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 support 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 regular AC maintenance and repairs. Discover the nuances 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 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 less the operating charges. SEER is computed by dividing the cooling output during a typical cooling season—measured in British thermal units, or BTUs—by the energy consumed in the process as measured in watt-hours. These calculations are generated under special test conditions to ensure consistency.

SEER 2 is the next era of AC efficiency ratings. It applies adjusted testing methods to provide a more accurate representation of real-world performance. As a result, 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 reflect the same performance.

SEER isn’t the only rating that’s changing in 2023. A corresponding cooling rating known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also moving to a new standard called EER 2. Also, heat pumps have a heating-related rating that applies to cold weather heating efficiency. It’s called 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

All these changes may make you ask—what are the new SEER rating standards for 2023? The Department of Energy (DOE) has set differing standards for the Northern and Southern United States. As expected, the South has stricter requirements because this region relies more heavily on AC units. Here’s what to know when purchasing 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 transition to SEER 2, EER 2 and HSPF 2 is essential for many reasons.

Cost Savings

The more exact measurements provided by SEER 2-rated units allow homeowners to make educated 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 use less energy. This decreases your property's carbon footprint, contributing positively to global environmental protection efforts.

Regulatory Compliance

Following the newly released SEER rating standards and learning about 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 breaches these regulations and is penalized by the DOE, they have to replace the non-compliant AC unit at no cost to the homeowner.

SEER 2 and New HVAC Installations

If you’re looking to purchase a new air conditioner in 2023, you may see SEER or SEER 2 ratings depicted on the tag. Either rating may be regarded as compliant, so long as it satisfies the regional minimum.

But, 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 prior to this date don’t need to be replaced if they still work properly. This exception makes sure homeowners aren’t strained by unnecessary expenses but are still able to encourage future investments in more energy-efficient options.

Embrace SEER 2 with Confidence with Comfort Masters Service Experts

Appreciating SEER 2 is about more than just learning a new technical concept. Instead, it’s about aligning your home 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.

Comfort Masters Service Experts is ahead of the curve when it concerns this new period of heating and cooling efficiency. Our commitment to excellence, professionalism and budget-friendly financing sets us apart. We even guarantee your 100% satisfaction, so you can move forward with confidence. From educating homeowners about the new SEER rating standards to providing SEER 2-compliant HVAC installations in Wheeling, the team at Comfort Masters Service Experts is here for you.

Reach out to Comfort Masters Service Experts to discover how we can help you embrace the new SEER rating standards. Together, we’ll help you develop a more energy-efficient home tailored to your needs and aligned with the future of air conditioning technology. Call 847-250-6729 today to get your appointment for AC service in Wheeling.