As we near turning the page on 2022, many of us are looking forward to the new year to come. According to the Department of Energy, with this new year comes new efficiency standards for heating and cooling systems throughout the nation.
Cooling System Changes
Currently, cooling system efficiency standards are broken down into a northern region and a southern region. The new changes will keep this sectioning. The northern region will see an increase in the necessary SEER minimum rating from 13 to 14. The southern region will see a minimum SEER increase from 14 to 15.
In the north, HVAC installers are still capable of installing 13 SEER air conditioning systems as long as they are manufactured before January 1, 2023. In the south, these standards don’t apply. Any unit not meeting the minimum 15 SEER standard may no longer be installed by HVAC professionals.
Heat Pumps
Another area of HVAC that is undergoing standard changes is heat pumps. The new minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 15. This is one SEER more than previous standards. Additionally, split system heat pumps will need to have a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) minimum rating of 8.8. When it comes to installing systems manufactured prior to January 1, 2023, that don’t meet these new efficiency standards, all HVAC installers are permitted to install them.
New Testing Procedures and Rating Measurements
Another aspect of these 2023 HVAC efficiency standards is new testing methods. To help enhance the overall efficiency and categorization of heat pumps and cooling systems, the Department of Energy has released new testing standards for HVAC equipment. You’ll start to see these new testing and measurements, such as SEER2, EER2, HSPF2, and M1 testing.
Expert Heating and Cooling Services
Weaver Family Heating and Air provides expert heating services and cooling services for the entire Kokomo, IN community. We can assist with all of your AC installation, furnace replacement, cooling repair, and heating maintenance needs. Contact Weaver Family Heating and Air today to schedule your next appointment with our expert service technicians.
