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 want to save money and who also want to support environmental sustainability. The release of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a big shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. The release of these new ratings affects new HVAC installations as well as routine AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the ins and outs of these changes and how they apply to you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the standard metric used to calculate 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 typical cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These calculations are created under specific test conditions to guarantee consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It applies amended 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 less than SEER ratings that do not have a “2”, even though they reflect the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A comparable cooling rating known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also changing to a new standard called EER 2. Also, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that applies to winter performance. It’s referred to as heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more stringent testing standards.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

All these changes probably will make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has established different minimums for the Northern and Southern United Provinces. Not surprisingly, the South has tighter requirements because this region depends more heavily on AC units. Here’s what consumers need to know when buying a new air conditioner or heat pump:

• The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Northern provinces is 14 SEER, which translates to 13.4 SEER 2.
• The 2023 minimum rating for air conditioners in Southern provinces is 15 SEER, which is equivalent to 14.3 SEER 2.
• The 2023 minimum EER rating only applies to air conditioners installed in Southwestern provinces. 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 important for several reasons.

Cost Savings

The more exact measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units enable 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 take lower 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 understanding 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 meets new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioners can still be installed in 2023, just as long as they were manufactured before January 1. Having said that, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant AC units 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 with no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re thinking about buying a new air conditionerair conditioning system} in 2023, you probably will see SEER or SEER 2 ratings shown on the tag. Either rating may be deemed compliant, so long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

But, it’s vital to note that the new SEER rating standards only apply to systems purchased and installed after January 1, 2023. Any HVAC systems installed earlier than this date don’t need to be replaced if they still work properly. This exception makes sure 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 Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts

Understanding SEER 2 is about more than just being introduced to 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, impacting the way homeowners plan new HVAC installations.

Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is ahead of the curve when it comes to this new age of HVAC efficiency. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can plan your HVAC purchases and repairs with confidence. From teaching homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to doing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Windsor, the team at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is here to help.

Get in touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to discover how we can help you adopt the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you create a more energy-efficient home customized to your needs and aligned with the future of cooling technology. Call 226-773-3357 today to get your appointment for work on your AC in Windsor.