2023 Energy Standards

Seer rating measures a unit's efficiency by using a lab test with a specific set of guidelines. These tests determine how much energy is used to provide cooling. The minimum seer rating is increasing as of January 1, 2023. The requirements of the seer rating test is also changing. This is the first time that both of these have been affected at the same time. 

You can think of a seer rating as miles per gallon on a car. Regardless of the miles per gallon on a car, the car is effective in getting you to your destination. A car with higher miles per gallon is more efficient than one with low miles per gallon, similar to the seer ratings on HVAC equipment. Typically, higher seer rating equipment costs more to install but costs less in monthly energy bills.

The lab test that determines the seer rating on AC equipment is changing. It is the same test, but now under new, tougher conditions that are more similar to the real-world conditions your unit will face. This goes into affect January 1, 2023.

Anytime efficiency standards or testing conditions are changed, prices of equipment almost always increase. If you are currently or soon to be in the market for a new unit, you will be able to avoid the price increase of the SEER2 equipment if you act sooner rather than later.

No, the Department of Energy's new testing conditions are more similar to the real-world conditions that your unit will face rather than a lab simulation in close to perfect conditions.

Current 14 seer heat pumps, gas packs, and dual fuels can be installed at any time. After January 1, 2023, equipment manufacturers can no longer produce the current 14 seer equipment and may only produce equipment that meets SEER2 standards. Assembly lines have already converted to manufacture this new standard of equipment.

No, there is no difference in quality, warranty, or workmanship between the current 14 seer equipment and the new SEER2 equipment. The changes only affect the efficiency.

No, this change must be implemented across the board by all HVAC manufacturers.

Typically, a unit that is well-maintained will perform for 15-20 years before it needs to be replaced.

Residential equipment is considered all units up to 5 tons. All residential units are affected by this change.

Light commercial units are between 6-25 tons. The Department of Energy made the largest jump in history in increasing the minimum efficiency of light commercial standards. This extreme change means that assembly lines have been shut down for months while the lines are completely reconfigured and rebuilt in order to produce equipment that will meet the new standards by January 1, 2023. Commercial units will see the largest price increase, possibly as high as 50% more than the current baseline models.

Feel free to call us at 252-583-0004 or contact us to schedule a price appointment to discuss your specific unit needs.