Starting January 1, 2023, there will be new energy efficiency standards for all newly manufactured HVAC systems. Here is everything you need to know about the changes and how they will affect you.
HVAC System Energy Efficiency Standards — The Basics
The United States Department of Energy has provided regulations on HVAC equipment since 1992. The guidelines they publish set minimum energy efficiency requirements for the nation to ensure home and business owners are using HVAC systems that are energy efficient and built to modern standards of quality.
How is HVAC Energy Efficiency Measured?
The Department of Energy uses three metrics to measure the efficiency of HVAC systems:
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): The effectiveness of your AC system’s ability to cool your home is gauged by its SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your AC system is.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF):This factor measures the amount of energy consumed by heat pumps to warm your home.
- Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE):Your furnace’s efficiency is rated by how much heat is produced per dollar of fuel used.
What to Expect From the New Efficiency Regulations
The last regulatory update for air conditioning and heat pump standards occurred in 2015. Now, after almost a decade, we have new regulations that must be followed. However, the new standards vary depending on the region of the United States. So, it is important to look up what region you fall under and pay attention to the relevant changes in that region and any other region that you own property in. Here are the regional efficiency changes that are coming on January 1, 2023:
- The SEER rating for cooling systems in Northern regions will rise from 13 SEER to 14 SEER.
- For split units in the Southern and Southwestern regions that utilize less than 45K BTU, the standard SEER rating for cooling systems will increase from 14 SEER to 15 SEER. Split Units that use more than 45K BTU will increase to 14.5 SEER
- Heating efficiency will rise from 8.2 HSPF to 8.8 HSPF for air-source heat pumps.
- All regions will require furnaces with 81% AFUE ratings.
- The Southwest region will have new EER/EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) requirements.
- New test ratings will be used for regional standards in 2023.
By the start of 2023, all new HVAC systems must be built to these requirements if they are to be sold in the United States.
Contact Premier HVAC to Learn More
If you would like to hear more in-depth information about the upcoming HVAC energy efficiency guideline changes and what they mean for you, contact the experts at Premier HVAC Mechanical Corporation. We would be happy to tell you everything we know about the new regulations. Premier HVAC is the top choice for all HVAC installations and repairs around the Atlanta, Georgia, area. We offer high-performance and energy-efficient HVAC systems that will reliably meet current regulations and the upcoming changes. Call us today to hear more about our incredible products!
