Understanding the New SEER 2 Rating and Why It Matters

Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical consideration for homeowners who are intent on saving money and who also want to promote environmental sustainability. The launch of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a substantial shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. Release of the new calculations affects new HVAC installations as well as regular AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the nuances 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 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 computed by dividing the cooling output during a regular cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These statistics are done under precise test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next era of AC efficiency ratings. It applies revised testing practices to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. As a result, you should be prepared to see that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be smaller, even though they evaluate the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A comparable 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 applies to cold weather performance. It’s named heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more stringent testing requirements.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

All these changes could make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has set different standards for the Northern and Southern United States. Not surprisingly, the South has more stringent requirements because this region depends more heavily on AC units. Here’s what you should know when shopping for 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 change to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is essential for many reasons.

Cost Savings

The more precise measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units empower homeowners to make informed decisions about new HVAC installations, potentially leading to reduced energy bills over the system’s life span.

Environmental Impact

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

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the new SEER rating standards and recognizing the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Please remember, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that fulfills new testing requirements.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 ACs can still be installed in 2023, so long as they were manufactured before January 1. However, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioners can be installed after January 1. If an installer ignores these regulations and is cited 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 probably will see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, as long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

But, it’s very important to note that the new SEER rating standards only relate to systems purchased and installed after January 1, 2023. Existing systems installed earlier than this date don’t need to be replaced if they still operate properly. This exception was created so homeowners aren’t strained by more expenses but are still able to encourage future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Understanding SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Rather, it’s about aligning your home with the evolving landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more accurate measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners plan new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it relates to this latest 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 teaching homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to providing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Fort Lauderdale, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

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