Understanding the New SEER 2 Rating and Why It Matters

Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword; it’s an essential consideration for homeowners keen on saving money and who also want to help improve environmental sustainability. The launch of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a significant shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. These changes affect new HVAC installations as well as scheduled AC maintenance and repairs. Lets learn more about the nuances of these changes and why they matter to you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the standard metric utilized 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 charges.

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

SEER 2 is the next generation of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes modified testing processes to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. As a result, you can expect that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be lower, even though they assess the same performance.

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

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

These kinds of changes may make you wonder—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has created specific requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. Needless to say, the South has stricter requirements because this region relies more heavily on AC units. Here’s what consumers need to know when buying a new AC 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 shift to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is vital for many reasons.

Cost Savings

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

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient systems with a high SEER 2 rating take lower energy. This decreases your property’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Following the new 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 guidelines.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioners can still be installed in 2023, just as long as they were manufactured before January 1. Having said that, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioners can be installed after January 1. If an installer breaches these regulations and is caught by the DOE, they need to replace the non-compliant AC unit free of cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re thinking about buying a new air conditioner in 2023, you may see SEER or SEER 2 ratings shown on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, so long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

But bear in mind, it’s vital to note that the new SEER rating standards only apply to systems purchased and installed after January 1, 2023. Any HVAC systems installed before this date don’t need to be replaced if they still function properly. This exception makes sure homeowners aren’t burdened by more expenses but are still able to promote 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 home with the ever-changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more exact measurement to the table, affecting the way homeowners approach new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it comes to this latest period of HVAC efficiency. Our dedication to excellence, professionalism and budget-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From teaching 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 make your decisions easier.

Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to find out how we can help you adopt the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you set up a more energy-efficient home tailored to your needs and aligned with the future of air conditioning technology. Call 954-736-4314 today to set up your appointment for AC service in Fort Lauderdale.