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Here’s How HVAC Standards Will Change in Our Region in 2023

Posted on by Staff

 

Having an outdated HVAC system can mean less comfort, higher utility bills, and less access to the refrigerant that keeps an HVAC system cooling. HVAC manufacturers are legally required to build more energy-efficient systems every few years in to keep up with evolving efficiency regulations.

 

In 2023, new energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems are set to start, so it’s best to start learning about the changes now so you can be prepared. Our team at Frank Gay Services explains what changes are on the horizon in 2023! 

 

Overview: 

 

  • Regional SEER ratings for HVAC systems will increase by 1 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) 
  • HVAC systems will have new metric standards 
  • Heating Efficiency will increase from 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) to 8.8 HSPF 

What Are the Energy Efficiency Standards That HVAC Systems Must Meet?  

 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has regulated HVAC equipment since 1992 by establishing minimum efficiency level requirements on a national scale to guarantee that homes are utilizing the most energy-efficient products available.

 

Depending on the kind of system, each of these three criteria evaluates the performance of HVAC systems:

 

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): The SEER rating of your HVAC system determines its capacity to cool your house. The efficiency of the HVAC system improves with increasing SEER ratings.

 

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This measurement assesses how much energy is expended on heating a house and is intended for heat pumps.

 

Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): This metric refers to how much heat is produced per dollar of fuel that is used by a furnace.  

 

Naturally, different geographic areas have different standards, so if you have family or friends who reside in a different area of the United States, they may have different requirements for their furnaces or air conditioning units.

 

Previous Efficiency Guidelines  

 

If you were to purchase an HVAC system 15 years ago, it may have only been between 6-10 SEER. New efficiency standards surpass those old figures and efficiency by a long shot.  

 

Since 2015, units need to meet these standards: 

 

  • A minimum standard cooling efficiency of 14 SEER in the South (hello, Florida!) and Southwest, and 13 SEER for our Northern friends for central AC systems.  
  • The minimum heating efficiency of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF for all regions  
  • For furnaces, an 80% AFUE was required for southern and southwestern regions, and 90% AFUE was required for the north.  

 

What is Changing in 2023  

 

In 2023, the regional efficiency standards for HVAC systems, which have been in effect since 2015, will be upgraded to even higher ones. Here’s what to anticipate:

 

  • The SEER rating for northern regions will increase from 13 to 14 SEER for cooling systems 
  • The standard SEER rating for cooling systems in the south and southwestern regions will increase from 14 to 15 SEER 
  • Heating efficiency for air-source heat pumps will increase from 8.2 HSPF to 8.8  
  • Furnace ratings of 81% AFUE will be required in all regions 

 

Come 2023, all newly manufactured HVAC systems will need to meet the above requirements to be sold in the United States.  

 

Not sure how old your AC system is or if it meets energy efficiency requirements? We can help! Call our 5-star rated team at Frank Gay Services today; (407) 329-5145! 

What These New Standards Mean for You  

 

Don’t worry, the new minimum SEER ratings for 2023 won’t force you to do anything right away. If your HVAC system is 13 SEER or lower, you won’t need to get it replaced immediately before the 2023 rule change. The EPA’s SEER requirements only pertain to new AC units being manufactured and installed.   

 

But, it is important to keep these need efficiency standards in mind as we near 2023, especially if you are in the market to buy a new air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace.  

 

  • If you are planning to buy a new unit based on pre-2023 standards, purchase and install them before December 31st, 2022.  
  • After that, the units you purchase should reflect the minimum efficiency standards that become effective on January 1st, 2023.  

 

Though higher-performing units will be more costly than older units, the improved performance and efficiency will help offset the upfront costs of the new systems and can save you money on energy costs in the long run.  

 

Maximizing efficiency is the best way to keep money in your pocket at the end of each month. 

 

If your HVAC system is due for an upgrade, having a high-efficiency system installed to maximize its heating and cooling power can help cut energy costs tremendously.  

 

Stay Up to Date with the New HVAC Efficiency Standards  

 

If you are confused about the new HVAC efficiency standards or need help choosing a new high-efficiency HVAC system, give Frank Gay Services a call! Our team is incredibly knowledgeable about the rules and regulations for residential air conditioning systems, and we are always happy to discuss SEER ratings and the best HVAC options for homeowners across the Orlando, Florida area.  

 

Get more information about the new SEER ratings, or schedule a consultation with our friendly team at Frank Gay Services today; (407) 329-5145! 

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