Effective Date
New 2023 HVAC energy regulations go into effect on January 1st, 2023. New equipment will be rated on either a SEER2, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2), or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2) basis. SEER2 will replace SEER as the primary metric for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. HSPF2 will be the primary metric for rating the efficiency of heat pumps. EER2 will be used for rating the efficiency of room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and unitary heat pumps. The new ratings are done in accordance with the new ANSI/AHRI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301, Method for Determining the Efficiency of Central Air Conditioners and Air-Source Heat Pumps.
New SEER2 Scale
The new SEER2 scale is very similar to the old SEER scale. It is based on the total heat removed by the unit, not just the sensible heat removed. This change is minor, but it makes the new SEER scale a little higher than the old SEER scale, especially for heat pumps.
New HSPF2 Scale
The new HSPF2 scale is based on the total heat removed, not just the sensible heat removed. This means that all the heat removed by the unit, including heat removed to melt frost on the outdoor coil, is accounted for in the HSPF rating. The new HSPF scale is about 20% lower than the old HSPF scale.
New EER2 Scale
EER2 is a new rating that is similar to the old EER rating. It is based on the total heat removed by the unit, not just the sensible heat removed. This means that all the heat removed by the unit, including heat removed to melt frost on the outdoor coil, is accounted for in the EER rating. The new EER scale is about 20% lower than the old EER scale.
The new ratings are being phased in over a period of several years. For example, the new SEER2 rating will be required for all new equipment starting in 2023. The old SEER rating will still be allowed until 2025. After that, only SEER2 will be allowed.
What does this mean for customers?
The new 2023 HVAC energy regulations will increase the energy efficiency of new air conditioners by about 30%. The new rating will be more difficult to achieve, but it will be worth it. I think that the new ratings will be a good thing for consumers. They will save money on their energy bills, and they will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What does this mean for contractors?
This change in rating means you will need to learn about and keep some additional information in mind when recommending and installing equipment. Both new and existing homes will be affected.
For new homes
This change will affect new homes in a few ways.
First, it’s important to know that the new SEER2 rating will be required for all new equipment starting in 2023. Unfortunately, this means that you will have to learn about and keep some additional information in mind when recommending and installing equipment.
Second, the new rating will be required for all new homes built after 2023.
If you are working on a new home that will be completed after 2023, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the new SEER2 rating.
For existing homes
This change will also affect existing homes in a few ways.
First, if you are working on an existing home, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the old SEER rating.
Second, the old SEER rating will be allowed until 2025. After that, only SEER2 will be allowed.
This means that if you are working on an existing home that will be completed after 2025, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the new SEER2 rating.
What does this mean for homeowners?
This change will affect homeowners in a few ways.
First, if you are planning to build a new home, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the new SEER2 rating.
Second, if you are planning to remodel your home, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the old SEER rating.
Third, the old SEER rating will be allowed until 2025. After that, only SEER2 will be allowed.
This means that if you are planning to remodel your home after 2025, you will need to make sure that the equipment you install meets the new SEER2 rating..