DOE 2023 SEER2 Update Good for Consumers
The Department of Energy (DoE) has updated rules for the energy efficiency standards of air conditioning and heating equipment. The new standards went into effect January 1st this year.
I know, you see words like rules and standards, along with a government department, and your first impulse is to brace for some scary news, confusing instructions, and duplicate paperwork. What now?
I’m here to let you know that SEER2 changes at the beginning of the year are painless and even positive for the typical consumer and homeowner. The DoE’s changes boost efficiency ratings of HVAC units and make them more realistic. What that ultimately means for you is LOWER UTILITY BILLS! Let’s get into the details.
What are the Changes?
In short, new AC units and heat pumps installed (in New Orleans, and the Southeast) must now have a SEER2 rating of at least 15. You’ll find that on the yellow label that comes on your appliances. Before January 1, the minimum requirement was a SEER rating of 14.
SEER refers to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measurement of the energy an air conditioning unit will use throughout the year. SEER2 is an update of the original SEER rating system. The testing used to decide SEER2 is closer to showing how HVAC units really perform in real conditions.
We’ve talked before about SEER and how it can be misleading. Let’s review what SEER really is and talk more about SEER2.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. You probably see this term, along with EER (energy efficiency ratio), BTUs (British thermal unit), and watts when you are trying to buy or find out more about air conditioners or heaters. SEER is the measurement unit that helps you decide how energy-efficient a new heating or cooling unit, is.
The efficiency of HVAC systems, and all home electric appliances, qualify for the Energy Star Labels that show they meet the government’s DoE requirements. This SEER rating system was released in 1992 and used for 3 decades.
Why the Update to SEER2?
Many in the industry have wanted changes. The numbers aren’t always telling you what you think they are.
SEER2 is a step in the right direction. The SEER2 update tries to improve accuracy and make testing methods more practical in a real-world setting, not just the laboratory.
HVAC professionals were critical that previous testing for SEER standards did not consider how ductwork or other external static pressures affected heating and cooling systems.
SEER2 uses testing that raises the external static pressure. External static pressure is all outside pressures that the HVAC blower works against, such as air filters, registers, and ductwork. The blower has to work harder to push air against higher external static pressure and consume more watts.
What Does SEER2 Improve?
More realistic efficiency ratings. SEER ratings were not very accurate. The tests used just did not come close to what HVAC contractors were dealing with every day. As stated,
SEER2 testing promises to apply better to real-world situations.
Recognition of regional differences. The previous testing method universally applied one set of SEER standards for the entire United States. Regional and climate differences were not considered. The update assigns separate SEER2 ratings according to location in the Northern, Southeastern, and Southwestern regions.
Lower utility bills! This is the change you are probably the most interested in. The goal of one of the DoE programs is to replace appliances with energy-efficient models and save each American more than $500 annually on energy bills by 2030. New AC units alone use up to 50% less energy. This is a step to lower those energy costs.
What Doesn’t Change?
Buying an HVAC unit can still be confusing.
SEER2 methods don’t change the confusing labels and terms consumers must decipher when buying HVAC units. You’ll even be seeing new terms on those energy guide labels to reflect the updated testing requirements — SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 (heating seasonal performance).
And SEER2 ratings on these tags still can be just as misleading as SEER ratings for consumers. Manufacturers sell HVAC models that include units ranging from 2 to 5 tons and advertise the entire series by the SEER rating of the most efficient (lowest tonnage) unit. That makes customers think they are buying a more efficient unit than they are.
For example, Model A which includes 2, 2 ½, 3, 3 ½, 4, and 5-ton units might be advertised as 16 SEER. However, if you purchase the 3 ½ ton unit it could be only 14 SEER. At Help!!, we try to avoid using “SEER” when we are dealing with product lines.
It helps to have air conditioning and heating professionals that you can trust to discuss exactly how these terms really compute to quality.
HVAC efficiency still depends most on installation
You are not likely to notice big changes in how HVAC units are heating or cooling your home. In fact, manufactured equipment and quality is only responsible for one-fifth of what makes an HVAC system efficient. Most of your HVAC system’s efficiency still ultimately depends on how it is installed and serviced.
What determines your HVAC system’s efficiency?
What works in one house or structure does not work in another
Systems must be correctly applied and sized, such as for ducts, return grills, and refrigerant lines. Installs must consider condensation removal and be properly vented. That’s why it’s so important to use a company and technicians with experience.
***
The DoE’s overall purpose is to reduce the amount of coal we need and therefore the amount of energy we need. It is great to see these programs in action. Less energy means fewer carbon emissions and in turn better health of this, our beloved mother ship we call EARTH.
We need these reminders that we can all do our part. Little changes will equal big results in reducing our consumption of natural resources. Help!! Air Conditioning wants to do our part. We’re always here to consult and answer your questions to make sure you are as informed as you can be as you too do your part.
Help!! has been a family-owned and operated New Orleans air conditioning company for more than 50 years. We offer the best AC repair guarantee: fixed right, or it’s free!
Remember, Help!! Air Conditioning is in the business of keeping people comfortable while saving you money (and saving the environment)!