Big Changes in 2023 for HVAC Units

Are you a homeowner looking to replace your HVAC unit? 2023 might be the year to do it. That's when big changes to HVAC units are coming.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has instituted new energy efficiency standards that will take effect in 2023. These standards, labeled as SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2, will apply to all residential central air conditioners and heat pumps, and there are standards for commercial HVAC equipment too.  The goal is to reduce energy consumption while still providing a comfortable home environment.

The new 2023 standards require SEER — a measure of a system’s cooling performance —of a minimum of 14 SEER for residential systems in the northern section of the United States and 15 SEER in the southern section of the United States, where larger share of home energy use is cooling loads. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient equipment the equipment is.

The standards will affect the size and design of the equipment. The DOE is also introducing a new metric for measuring energy efficiency. This metric, known as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), will replace the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) metric. The EER metric takes into account the cooling capacity of the unit at different temperatures and humidity levels.

In addition to changes in efficiency ratings, the new standards will require homeowners to use more efficient cooling systems. Systems will be required to use R-410A refrigerant, which is more efficient than the R-22 refrigerant commonly used in older models.

The updated air conditioner and heat pump efficiency standards are set forth to reflect advancements in HVAC technology and improvements in the accuracy of testing.

The changes to HVAC units in 2023 may seem overwhelming, but the good news is that they will help homeowners save money on energy costs in the long run. New units will be more efficient, meaning they will use less energy and cost less to operate. Homeowners should talk to their HVAC professionals to learn more about the changes and how they can best prepare for them.

Commercial contractors must also comply with the new HVAC requirements or could face penalties and fines. All heat pump and air conditioning units installed in the United States must meet the updated SEER2 standards beginning January 1, 2023.

Whole House Fans
If you’re looking for additional ways to make your home more energy efficient and to simultaneously cut down your electric bills, consider installing a whole house fan. Whole house fans can be used to replace or supplement an existing air conditioner.

Whole house fans work by replacing hot, trapped indoor air with cooler outside air. They are particularly effective during cooler mornings or at night. Also, they can help to keep your attic cool and dry, reducing maintenance costs to your attic and reducing the burden on your air conditioning unit. Plus, increasing ventilation in your home reduces indoor air pollution, making your indoor air safer to breathe.

Check out wholehousefan.com wide selection of whole house fans to learn more.

You can also read more about SEER2 here.