SEER2 ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHANGES
Presented by Mainline® HVAC
SEER2 2023 Energy Efficiency Changes
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has the authority to establish minimum efficiency standards for air conditioning (AC) and heat pump (HP) equipment. The next set of energy efficiency increases will impact newly manufactured residential and commercial equipment and will take effect on January 1, 2023. For single-phase residential and light commercial central air conditioning systems, the requirements will vary by region.
2023 Regulatory Changes
2023 not only brings new increased minimum efficiency levels, but also a new testing procedure for developing efficiency ratings.
APPENDIX M1: A NEW SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT
For equipment manufactured after January 1, 2023, not only are the minimum standards changing, but a new test procedure will be required. This new test method is commonly referred to as Appendix M1, replacing Appendix M in the Code of Federal Regulations. For decades, we’ve used the classic metrics of SEER, EER and HSPF. Going forward, you’ll hear these metrics referred to as SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2.
WHY IS THE METRIC CHANGING?
The DOE test procedure has been updated to be more representative of installations in today’s homes and will be used to determine product ratings. The testing procedure change will increase the external static pressure by a factor of 5 to better reflect field conditions. This new system of measurement will apply to all single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps <65k BTU/HR.
How the U.S. Government Will Ensure Compliance
The DOE may impose stiff penalties for violators of the new regulations. For both contractors and distributors, it is unlawful to knowingly sell or install non-compliant equipment. Ultimately, it’s the seller’s responsibility to check and ensure that the equipment for sale complies with the regulations in the region in which the equipment will be installed.
CONTRACTORS
- If contractors install equipment that doesn't meet the new standards, they will be required to cover all costs associated with replacing the equipment and they may be subject to additional DOE penalties.
- Repeat offenders may be placed on a national do-not-sell registry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHY ARE THE EFFICIENCY METRICS CHANGING (FROM SEER TO SEER2 OR HSPF TO HSPF2)?
ANSWER: The newly revised test procedure is an entirely different way of calculating energy efficiency, therby it has a different metric alltogether. The new test procedure is more representative of system operation in typical home installations.
Q. WHAT IS THE EFFICIENCY INCREASE OF THE NEW STANDARDS?
ANSWER: It varies by equipment type and region, but generally, minimum efficiencies are increasing by about 7-10%, or 1 SEER in the traditional system.
Q. HOW WILL THE EFFICIENCY STANDARDS BE ENFORCED?
ANSWER: Just as it is today, the DOE relies on reporting of suspected violations by distributors, dealers, and contractors. DOE investigates credible complaints and may assess penalties for violators.
Q. WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS RATINGS INFORMATION FOR PRODUCTS MADE PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2023?
ANSWER: Yes. Even if a product is moved to "production stopped" or "discontinued" in the AHRI directory, ratings are still available for a period of time after the status change.
Q. WILL THE NEW REGULATIONS AFFECT 3-PHASE EQUIPMENT <65K BTU/HR?
ANSWER: No. The new efficiency standards and metrics do not apply to 3-phase equipment less than <65K BTU/HR at this time.