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 who want to save 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 view cooling efficiency. These changes affect new HVAC installations as well as routine AC maintenance and repairs. Lets learn more about the ins and outs 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 conventional metric employed to evaluate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning systems. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the less the operating expenses.

SEER is calculated 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 special test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next era of AC efficiency ratings. It uses adjusted testing methods to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Consequently, you can expect that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be smaller, even though they reflect the same performance.

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

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

These changes may make you wonder—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has established differing requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. Not surprisingly, the South has tighter requirements because this region relies more heavily on cooling systems. Here’s what you should know when purchasing a new air conditioning system 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 crucial for many reasons.

Cost Savings

The more exact measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units allow homeowners to make good decisions about new HVAC installations, likely leading to lower energy bills over the system’s life span.

Environmental Impact

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

Regulatory Compliance

Following the newly released 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 requirements.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioning systems can still be installed in 2023, just as long as they were produced before January 1. But, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioners can be installed after January 1. If an installer ignores these regulations and is penalized by the DOE, they are required to replace the non-compliant AC unit free of cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re looking to purchase a new AC in 2023, you might see SEER or SEER 2 ratings shown on the tag. Either rating may be deemed compliant, so long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

However, it’s vital to note that the new SEER rating standards only relate to systems bought and installed after January 1, 2023. Current systems installed earlier than this date don’t need to be replaced if they still function properly. This exception makes sure homeowners aren’t burdened by extra expenses but are still able to support future investments in more energy-efficient options.

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

Comprehending SEER 2 is about more than just being introduced to a new technical concept. Actually, it’s about aligning your property with the changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more precise measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners tackle new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it concerns this new age of HVAC efficiency. Our devotion to excellence, professionalism and wallet-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.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how we can help you adapt to 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 954-736-4314 today to set up your appointment for work on your AC in Fort Lauderdale.