed earlier than 2023 will have a SEER rating. Those manufactured in 2022 or sooner but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All systems manufactured and installed in 2023 or later will get a SEER2 rating.

Notice that air conditioning systems made before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant models are required from January 1 forward. If a heating and cooling professional breaks these policies and the DOE cites them, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit free of charge to 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 necessity to replace your current AC unit. But, if you’re planning to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on electricity bills and provide you with 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 home’s AC system, or you want to keep your current air conditioner 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 select and install a compliant air conditioning or heat pump. We also perform dependable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.

When you choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, you’re partnering with a service provider that understands your needs. We are devoted to your comfort, environmental sustainability and absolute satisfaction.

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