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 promote environmental sustainability. The release of new SEER 2 rating standards in 2023 marks a significant shift in how we look at cooling efficiency. Release of the new calculations affects new HVAC installations as well as ongoing AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the ins and outs 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 conventional 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 expenses.

SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output during a normal 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 special test conditions to establish consistency.

SEER 2 is the next generation of AC efficiency ratings. It applies adjusted testing processes to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Consequently, you can expect that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be lower, even though they assess the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A comparable cooling rating referred to as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also moving to a new standard called EER 2. Additionally, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that evaluates cold weather 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 kinds of changes could make you wonder—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has established differing standards for the Northern and Southern United States. Obviously, the South has tighter requirements because this region has to depend more heavily on air conditioning. Here’s what consumers need to know when searching for 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 switch to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is vital for several reasons.

Cost Savings

The more precise measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units allow homeowners to make educated 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 significantly less energy. This reduces a building’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with the new SEER rating standards and knowing the equivalences between SEER and SEER 2 can help homeowners abide by the latest regulations. Of course, HVAC companies are responsible for installing equipment that fulfills new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 ACs can still be installed in 2023, just 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 ignores these regulations and is caught by the DOE, they have to replace the non-compliant AC unit free of cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

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

However, it’s vital to note that the new SEER rating standards only apply 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 was created so homeowners aren’t strained by unnecessary expenses but are still able to promote future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Appreciating SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Rather, it’s about aligning your home with the changing landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more accurate measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners approach new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it relates to this latest age of HVAC efficiency. Our devotion to excellence, professionalism and budget-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From teaching 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 for you.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how we can help you embrace 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 system technology. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment for AC service in Fort Lauderdale.