Changes in Efficiency Standards Coming to the HVAC Industry in 2023
The HVAC industry will be experiencing significant changes in efficiency standards starting in January, 2023.
Every six years or so, the Department of Energy evaluates energy conservation standards for appliances with the goal of increasing standards to achieve national energy savings. As of January 1, there will be new minimum efficiency standards in effect for split-system air conditioners and split-system heat pumps; single-packaged ACs and heat pumps will not be affected.
In addition, the procedure for testing the energy efficiency of appliances, called the M1 Standard, will change, affecting both split-system ACs, split-system heat pumps, and packaged units. The new efficiency rating metrics will be:
- SEER & SEER2
- EER & EER2
- HSPF & HSPF2
The purpose of the new testing procedures is to better represent installed equipment in real-world applications; it will also correspond to a 1% increase in baseline efficiency.
Here’s a closer look at what will change for our region:
| Current standards | New 2023 Standards(per the current test standard) | New 2023 Standards (per new testing procedure/metrics) | Enforcement | |
| Split-system AC units (including heat pumps) | 14 SEER | 15 SEER up to 45K BTU, 14.5 SEER at/above 45k BTU | 14.3 SEER2 up to 45K BTU, 13.8 SEER2 at/above 45k BTU | Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, any installation of a split system air conditioner not meeting the new standard will violate Department of Energy regulations |
| Split-system heat pumps (including mini-splits) | 14 SEER, 8.2 HSPF | 15 SEER, 8.8 HSPF | 14.3 SEER2, 7.5 HSPF2 | Units that don’t meet the new minimum efficiency standard and were manufactured before Jan. 1, 2023, may be installed indefinitely. |
| Single-packaged AC units | 14 SEER | No change | 13.4 SEER2 | Units that don’t have the new efficiency rating metric and were manufactured before Jan. 1, 2023, may be installed indefinitely. |
| Single-packaged heat pumps | 14 SEER, 8.0 HSPF | No change | 13.4 SEER2, 6.8 HSPF2 | Units that don’t have the new efficiency rating metric and were manufactured before Jan. 1, 2023, may be installed indefinitely. |
What Does This Mean for You?
All newly manufactured units will need to meet the updated standards, and older equipment will be phased out for installation as of the January 1 deadline. In addition, you can expect to see increases in equipment pricing as new energy regulations are implemented. If you’ve been considering replacing your split-system AC or split-system heat pump, now is a good time to do it.
We’re currently offering $300 off new 14 SEER and 15 SEER split systems while supplies last. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact PECO Heating & Cooling today at (864) 639-2424!
