The Department of Energy (DOE) started the new year by implementing changes to its energy efficiency requirements and standards for HVAC equipment. These updates will impact homeowners and contractors working on home improvement projects involving buying and installing new HVAC systems and components.

What Are SEER Ratings?

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a way manufacturers, contractors and homeowners can understand how well HVAC units and equipment perform. After undergoing testing procedures, HVAC equipment will receive a numerical value to determine how efficiently it maintains comfortable temperatures. Higher SEER ratings identify a unit as a highly functional and energy-efficient model, helping contractors and homeowners find the right one for their needs. The DOE determines SEER standards, establishing the minimum ratio that HVAC equipment must meet for sale, installation and use. On January 1, 2023, they increased the SEER rates and introduced a new measurement system to ensure additional energy efficiency and sustainability in the U.S.

SEER vs. SEER2

With the new SEER standards, the DOE introduced SEER2, an additional energy-efficiency measurement for manufacturers, homeowners and contractors. As of the start of 2023, all new equipment produced and installed in homes must meet these standards. SEER2 introduces a new HVAC testing method that better reflects how residential HVAC units function. Piping systems in homes often cause an increased buildup of static pressure. The M1 testing process under SEER2 simulates these conditions to provide more accurate information about energy efficiency and sustainability. As they did with SEER, manufacturers, homeowners and contractors will aim for higher SEER2 ratings for better performance and efficiency.

What Products Are Affected by SEER2 Regulations?

The SEER and SEER2 regulations impact several types of products and HVAC components. Knowing what the changes affect can help you make better plans to invest in new home HVAC systems that meet compliance standards. Equipment with SEER and SEER2 ratings include the following:

• Air conditioning units
• Heat pumps and furnaces
• Evaporator coils
• Single-packaged products
• HVAC parts and components

SEER2 and SEER are comprehensive regulations aiming to apply to most industry models, so equipment can continually perform its best for homes and the environment.

Why Are SEER Ratings Changing?

The DOE is adding the new SEER2 ratings to help manufacturers produce higher-quality equipment that matches how your home functions. However, SEER is an older measurement undergoing recent changes. The DOE updates standards based on new evidence and sustainability initiatives. The raised SEER minimums can also benefit homeowners in several ways by:

• Reducing energy bills: SEER and SEER2 measure how well HVAC equipment uses its energy input to maintain temperatures. A higher-rated SEER model will use less energy and help homeowners cut energy costs. Energy-efficient HVAC systems will better utilize the input energy, so you only spend what you need.
• Improving comfort: Homeowners prioritize comfort when investing in HVAC equipment. They want units that will counter the elements and maintain their preferred conditions, regardless of their location. The SEER and SEER2 changes raise the standard minimums for energy efficiency, meaning these models can work less to stabilize and keep temperatures where you want them.
• Optimizing equipment life span: Energy efficiency can also impact equipment performance. Units that use energy efficiently can better avoid overworking or premature wearing. The new SEER ratings can help your equipment last its entire intended life span for a more worthy investment.

Learning the residential benefits of these energy efficiency regulations can help homeowners understand why they are important. Implementing this HVAC unit type enables homeowners to impact the environment with more sustainable solutions positively impact the environment.

What Are the 2023 SEER HVAC USA Regions?

SEER and SEER2 measure the seasonal performance of HVAC systems, so the DOE splits performance standards by geographic region to match each area's climate patterns and HVAC needs. Since it's warmer in southern regions, homeowners will want more efficient SEER and SEER2 scores to ensure their investment can maintain their comfort.

North Region

The North region has the most states, spanning both coastlines to cover all northern territories in the U.S. While each state and area has unique weather patterns and needs, milder summers typically mean these states require less powerful air conditioning units. The states in the North region are:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• North Dakota
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

SEER and SEER2 rates for this region determine the minimum energy efficiency standards for air conditioning units, heat pumps and single-packaged units. The 2023 SEER ratings have raised the minimums in the North region to the following:

• Air conditioning: 14.0
• Heat pumps: 15.0
• Single-packaged products: 14.0

The SEER2 ratings for the North region are as follows:

• Air conditioning: 13.4
• Heat pumps: 14.3
• Single-packaged products: 13.4

The DOE set SEER and SEER2 standards to meet the needs of these states, helping units preserve their performance and save energy. New equipment you purchase or install in these states must meet or exceed these standards.

Southeast Region

While the DOE groups all northern states together, it separates the southern ones into two distinct regions. The South typically gets hotter in the summer, requiring more energy-efficient equipment to maintain household comfort. Summers in the Southeast are also often more humid than those in the Southwest, distinguishing their needs. The Southeast region includes the following states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Kentucky
• Lousiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Texas
• South Carolina
• Virginia

The updated SEER ratings for new HVAC equipment for your Southeast home include the following:

• Air conditioning: 15.0
• Heat pumps: 15.0
• Single-packaged products: 14.0

You can meet the DOE's additional efficiency standards with SEER2 ratings, including:

• Air conditioning: 14.3
• Heat pumps: 14.3
• Single-packaged products: 13.4

Southwest Region

The Southwest region is the smallest of the three, with drier summers than those in the Southeast. The states in the Southwest region include the following:

• Arizona
• California
• Nevada
• New Mexico

New HVAC equipment for your Southwest home must comply with the DOE with the new SEER ratings, including:

• Air conditioning: 15.0
• Heat pumps: 15.0
• Single-packaged products: 14.0

Like the other two regions, you will also need to consider SEER2 ratings when investing and installing new HVAC equipment in your home. The minimum requirements for SEER2 HVAC equipment in the Southwest are the following:

• Air conditioning: 14.3
• Heat pumps: 14.3
• Single-packaged products: 13.4

While these standards have just rolled out, staying up to date on energy efficiency standards can ensure you continually invest in the best equipment in the industry.

