SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2: 2023 HVAC Efficiency Standards

Changes are coming to HVAC regulation with the 2023 HVAC efficiency standards. Beginning January 1, 2023, HVAC products will be required to meet new minimum efficiency standards for heating and cooling. In addition, the DOE is updating the efficiency testing procedures and the current efficiency rating system with new metrics: SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. These standards set forth by the Department of Energy will apply to air conditioners and heat pumps sold in the U.S. Consumers in the market for new HVAC units should be aware of the new standards and how they will impact them.

• What are the Energy Efficiency Standards for HVAC systems?
• Regional Standards
• 2023 HVAC Efficiency Standards
• Minimums for Residential Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps
• Air Conditioner Condensing Unit Requirements
• Heat Pump Requirements
• Single Packaged Unit Requirements
• How do I find my current HVAC energy efficiency ratings?
• Do I need to upgrade my existing air conditioner?
• Conclusion

Every six years, the DOE reviews the effects of energy usage, sets minimum efficiency requirements, and manages the testing standards by which those efficiencies are measured. By 2023, the DOE will increase the minimum efficiencies for central air conditioners and heat pumps. The testing procedures for determining those efficiencies will change as well.

In 2015, the DOE established regional guidelines and divided the U.S. into three main regions based on the states' climate, which means these minimum standards can differ from state to state.

North: The northern region includes Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Southwest: The Southwest region consists of Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

South: The South region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.

In 2023, all new HVAC systems being sold must adhere to the new efficiency standards outlined below:

• SEER: The minimum rating for air conditioning systems will increase from 13 to 14 SEER for the northern region. The minimum rating will increase from 14 to 15 SEER for split systems using less than 45,000 BTU and from 14 to 14.5 SEER for split systems using more than 45,000 BTU in the Southeast and Southwest.

• HSPF: The minimum rating for heat pumps will increase from 8.2 to 8.8 HSPF for all regions.

• AFUE: The minimum rating for furnaces will become 81% AFUE for all regions. Currently, the minimum is 80% AFUE for the southern and southwestern regions and 90% for the northern region.

• EER: The Southwest region alone will also have to meet new EER standards. The minimum rating for air conditioners will be 12.2 EER on units less than 45,000 BTU and 11.7 EER on units of 45,000 BTU or greater if the SEER is greater than 15 but less than 16. The minimum will be 10.2 EER on any unit of 16 SEER or greater.

In addition to higher efficiency standards in 2023, a new testing procedure: 10 CFR Appendix M1 to Subpart B of Part 430 - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps. Systems tested for this method will use the new terminology SEER2, HSPF2, and EER2. The new metrics are more reflective of conditions within homes affecting HVAC units. All new HVAC units must comply with the latest testing procedures.

*11.7 EER limit for equipment ≥ 45K BTU/Hr

For the North Region, any 13.0 SEER air conditioner built before January 1, 2023, can still be installed on or after January 1, 2023.
For the Southeast and Southwest Regions, any air conditioner that does not meet the above requirements cannot be installed on or after January 1, 2023.

If your system is newer, you can find its energy efficiency ratings on the yellow and black Energy Guide label. Otherwise, you can find efficiency ratings in the product’s description or the specifications on the brand’s website. Another option is to contact the brand’s customer service by email or phone.

If you are a homeowner, there is no need to panic. You can continue using your existing air conditioner unit if it is still functional and installed. The new regulations and requirements only apply to new AC units purchased after 2023.

If you are considering purchasing a new AC unit, heat pump, or packaged system, it’s essential to keep these updated efficiency standards in mind come 2023. Higher-performing units can be more expensive than older units or systems with lower SEER, EER, or HSPF ratings; for each increase in SEER rating, expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $1,500 more.

Although it may cost you more upfront, choosing a high-efficiency heating or cooling system may save you more money in the long run. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, upgrading a home’s heating and cooling system can reduce energy use by up to 20% or more, depending on the condition of the existing systems. So, maximizing efficiency is an excellent way to keep money in your pocket at the end of each month.

Beginning January 1, 2023, new air conditioners and heat pumps sold in the U.S. will be required to abide by new efficiency standards and testing procedures. Cooling system regional standards will increase by 1 SEER. National split-system heat pump standards will also increase to 15 SEER and 8.8 HSPF. Single-packaged system standards will remain at 14 SEER and 8.0 HSPF; however, single-package systems will have to comply with the new testing procedures and meet the SEER2 and HSPF2 requirements.

Homeowners may continue to use their existing HVAC units in 2023. The new standards only apply to new units. If you plan to purchase a new unit in 2023, be aware that higher-efficiency units can be more expensive, but they may save you money over time by reducing your energy bill.