Understanding the New SEER 2 Rating and Why It Matters

Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword; it’s an important consideration for homeowners who are intent on saving money and who also want to promote environmental sustainability. The introduction of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a significant shift in how we view cooling efficiency. The release of these new ratings affects new HVAC installations as well as routine AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the nuances of these changes and how they apply to you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the conventional metric employed to evaluate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the cheaper the operating expenses.

SEER is computed by dividing the cooling output during a typical cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These calculations are created under special test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It applies amended testing methods to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Because of this, you can expect that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be less than SEER ratings that do not have a “2”, even though they assess the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A comparable cooling rating called the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also moving to a new standard called EER 2. Additionally, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that applies to wintertime heating efficiency. It’s called heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more rigorous testing standards.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

Such changes might make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has set differing requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. As expected, the South has tighter requirements because this region relies more heavily on AC units. Here’s what to know when buying a new air conditioner or heat pump:

  • The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Northern states is 14 SEER, which translates to 13.4 SEER 2.
  • The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Southern states is 15 SEER, which is equivalent to 14.3 SEER 2.
  • The 2023 minimum EER rating only applies to air conditioners installed in Southwestern states. It’s 12.2 EER, which is the same as 11.7 EER 2.
  • The 2023 minimum ratings for heat pumps apply nationwide. They are 15 SEER (14.3 SEER 2) and 8.8 HSPF (7.5 HSPF 2).

Why SEER 2 Matters for Homeowners

The switch to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is crucial for a number of reasons.

Cost Savings

The more accurate measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units enable homeowners to make educated decisions about new HVAC installations, possibly leading to reduced energy bills over the system’s life span.

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient systems with a high SEER 2 rating consume significantly less energy. This reduces a building’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to the latest SEER rating standards and recognizing the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Bear in mind, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that fulfills new testing requirements.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioning systems can still be installed in 2023, just as long as they were made before January 1. But, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioners can be installed after January 1. If an installer violates these regulations and is cited by the DOE, they must replace the non-compliant AC unit with no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re looking to purchase a new air conditioner in 2023, you probably will see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be considered compliant, if it meets the regional minimum.

But bear in mind, it’s very important to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain to systems purchased and installed after January 1, 2023. Any HVAC systems installed prior to this date don’t need to be replaced if they still perform properly. This exception ensures homeowners aren’t burdened by extra expenses but are still able to support future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Appreciating SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Instead, it’s about aligning your residence with the changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more exact measurement to the table, impacting the way homeowners tackle new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it concerns this latest age of home comfort efficiency. Our commitment to excellence, professionalism and affordable financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From educating homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to doing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Fort Lauderdale, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how we can help you adopt the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you develop a more energy-efficient home personalized to your needs and aligned with the future of cooling system technology. Call 954-736-4314 today to set up your appointment for work on your AC in Fort Lauderdale.

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