Will Old Equipment Qualify?

Many homeowners might be concerned about their existing HVAC units and equipment in the face of the DOE's new regulations rollout. The SEER and SEER2 changes do not mean you have to upgrade your equipment immediately, instead applying to manufacturing and installation processes. You can keep your current HVAC systems until the end of their life span and then invest in compliant equipment. However, existing equipment can still experience impacts from the changes. Manufacturers can no longer make parts for non-compliant equipment. If you need repairs or replacements to maintain your current system, finding components can be more challenging now that the supply is cut off. When investing in new equipment, it must meet new SEER and SEER2 requirements if buying and installing it after January 1. Further, your equipment must have been manufactured after January 1.

How Will SEER2 Impact Contractors?

Contractors should know the new requirements and restrictions on purchasing and installing HVAC systems. Many homeowners hire contractors to renovate and upgrade their homes, including subcontractors specializing in HVAC equipment. Like homeowners, these teams and companies will have a unique adjustment period to ensure compliance with the DOE's new standards and regulations. Changes can impact project timelines. If homeowners met with contractors about installing a new HVAC system in 2022, they might have to return to the planning stages with the new year. Contractors installing equipment after January 1, 2023, must use models that meet the SEER and SEER2 regulations. Failure to comply with these standards can result in heavy fines and harsh penalties. Homeowners and contractors must work together to find a new model under new SEER standards. Contractors might have longer wait times for parts and installation as producers and distributors adjust to changes. It might be harder to find components for older equipment, and new parts will be in low supply as they work through the design, testing and distribution stages.

When Should I Upgrade My HVAC System?

The new regulations and restrictions have many wondering if now is the time to replace and upgrade their HVAC systems. Homeowners can keep their existing systems after January 1, 2023. Your air conditioner and heater might have some functional and efficient years left, making it unwise to invest in new equipment just yet. However, knowing the common signs that your system is ready for replacement can help maintain your home's comfort.

1. When It Reaches the Industry Life Span

The DOE estimates homeowners should replace their HVAC system every 15 to 20 years. Equipment naturally ages over time, especially things like HVAC units that people use daily. Manufacturers will also provide projected life spans depending on their product's functionality and specifications. If your equipment is approaching the end of its expected life span, you might start looking into new models.

2. When Repairs Cost More Than Replacing the Unit

HVAC systems are comprehensive, with lots of different parts and components. Maintenance and malfunctions might reveal broken parts or wear that require repairs and replacements. Wear on one component can strain others in the system, causing them to overwork and wear before their time. Upkeep will become more expensive as your equipment ages. Your older equipment might need comprehensive care more frequently, raising the costs of maintenance for the system. When maintenance and repairs add up to more than your unit's worth, it is time for a full replacement.

3. When Parts and Components Are Obsolete

In addition to the cost, manufacturers will stop producing parts at some point, making equipment obsolete. While necessary repairs may be simple, the lack of appropriate parts and equipment can make them impossible. When you can no longer find the essential components for your model, you can begin researching newer ones.

4. When Energy Bills Rise

As your equipment ages, you should pay closer attention to your energy bills. Equipment might start performing less efficiently, with wear and damage that untrained homeowners may overlook. Because it can be tricky to identify when HVAC systems are failing or aging past their prime, your utility bills can highlight when equipment is starting to fail. HVAC energy efficiency can vary depending on the season and weather patterns, so subtle differences between monthly bills are natural. Instead, look for drastic and unusual increases.

5. When Your Home Is Uncomfortable or Temperature Is Inconsistent

Your HVAC system's performance determines its ability to maintain the set temperatures in your home. If your system fails to keep temperatures constant and consistent throughout the day, there might be problems with the system's components or equipment. Piping and tubing might also be wearing, causing stark differences between the temperatures in rooms in your home.

6. More Dust Is Present in Your Home

While HVAC systems heat and cool your home, they are also responsible for filtering the air quality. Your system should catch and filter particles like dust and dirt, preventing them from traveling through the vents. If you notice more dust buildup around your home, your HVAC system might be failing at its ventilation and filtration functions. It may be time for serious maintenance or replacements.

Replace Your HVAC System With Ingram's Water & Air

You can maintain HVAC compliance with changing regulations by upgrading your systems. Increased energy efficiency and long life spans can optimize your investment, while the rebates provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 can offset costs. When you know your home is ready for a new HVAC system, you just need to find the right model for your needs and comfort. Ingram's Water & Air offers complete collections of HVAC systems, components and accessories, so you can get everything your home needs in one place. We offer our customers free tech support for life, with trained experts ready to walk you through installations and repairs over the phone. Explore our offerings today and discover how to maintain your home's comfort with a quality HVAC system.