What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) regularly implements 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 if the changes impact new AC units, energy efficiency and whether they’ll mean you need to replace your current AC system. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on these new standards.

Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?

The new regulations, which took effect on January1, 2023, apply to new AC units and heat pumps. These updates are designed 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 receive a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) specifying the level of cooling output in British thermal units or BTUs over a normal cooling season divided by the power consumed. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the model is, as it can remove the same level of heat using a reduced level of energy. This rating method has been an industry standard since the 1970s, allowing consumers to easily analyze different AC units and choose ones that meet their energy efficiency desires.

Quite a few ACs 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 factor in seasonal changes and instead measures the unit’s efficiency during peak use. EER is used for identifying an air conditioning system's abilities during the hottest days of the year.

Heat pump heating efficiency is tested with the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). This ratio calculates the total heating required during the heating season (in BTUs) divided by the total watt-hours of power consumed. A lot like SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating indicates 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 newest ways to evaluate air conditioner and heat pump efficiency. These brand-new standards give homeowners a more precise idea of their energy use when they purchase a particular AC unit or heat pump.

SEER2-compliant models 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 repairing 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 assessment specifications mean SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are more precise. They require testing equipment under more accurate field conditions, accounting for ductwork and static pressure, which SEER, EER and HSPF ratings don’t consider.

The new air conditioning 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 AC or heat pump. You can also look for your system's make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.

Systems installed prior to 2023 will show a SEER rating. Those produced in 2022 or earlier but installed after January 1, 2023, will also have a SEER rating. All systems produced and installed in 2023 or later will get a SEER2 rating.

Note that AC models 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 HVAC company violates these guidelines and the DOE disciplines them, they must replace the non-compliant air conditioning free of charge to the homeowner.

Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?

No, the switch to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only places restrictions on newly manufactured and installed HVAC units. There is not a legal necessity to replace your home's cooling system. Having said that, 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 Ocala

Whether you think now is the time to replace your home's 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 on top of the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes and testing requirements, so we can help you select and install a compliant air conditioner or heat pump. We also perform quality air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not looking to replace your system.

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

Prepared to switch to a SEER2-compliant cooling system? Still have questions? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 352-414-4006 today, and we’ll assist you each step of the way!