What to Know About the New Federal Regulations for Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy (DOE) regularly releases new rules targeted on reducing energy consumption and pollution in the United States. With the latest 2023 HVAC regulatory changes now in effect, you might wonder how these changes impact new AC units, energy efficiency and if they mean you will have to replace your home’s AC system. Here are the answers to many of the frequently asked questions on this topic.

Why Did the DOE Make HVAC Regulatory Changes?

The new rules, which took effect on January1, 2023, cover new air conditioning systems and heat pumps. These updates 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 receive a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicating the level of cooling output in British thermal units or BTUs over a typical 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 quantity of heat using less energy. This rating process 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.

Quite a few air conditioning units also earn 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 evaluates the unit’s efficiency during peak use. EER is used for identifying an air conditioner’s operation during the hottest days of the year.

Heat pump heating efficiency is tested using 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. Similar to SEER and EER, a higher HSPF rating signifies better energy efficiency. HSPF has been a standard heating efficiency measurement since the late 1980s.

How Are SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 Different?

SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 are the latest ways to assess air conditioning and heat pump efficiency. These brand-new standards give homeowners a more reliable picture of their energy use when they buy 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 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 realistic 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 look is the yellow EnergyGuide label on the side of your AC or heat pump. You can also search for your system's make and model on the DOE’s Energy Compliance Certification Database.

Models installed prior to 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 units manufactured and installed in 2023 or later will come with a SEER2 rating.

Notice that air conditioners made before 2023 can only be installed in the Northern U.S. In the South, SEER2-compliant models are required from January 1 onward. If an HVAC company breaks these rules and the DOE punishes them, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit without billing the homeowner.

Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC System?

No, the switch to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 only affects newly constructed and installed HVAC units. There’s no legal necessity to replace your home's air conditioner. Having said that, if you’re looking 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 Longmont

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 select and install a compliant air conditioner or heat pump. We also perform quality air conditioning maintenance and repairs if you’re not prepared 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 devoted to your comfort, environmental sustainability and utter satisfaction.

Ready to switch to a SEER2-compliant HVAC unit? Still have questions? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-647-5749 today, and we’ll assist you each step of the way!