Some important industry news happened at the start of January for the HVAC industry. And true to form, we’re here to help break down what that means for your household and energy bill! Starting January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy updated SEER metrics to SEER2.
Energy Savings Ahead
Season energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a technical term for the air conditioning and heat pump efficiency measurement standard used across the HVAC industry. SEER is a way for consumers and HVAC professionals to understand the energy efficiency output of their HVAC unit.
SEER2 boosts the national minimum efficiency standard slightly higher than before—for example, an original SEER rating of 13 is now a SEER2 rating of 13.4 or higher. Ideally, the higher the SEER score, the more money consumers will save on their energy bills.
What Changes Now Between SEER And SEER2?
The original SEER metrics were measured without ductwork attached to the indoor units. SEER2’s main objective is to move closer to real-world conditions for measuring efficiency. Now, all new systems manufactured at the beginning of 2023 will adhere to SEER2. See below for a helpful breakdown of adjusted ratings, depending on where you live in the United States. This list differentiates the minimum new efficiency standard per state.
SEER2 energy efficiency ratings by region
- North: From 14.0 SEER to 13.4 SEER2
Colorado, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Ohio, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, Utah, Vermont, Virginia.
- South and Southeast: From 15.0 SEER to 14.3 SEER2
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, The District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories.
- Southwest: From 15.0 SEER to 14.3 SEER2
Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico
Does Carrier Now Sell HVAC Products That Are SEER2 Compliant?
Yes! HVAC systems like air conditioners and heat pumps have rating compliance based on their manufacturing date. So let’s say you purchased a Carrier unit after January 2023. You should find the SEER2 rating posted on the bright yellow EnergyGuide label sold with every unit.
However, because this is such a new change in the industry, it will take time for all Carrier HVAC equipment to receive SEER2 compliance. Certain SEER2 units have been rated and approved, but for a deeper look at which specific Carrier products have the new rating, see their page on these new minimum efficiency standards.
What To Know If Your HVAC System Purchased In 2022 Doesn’t Have A SEER2 Rating
This new rating does not mean that all products with the former SEER rating are not compliant according to the new minimum standard.
If you recently purchased an HVAC heat pump or air conditioner rated under the original SEER range between 14 to 20, this system will still work great for you by new SEER2 standards. And if you invested in a new system with a higher SEER rating than your old one, you will already have noticed the money-saving results.
The HVAC technology we sell, specifically trusted industry brands like Carrier, has decades of design, development, and improvements behind them. The developments move well beyond the minimum industry standards required by the Department of Energy.
Yes, the bar has increased in terms of energy efficiency for new HVAC products. Still, we can assure you that many of the products we sell outperform that minimum efficiency standard by a long shot. Not to mention, the same installation warranties apply as before on new products.
And as a Factory Authorized Dealer of Carrier products, you get your money back if you are dissatisfied with any new installation of Carrier products.
For More Energy Savings in 2023, Consult The Experts At Bend Heating And Sheet Metal
You can consult an HVAC expert on the SEER rating of any product. And did you know you can save up to 20 percent on your average heating bill by upgrading to a new HVAC system? Some of our customers save even more than that.
2023 is a great time to evaluate the energy efficiency of your HVAC system before the busy summer season. If you’d like to know about areas where you could stand to upgrade your system, contact us for an estimate. We’re happy to serve all of Central Oregon and the outlying areas!