What The New SEER Standards Mean for You

Updated 7/24/2024

The US Energy Information Agency, updated standards for minimum energy efficiency that affect heat pump systems and central A/C in January 2023.

What do these new standards mean, and how do they affect homeowners in Orlando, FL such as yourself? The A/C repair, installation, and maintenance professionals at Frank Gay Services are here to break down everything you need to know about the new SEER standards!

What is SEER?

SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a metric used to gauge the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. It measures the cooling output of an HVAC system over a typical cooling season, divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.

Key Points:

• SEER applies to both air conditioners and air-source heat pumps
• It measures efficiency across the entire season, not just during peak usage
• Most HVAC units display their SEER rating on a label

The Evolution of SEER Standards

Timeline of Past SEER Changes

The history of SEER regulations in the United States dates back to 1992 when President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act. Let’s look at how SEER standards have evolved over time:

1. 1992: The Energy Policy Act is signed, establishing federal regulations for HVAC efficiency
2. Pre-2006: Minimum SEER rating of 10
3. 2006: Minimum SEER rating increased to 13 for most regions
4. 2015: Regional standards introduced, with higher minimums for Southern states
5. 2023: New SEER2 standards to be implemented

This progression demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems.

New SEER Standards For 2023

SEER2: The New Standard

The DOE is introducing SEER2, an updated version of the SEER rating system. SEER2 aims to provide a more accurate representation of real-world HVAC system performance.

SEER2 Testing Procedures

The new SEER2 testing procedures, effective from 2023, include:

• Increased external static pressure during testing
• More stringent testing conditions to better simulate real-world scenarios
• Updated calculations to account for variables like ductwork and installation quality

These changes result in slightly lower SEER2 ratings compared to the original SEER ratings for the same equipment.

The majority of air conditioning units list their SEER rating on a label — as of now, Florida requires that A/C units and air-source heat pumps have a minimum SEER rating of 14. As of 2023, this rating increased to a minimum of 15 or higher.

Regional SEER Requirements

President Bush’s signing of the 1992 Energy Policy Act marked the beginning of SEER regulations for homeowners. Before SEER was put into place, federal regulations required that air conditioning and heating systems maintained a SEER minimum rating of 10, which steadily rose and fell until settling at a rating of 13 in 2011.

After that, the Department of Energy mandated the use of regional SEER rating standards due to the fact that energy air conditioning-related energy consumption varied across the country. The southern part of the United States, for example, experiences a warm-weather season that lasts much longer than it does in the North; air conditioning systems naturally use more energy to keep homes cool in the south than they do in the north.

North

• Split system air conditioners: 13.4 SEER2
• Split system heat pumps: 14.3 SEER2
• Packaged air conditioners: 13.4 SEER2
• Packaged heat pumps: 13.4 SEER2

Southeast (including Florida)

• Split system air conditioners: 14.3 SEER2
• Split system heat pumps: 14.3 SEER2
• Packaged air conditioners: 13.4 SEER2
• Packaged heat pumps: 13.4 SEER2

Southwest

• Split system air conditioners: 14.3 SEER2 (units <45,000 BTU/h)
• Split system air conditioners: 13.8 SEER2 (units ≥45,000 BTU/h)
• Split system heat pumps: 14.3 SEER2
• Packaged air conditioners: 13.4 SEER2
• Packaged heat pumps: 13.4 SEER2

Efficiency Improvements and Their Impact

The new SEER standards are expected to bring significant efficiency improvements to HVAC systems:

• An estimated 8-10% increase in overall efficiency compared to previous standards
• Up to 30% power reduction when upgrading from a SEER 9 to a SEER 13 system
• Potential annual energy savings of $120-$300 for an average household, depending on local electricity costs and usage patterns

High-Efficiency Options Available

While the new standards set minimum requirements, many manufacturers offer systems that far exceed these baselines:

• Mini-split systems with SEER ratings up to 30 are now available
• Variable-speed compressors and advanced coil designs contribute to higher efficiency
• ENERGY STAR certified systems typically exceed minimum standards by 15-20%

How The New SEER Standard Affects You

A high SEER rating can play a huge role when it comes to choosing an energy-efficient air conditioning unit. The higher an A/C unit’s SEER rating is, the more you end up saving on your electric bills, since your system requires less energy to keep working. You can reduce your annual electric bill by approximately $50 by simply selecting an A/C system that has a SEER rating of 16 versus 14.

