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 keen on saving money and who also want to help improve environmental sustainability. The release of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a substantial shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. These changes affect new HVAC installations as well as ongoing AC maintenance and repairs. Explore the nuances 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 traditional metric used to assess the cooling efficiency of air conditioning systems. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the lower the operating costs.

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 calculations are created under precise test conditions to guarantee consistency.

SEER 2 is the next era of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes adjusted 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 corresponding cooling rating referred to as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also shifting to a new standard called EER 2. Additionally, heat pumps have a heating-related rating for wintertime operation. 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 kinds of 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 Provinces. Not surprisingly, the South has stricter requirements because this region has to depend more heavily on AC units. Here’s what to know when buying a new AC 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 transition to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is vital for a number of reasons.

Cost Savings

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

Environmental Impact

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

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to 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 satisfies new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioners can still be installed in 2023, 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 violates these regulations and is caught by the DOE, they need to 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 air conditionerair conditioning system} in 2023, you might see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, so long as it fulfills the regional minimum.

However, it’s very important to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain 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 work properly. This exception ensures homeowners aren’t burdened by unnecessary 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 & Plumbing

Comprehending SEER 2 is about more than just grasping a new technical concept. Rather, it’s about aligning your property with the ever-changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more exact measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners plan new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ahead of the curve when it relates to this latest age of HVAC efficiency. Our commitment to excellence, professionalism and wallet-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From instructing homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to offering SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Canada, the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 customized to your needs and aligned with the future of cooling technology. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment for work on your AC in Canada.