If you’re planning on replacing your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace within the next year, the federal efficiency rating changes might affect your budget and timing for a replacement.
Effective January 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy is raising the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) minimum required rating. SEER measures the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
All newly manufactured units must be at least 15 SEER in the Southwest, including Arizona. Heat pump and furnace ratings will increase as well.
AC units with a 14 SEER energy efficiency rating will not be manufactured after 2022, so they will gradually disappear from the market over the next few months.
If you wait to replace your HVAC equipment till late spring or summer 2023, you’ll get a more efficient system with a 15 SEER rating that allows you to save more on your monthly energy bills, but you’ll pay a higher initial cost.
What Are the New Efficiency Regulations?
The 2023 regulations include two significant changes:
1. Rating Increases for New HVAC Equipment
- Air conditioner ratings will increase from 13.4 (14) SEER to 14.3 (15) SEER2.
- Heat pump ratings will increase from 8.2 HSPF to 8.8 HSPF2.
- Furnace ratings will increase from 80% to 81% AFUE.
2. More Precise Testing Metrics
You’ll see units with SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings instead of SEER and HSPF to comply with the rigorous testing and rating system that the Department of Energy is phasing in.
Who Controls the Regulations?
The Department of Energy has regulated HVAC equipment manufacturing per region since 1992 so that homeowners can access the most energy-efficient equipment possible.
SEER, EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings all measure how efficiently the air in your home is cooled or heated by your unit.
The last update was in 2015. These regulations are updated every six years to keep pace with environmental changes affecting home comfort.
How To Check Your System’s Efficiency Rating
Look for a yellow and black Energy Guide sticker attached to your HVAC unit. You’ll find a range showing how your unit’s efficiency rating (SEER, HSPF, EER, or AFUE) compares with the least and most efficient units of the same type.
If you install a unit next year that’s manufactured after January 1, 2023, you’ll see SEER2, HSPF2, or EER2 ratings instead.
What if My AC Has Lower Than a 15 SEER?
You don’t have to take immediate action if your unit has lower than a 15 SEER rating. These changes only apply to new systems manufactured after January 1, 2023.
We recommend continuing your regular maintenance routine to ensure your current system lasts its full service life. However, if your unit is nearing the end of its life span, this information will affect you sooner rather than later.
Request a Free HVAC Replacement Estimate from Penguin
The Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical team wants to communicate these changes so you can make informed decisions about the comfort of your home.
If you’re planning your AC, furnace, or heat pump replacement, we’ll provide a free estimate for a new system that meets your needs and budget.
Our expert technicians stay up to date on the latest technological advancements in the industry, so we’ll have all the tools and training necessary to install your new, high-efficiency HVAC unit.
Request a free system replacement estimate when you call (480) 550-9943 or contact us online.