HVAC changes 2023

HVAC | September 26, 2022

SEER2 Energy Changes

New Energy Changes Mean HVAC Prices Will Increase Jan. 1

If you’ve been waffling over your decision to replace that outdated HVAC system, waffle no more! Starting in 2023, you'll need to pay a great deal more for a new system if you wait.

Here’s why: Effective Jan. 1, the Department of Energy (DOE) is raising the minimum energy efficiency standards for heat pumps and central air conditioners, Bottom line—these changes will significantly increase the price of HVAC equipment as manufacturers redesign system components to meet these new requirements.

What You Need to Know

The government’s new energy regulations are based on new SEER ratings. SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is a rating system that refers to a measurement of efficiency given to HVAC equipment, such as central air conditioning systems or heat pumps. The higher the SEER number, the less energy you will use— which translates to less money spent on utility bills.

Beginning in 2023, the DOE is mandating changes in the efficiency of units and changing the way HVAC systems are tested (called SEER2). Basically, these new testing conditions will provide better data values and metrics to more accurately determine how an installed HVAC system performs.

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how these changes may affect you. The biggest one being this—if you install a system prior to Jan. 1, you’ll save significantly on your purchase. Install after Jan. 1, and you’re looking at a more expensive unit.

As for the new SEER2 requirements, they vary from region to region. The current SEER and new SEER2 ratings are outlined (per area) in the chart below:
 

Energy Efficiency & Savings

Remember, while the upfront costs may be more for a new system in 2023, you will use less energy over time—which results in less money spent on those electrical bills. 

Schedule Your New HVAC Installation Today!

With all the big changes coming in January, ARS/Rescue Rooter wants you to know we are here for you. Whether you have questions about the new SEER2 standards or would like to schedule your HVAC installation before the end of the new year, we are ready and eager to help. We even offer financing options for every budget. Reach out to us today! Give us a call at 866-399-2885.

Big changes are coming to residential air conditioning and heat pump products starting January 1, 2023. The minimum SEER rating and testing requirements are changing for 2023, which will affect most HVAC equipment. Is your business ready for these changes? 

This may seem intimidating, but don’t worry! We will review all the changes and share key resources so you are well aware of how to stay compliant. 

Which Regulations are Changing?

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced new regulations that will go into effect early 2023. The minimum efficiency required is set to increase by 8-10%. This means that roughly 70% of current products fail to meet new guidelines. 

It also means that all current equipment requires retesting and/or rerateing.

Why are these changes happening? Efficiency updates mean systems will require less energy in order to run. This leads to lower costs and a more sustainable future for years to come.

Efficiency Increasing: Minimum SEER Rating 2023

The minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating in 2023 is increasing from 13 to 14. This transition to “SEER2” also includes efficiency increases for split systems in air conditioning and heat pumps. 

But it’s important to note: heat pumps are going through a nationwide efficiency increase, while split-system air conditioners are going through regional increases. 

In each of the following three charts, we will list the changes by region and nationwide. The charts include new guidelines for:

• Residential Split-system Air Conditioners
• Residential Single Package Air Conditioners 
• Split System and Packaged Heat Pump Systems 

See the full charts and additional downloadable information from our partner, HARDI.

Residential Split-system Air Conditioners

< swipe to view > on mobile
*Courtesy of HARDI

Residential Single Package Air Conditioners

*Courtesy of HARDI

Split System and Packaged Heat Pump Systems – Nationwide Standard for All States

*Courtesy of HARDI

Here’s a breakdown of states that fall into each regional area as outlined in the new requirements:

• Southeast Region: Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. 
• Southwest Region: Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
• Northern Region: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

Sell Through Requirements

The sell through requirements differ slightly between the North and South regions of the U.S. For air conditioners, heat pumps and SPP, the date of manufacture is used for compliance.

However, there is an exception for air conditioners in the Southern regions. In Southern states, compliance is determined by the date of install. 

For example, in New York (which is included in the Northern Region) U.S., a dealer can install an older HVAC unit after January 1, 2023 as long as it was compliant with regulations when it was manufactured.  

This would not be the case in South and Southwest regions. The equipment must meet the 2023 regulations, even if produced before 2023. 

New 2023 Testing Requirements

Along with new equipment, in 2023 there will also be changes in testing requirements for HVAC systems and equipment. Manufacturers are working on redesigning system components to meet these new regulations.

There are new testing procedures for SEER2 that will better represent external conditions. These new procedures take into account ductwork and static pressure, which were not included in previous tests. 

Heat pumps and air conditioning units will have updated testing requirements:

Heat Pumps

While heat pumps still have a nationwide standard of 15 SEER, there will be changes in energy efficiency testing for heat pumps.

The current nationwide heat pump test for SEER, EER and HSPF is 0.1 ESP.

The new nationwide 2023 test procedure for SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 increases efficiency to 0.5 ESP. 

It’s important for HVAC techs to begin noting these changes now to be prepared for official changes in 2023. 

Air Conditioners, Single Packaged Units (SPUs) and Mini-Splits

Air conditioners and Single Packaged Units (SPUs) will have to adhere to regional minimum efficiencies and testing measures to meet the new SEER2 ratings.

For Northern states, all air conditioners must meet the minimum 2023 SEER rating of 14. In the Southeast and Southwest, the SEER minimum depends on the size of the unit. Units rated as less than 45000 BTU must be rated at least 15 SEER. Units greater than 45,000 BTU require a minimum of 14.5 SEER.

Read more about updated testing requirements and procedures on the SEER2 website. 

Price Increases

You’re probably thinking that a need for new equipment will result in higher prices. This is a fair assumption, but no need to panic!

Expect equipment prices to increase across the board. Typically when new energy regulations are implemented, the costs are passed on to the consumer. New equipment prices are expected to rise 15% to 20%. 

If you are worried about selling more expensive equipment to customers, you have an easy selling point. The new regulations will make air conditioners much more efficient. This will translate to less energy consumption and increased savings for your customers. 

Yes, customers will pay more upfront for new equipment, but their ongoing energy savings will easily make up the cost. Plus, they can rest assured that their new equipment is better for the environment!

Keeping Up with SEER Changes

You now are aware of the changes coming down the pike in the new year, including the minimum SEER rating in 2023. Though it may seem confusing, the regulations are pretty straightforward and manufacturers are already working to update equipment to ensure compliance. 

Our advice is to start preparing now for these updates – this includes giving customers a heads up on equipment changes if they may need to replace their equipment within the next year.

 Learn more and stay up to date using these resources:

• SEER2
• U.S. Energy Information Administration
• AC-Heating Connect
• HARDI