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 keen on saving money and who also want to promote environmental sustainability. The launch of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a big shift in how we view cooling efficiency. The release of these new ratings affects new HVAC installations as well as ongoing AC maintenance and repairs. Lets learn more about the ins and outs of these changes and what impact they could have on you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the conventional metric utilized to assess the cooling efficiency of air conditioning systems. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the lower the operating expenditures.

SEER is determined 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 generated under precise test conditions to establish consistency.

SEER 2 is the next era of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes amended testing processes to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Because of this, you should anticipate 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 corresponding cooling rating known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also shifting to a new standard called EER 2. Additionally, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that applies to winter season heating efficiency. It’s named heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more stringent testing standards.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

These changes might make you wonder—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has established different minimums for the Northern and Southern United States. As expected, the South has more stringent requirements because this region has to depend more heavily on AC units. Here’s what to know when purchasing 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 important for several 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 take a reduced amount of energy. This minimizes your home’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the new SEER rating standards and understanding the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Of course, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that satisfies new testing requirements.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 ACs can still be installed in 2023, so long as they were produced before January 1. But, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioning systems can be installed after January 1. If an installer breaches these regulations and is caught by the DOE, they are required to replace the non-compliant AC unit with no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re thinking about buying a new air conditioning system in 2023, you might see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, as long as it fulfills the regional minimum.

But, it’s very important to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain to systems acquired and installed after January 1, 2023. Current systems installed earlier than this date don’t need to be replaced if they still perform properly. This exception was created so homeowners aren’t weighed down by unnecessary 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 & Plumbing

Comprehending SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Instead, it’s about aligning your property with the evolving 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 & Plumbing is ahead of the curve when it relates to this new age of home comfort efficiency. Our devotion to excellence, professionalism and budget-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can proceed with confidence. From instructing homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to offering SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in the U.S., the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to learn how we can help you embrace the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you create a more energy-efficient home tailored to your needs and aligned with the future of cooling system technology. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment for air conditioning service in the U.S..