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 who are intent on saving money and who also want to help improve environmental sustainability. The release of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a big shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. These changes affect new HVAC installations as well as regular AC maintenance and repairs. Explore 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 employed to evaluate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the less 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 calculations are done under specific test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes adjusted 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 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. Also, 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 standards.

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 created differing requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. As expected, the South has more stringent requirements because this region depends more heavily on cooling systems. Here’s what to know when buying a new AC 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 several reasons.

Cost Savings

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

Environmental Impact

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

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the newly released SEER rating standards and knowing 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 satisfies new testing requirements.

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

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re shopping for a new AC in 2023, you may see SEER or SEER 2 ratings indicated on the tag. Either rating may be considered compliant, as long as it fulfills the regional minimum.

But, it’s imperative to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain to systems acquired and installed after January 1, 2023. Current systems installed before this date don’t need to be replaced if they still operate properly. This exception was created so homeowners aren’t weighed down 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 being introduced to a new technical concept. Actually, it’s about aligning your home 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 is ahead of the curve when it concerns this latest age of heating and cooling 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 doing 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 find out how we can help you adapt to the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you set up 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.