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 keen on saving money and who also want to help improve environmental sustainability. The release of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a substantial shift in how we view cooling efficiency. Release of the new calculations affects new HVAC installations as well as ongoing AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the intricacies of these changes and why they matter to you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the conventional metric utilized to evaluate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the less the operating expenses. SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output during a normal cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These computations are done under precise test conditions to establish consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It applies revised testing practices to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Because of this, you should be prepared to see that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be lower, even though they reflect the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A similar cooling rating known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also moving to a new standard called EER 2. And, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that applies to wintertime performance. It’s named heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more exacting testing criteria.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

All these changes may make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has established different requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. Needless to say, the South has stricter requirements because this region has to depend more heavily on cooling systems. Here’s what consumers need to know when buying a new air conditioner 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 allow homeowners to make good decisions about new HVAC installations, likely leading to reduced energy bills over the system’s life span.

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient systems with a high SEER 2 rating use significantly less energy. This reduces your property's carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the latest SEER rating standards and recognizing the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Please remember, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that satisfies new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioners can still be installed in 2023, as long as they were manufactured before January 1. Having said that, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant AC units can be installed after January 1. If an installer ignores these regulations and is cited by the DOE, they have to replace the non-compliant AC unit with no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re thinking about buying a new air conditioner in 2023, you may see SEER or SEER 2 ratings indicated on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, so long as it meets the regional minimum.

But, it’s imperative to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain to systems bought and installed after January 1, 2023. Any HVAC systems installed earlier than this date don’t need to be replaced if they still work properly. This exception ensures homeowners aren’t strained by unnecessary expenses but are still able to support future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Atmostemp Service Experts

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

Atmostemp Service Experts is ahead of the curve when it concerns this latest era of heating and cooling efficiency. Our commitment to excellence, professionalism and affordable financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can proceed with confidence. From educating homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to providing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Voorhees, the team at Atmostemp Service Experts is here to help.

Reach out to Atmostemp Service Experts to discover how we can help you adopt the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you develop a more energy-efficient home customized to your needs and aligned with the future of HVAC technology. Call 856-310-4824 today to get your appointment for air conditioning service in Voorhees.