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 support environmental sustainability. The introduction of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a substantial shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. The release of these new ratings affects new HVAC installations as well as scheduled AC maintenance and repairs. Lets learn more about 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 assess 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 determined 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 generated under special test conditions to guarantee consistency.

SEER 2 is the next generation of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes modified testing practices to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Because of this, 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 comparable cooling rating called 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 wintertime heating efficiency. It’s referred to as heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more rigorous testing criteria.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

These changes may make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has set specific requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. Not surprisingly, the South has stricter requirements because this region relies more heavily on air conditioning. 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 essential for a number of reasons.

Cost Savings

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

Environmental Impact

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

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the latest SEER rating standards and knowing 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 meets new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioners can still be installed in 2023, as long as they were manufactured before January 1. Having said that, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioning systems can be installed after January 1. If an installer ignores 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 looking to purchase a new air conditioning system in 2023, you probably will see SEER or SEER 2 ratings indicated on the tag. Either rating may be deemed compliant, so long as it fulfills the regional minimum.

However, it’s imperative to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain 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 perform properly. This exception makes sure homeowners aren’t weighed down by unnecessary 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. Instead, it’s about aligning your property with the 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 emerging age of home comfort efficiency. Our dedication to excellence, professionalism and wallet-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can proceed with confidence. From educating homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to offering SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Fort Lauderdale, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

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