What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) frequently enacts rules targeted on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the newest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you might wonder how these changes impact new air conditioning systems, energy efficiency and the need to replace your current 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 conditioners and heat pumps. These updates are supposed 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 get a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicating the level of cooling output in British thermal units or BTUs over a regular cooling season divided by the power consumed. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is, as it can remove the same level of heat using a lesser amount of energy. This rating method has been an industry standard since the 1970s, empowering consumers to easily assess different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency needs.

Some air conditioners also receive 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 take into account seasonal changes and instead evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak performance. EER is used for identifying an air conditioner’s operation during the hottest days of the year.

Heat pump heating efficiency is judged with 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 energy consumed. A lot like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating shows greater energy efficiency. HSPF has been a traditional heating efficiency metric since the late 1980s.

How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?

SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the most recent ways to determine AC and heat pump efficiency. These cutting-edge standards give homeowners a more precise idea of their energy use when they purchase a particular AC unit or heat pump.

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

Units installed before 2023 will list a SEER rating. Those produced in 2022 or sooner but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All models made and installed in 2023 or later will have a SEER2 rating.

Know that air conditioning systems manufactured before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant systems are required from January 1 and afterward. If a heating and cooling professional breaks these regulations and the DOE disciplines them, they must replace the non-compliant air conditioner without billing the homeowner.

Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?

No, the switch to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly manufactured and installed HVAC units. There’s no legal necessity to replace your current cooling system. But, if you’re looking to upgrade, meeting the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes will save you money on energy bills and comes with more advanced features, including smart thermostats and zoning.

Partner with Atmostemp Service Experts For HVAC Service in Voorhees

Regardless if you think now is the time to replace your home's AC system, or you want to keep your current system in top shape and going strong, Atmostemp Service Experts can help. We’re on top of 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 reputable air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not quite ready to replace your system.

When you choose Atmostemp Service Experts, 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 HVAC unit? Still have questions? Call Atmostemp Service Experts at 856-310-4824 today, and we’ll assist you each and every step of the way!