Learn About This Major Change in AC Efficiency
Things never stay one way for very long in the heating and cooling industry. As technology improves, companies are held to higher standards set forth by the Department of Energy (DOE).
On Jan. 1, 2023, new efficiency regulations went into effect. Previously, air conditioners and heat pumps were rated according to their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Now, units will be measured according to SEER2. The new measuring system and standards will be more in-line with recent technological improvements within the industry. Units will also be measured differently to better reflect real-world conditions that SEER did not account for as accurately.
Both air conditioner units and heat pumps will be impacted by the new SEER2 regulations. If your system is near the 15-year mark, we encourage you to schedule an AC replacement sooner rather than later. Manufacturers will be working to make sure the equipment you buy is rated properly. Combine this with the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re expecting the supply shortage to result in industry-wide price increases.
Important Points to Know:
- For air conditioning systems, the country has been divided into three separate regions: North, Southwest and Southeast. Here in California, we belong to the Southwest region.
- The cooling power of air conditioners is measured using British Thermal Units (BTU). The BTU indicates how much energy the system uses to remove heat from your home within an hour.
- In our region, residential central air systems below 45,000 BTU must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 (previously known as 15 SEER). Residential central air systems 45,000 BTU and above must have a SEER2 rating of 13.8 (14.5 SEER). Heat pumps must meet 14.3 SEER2 (15 SEER).
- Starting on Jan. 1, AC products must meet the new SEER2 requirements. Systems manufactured before 2023 that fail to meet the new requirements cannot be installed. Do not be confused by different requirements in the North region, which will be determined by the manufacturing date. Products that do not meet the new SEER2 requirements can be installed in the North region only if they were manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 2023. Because we live in a warmer region that allocates more energy to cooling, we are required to abide by the installation date as opposed to the manufacturing date.
What Does This Mean for Me?
With these changes, homeowners will be able to further increase their long-term energy savings. While upfront costs will inevitably rise, it’s important to remember that the more efficient your unit is, the less you will have to pay to heat and cool your home over time.
If you will be purchasing a new air conditioner or heat pump this year, it’s important to work with a licensed and qualified company that is fully abiding by the new SEER2 standards. The last thing you want to do is invest in a new system, only to find that it does not comply with the new efficiency requirements.
Upgrade & Save With Timo’s
Helping customers lower their energy bills is nothing new to us here at Timo’s. Despite these new changes, we’ve already been ahead of the curve, carrying and installing high-efficiency systems that provide better results over time.
When you choose to work with us, you can rest assured your new equipment will be fully compliant with the new DOE efficiency standards. If your unit is near the 15-year mark, you’re likely paying far more to cool your home than you should be. It’s always better to upgrade during the cooler months when demand (and price) are lower. Don’t wait until the hottest day of the year for your AC or heat pump in California to shut down permanently! Our friendly, NATE-certified technicians are here to guide you and point you toward the perfect, energy-efficient system for your home.
To schedule service, contact us online or call Timo’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 760.475.9542 today.
