Since 1992, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been regulating HVAC equipment with minimum efficiency requirements. This has pushed manufacturers to create the most energy-efficient products possible, and homeowners can enjoy tax credits for air conditioning by upgrading their systems. It's better for the environment and your utility bills. In 2023, regional SEER ratings for cooling systems will increase by 1 SEER, while the heating efficiency will increase from 8.2 HSPF to 8.8 HSPF. The oven rating standards will be 81% of AFUE in all three regions.
Air conditioning systems are changing to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 standards. Split unit air conditioners that use less than 45,000 BTU must have a minimum of 15 SEER, while split units that use more than 45,000 BTU must have a SEER of 14.5.Southwest states are also subject to the new EER qualification requirements. Across the country, new air-source heat pumps are subject to a minimum of 8.8 HSPF, while new furnaces must have at least an AFUE of 81%. The DOE also introduced new test conditions, so you'll see a lower minimum number of SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 compared to the equivalent SEER, EER, and HSPF. In addition to the SEER classification, heat pumps also have an HSPF rating. You can reduce the cost of ductless heating and cooling systems if you have high SEER and HSPF ratings.
These new requirements mean that manufacturers of air conditioning systems must redesign any appliance that does not meet these more rigorous requirements. You'll see changes in regional standards for air conditioning systems through new efficiency standards and an update to older metric systems. Although packaged systems do not register an increase in efficiency requirements, they will need to pass the new SEER2 and HSPF2 test protocols, which include a SEER2 rating of 13.4 and an HSPF2 of 6.7 - that is 14.0 SEER and 8.0 HSPF respectively. But remember that improved performance and the economic benefits of choosing a high-efficiency heating or cooling system can save you money in the long run. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy states that heating and cooling represent 55% of the energy used in residential homes - so maximizing efficiency is a good way to have money in your pocket at the end of each month. If your HVAC unit needs an upgrade, consider installing a high-efficiency HVAC system or adding an ERV system to improve HVAC performance. A local air conditioning service can help you choose the best option for your home - you can claim up to 30% of the cost of the job, subject to a maximum. As an expert in this field, I can tell you that these changes are coming in 2023 and they will have a significant impact on how we use our heating and cooling systems.
The new regulations will require manufacturers to create more energy-efficient products that meet higher standards than ever before. Homeowners will benefit from tax credits when they upgrade their systems as well as lower utility bills due to improved efficiency. The DOE's regulations are pushing manufacturers to create more efficient products that are better for both our environment and our wallets. With higher SEER ratings for cooling systems, higher HSPF ratings for heat pumps, and higher AFUE ratings for furnaces, homeowners can save money on their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint. It's important to keep up with these changes so you can make sure your home is running as efficiently as possible. If you're looking for ways to save money on your energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, consider upgrading your HVAC system or adding an ERV system to improve performance.
