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 are intent 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. 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 what impact they could have on you.

The Basics of SEER and SEER 2

SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the conventional metric utilized to evaluate the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system and the cheaper the operating costs. SEER is determined 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 precise test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next wave of AC efficiency ratings. It utilizes modified testing practices to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. Because of this, you should be prepared to see that AC efficiency ratings with a “2” after them will be less than SEER ratings that do not have a "2", even though they assess the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A similar cooling rating known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also shifting to a new standard called EER 2. Additionally, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that evaluates winter season performance. It’s called heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which is also changing to HSPF 2 based on new, more rigorous testing requirements.

New SEER Rating Standards for 2023

All these changes may make you want to know—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has created different requirements for the Northern and Southern United States. Needless to say, the South has stricter requirements because this region depends more heavily on AC units. Here’s what you should know when buying 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 crucial for several reasons.

Cost Savings

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

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient systems with a high SEER 2 rating consume lower energy. This minimizes your home’s carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to the latest SEER rating standards and recognizing 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 fulfills new testing standards.

In the North, pre-SEER 2 air conditioning systems can still be installed in 2023, as long as they were manufactured before January 1. But, in the South, only SEER 2-compliant air conditioning systems can be installed after January 1. If an installer ignores these regulations and is caught 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 shopping for a new AC in 2023, you may see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, as long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

But bear in mind, it’s very important to note that the new SEER rating standards only pertain to systems purchased and installed after January 1, 2023. Current systems installed prior to this date don’t need to be replaced if they still work properly. This exception ensures homeowners aren’t strained by more expenses but are still able to encourage 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 residence with the evolving landscape of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. SEER 2 brings a more exact measurement to the table, influencing the way homeowners tackle new HVAC installations.

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ahead of the curve when it relates to this new age of HVAC efficiency. Our devotion to excellence, professionalism and affordable financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can proceed with confidence. From educating homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to offering SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Raleigh, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you.

Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to find out 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 air conditioning technology. Call 919-578-4329 today to set up your appointment for AC service in Raleigh.