As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating for HVAC equipment will be increased. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Index (SEER) is the ratio between the total heat extracted from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner during the same season. The Department of Energy (DOE) uses population-weighted number of degrees-day heating (HDD) to establish the dividing line between northern and southern states. A hard drive is counted when the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees (indicating that your house needs heating).Currently, new air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13 in northern states and 14 in southern states.
In addition, the industry will adopt the SEER 2 standard. This means that HVAC companies will no longer be able to install units below 14 SEER in most places, and the 13 SEER model will stop being manufactured. The higher the SEER rating, the less electrical energy your air conditioner will use to cool your home. SEER2 is measured differently than SEER, and ratings often differ by approximately 0.5.To understand the implications of these changes, it's important to know what SEER ratings are and how they are determined.
States with 5000 or more hard drives are considered part of the northern region, while states with less than 5000 hard drives are considered part of the southern region. Since households in southern states use air conditioning much more often due to fewer hard drives, slightly higher efficiency standards are set for air conditioners in these areas. It's important to have your air conditioning system checked and maintained by a professional now. During HVAC maintenance service, our Sears technician will check the entire system and test its operation. The technician will discuss with you any possible system problems after completing the maintenance service and review, as well as the next steps to take. If your air conditioning system needs to be replaced, you'll need to act immediately to better guarantee the price and the tightest installation times for your new one system.
Adam suggests considering financing options such as rent-to-own if replacing your air conditioning system during the holidays wasn't something you expected. Continue to schedule professional maintenance of air conditioning systems once a year to keep your central air conditioner in perfect condition and avoid potential problems. As parts wear out and break in older HVAC systems, it's likely to be harder to find replacement parts. Get a Sears Protect home warranty plan to protect all your appliances for one low price. Understanding the key aspects of current and new DOE HVAC regulations can help you make better decisions about your heating and cooling system. Use your knowledge about these changes in HVAC regulations and potential future problems to make the right decisions about your heating and cooling system.