You can also enjoy some environmental perks if you use an A/C system that has a high SEER rating. Energy-efficient air conditioning units bring down your carbon footprint since they reduce atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases. Plus, modern A/C units don’t usually use freon anymore — instead, they usually use Puron which, unlike freon, doesn’t cause damage to the planet’s ozone layer.

Financial Implications

1. Energy Savings: Higher SEER ratings translate to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
2. Initial Costs: More efficient systems may have higher upfront costs but offer long-term savings.
3. Payback Period: The time it takes to recoup the additional cost of a higher-efficiency system through energy savings.

Environmental Benefits

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint: More efficient systems produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Refrigerant Changes: Modern systems use more environmentally friendly refrigerants like Puron (R-410A) instead of Freon (R-22).

Compliance Requirements

• Existing systems below the new minimum SEER2 rating can continue to operate
• Replacements and new installations must meet the new standards
• Homeowners should be aware of potential grandfather clauses and local regulations

Factors to Consider When Updating Your HVAC System

When the time comes to upgrade your HVAC system, consider the following factors:

1. System Capacity: Measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or tons
2. Home Size and Layout: Affects the required system capacity
3. Insulation Quality: Impacts overall system efficiency
4. Ductwork Condition: Leaky ducts can significantly reduce system efficiency
5. Climate: Influences the balance between cooling and heating needs
6. System Type:
   • Ducted vs. ductless (mini-split) systems
   • Air conditioner vs. heat pump
7. Additional Features:
   • Variable-speed compressors
   • Smart thermostats
   • Zoning capabilities

Choosing the Right HVAC System

Steps to Select an Energy-Efficient System:

1. Assess Your Needs: Consider your home’s size, layout, and specific cooling/heating requirements.
2. Compare SEER Ratings: Look beyond the minimum requirements for potential long-term savings.
3. Consider Other Efficiency Metrics:
   • EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) for steady-state efficiency
   • HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) for heat pump heating efficiency
4. Evaluate System Types: Ducted central systems vs. ductless mini-splits
5. Explore Advanced Features: Variable-speed compressors, smart controls, etc.
6. Calculate Long-Term Costs: Factor in purchase price, installation costs, expected lifespan, and projected energy savings.
7. Check for Rebates and Incentives: Look for ENERGY STAR rebates or local utility incentives for high-efficiency systems.

The Role of Professional HVAC Services

Working with experienced HVAC professionals is crucial when navigating the new SEER standards:

• System Sizing: Proper load calculations ensure you get the right-sized system for your home.
• Installation Quality: Proper installation is critical for achieving the rated efficiency.
• Maintenance: Regular service helps maintain system efficiency over time.
• Expertise: Professionals can help you understand the new standards and choose the best system for your needs.

The new SEER standards represent a significant step forward in HVAC efficiency. While they may present some challenges in terms of initial costs and system selection, the long-term benefits in energy savings and environmental impact are substantial. By understanding these changes and working with qualified HVAC professionals, homeowners can make informed decisions that lead to more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable homes.

Remember, whether you’re in Orlando, FL, or anywhere else in the country, staying informed about these changes will help you make the best choices for your home’s heating and cooling needs. As we move towards a more energy-efficient future, embracing these new standards is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to reduce costs, improve comfort, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Make Your A/C Energy-Efficient with Frank Gay Services

Ready to find out how to make your home’s air conditioning more energy-efficient? The air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance professionals at Frank Gay Services are here to help. Give us a call today at (407) 279-3270 to learn how you can save money and energy before new SEER regulations are put into place!