Seer 2 Rating Change (2023)- How This Will Affect Your Region?

In the coming year, there will be a change to SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) regulations in an effort to make HVAC products more energy-efficient. These changes will vary based on your location, but HVAC efficiency will generally increase by up to 10% in most heating and cooling equipment. The following guide will help you determine how the SEER 2 rating change (2023) will affect your region.

How Will Energy-Efficiency Changes Impact Homes in Northern States?

Any equipment manufactured prior to January 1st, 2023, can still sell as-is, but new HVAC systems manufactured on or after the first of the new year will have to meet updated requirements that match the SEER 2 rating change. 2023 will see heating and cooling machinery having to increase their energy efficiency to a 13.4 rating. Heat pumps will have to rate a 14.3 minimum efficiency score.

How the SEER 2 Rating Change (2023) Will Affect Southeast and Southwest Systems

If you live in the southeast or southwest, the SEER updates will affect your HVAC system based on its size. For a system that’s under 45,000 BTU, it must have a minimum SEER rating of 14.3. Larger systems (45,000 BTU or higher) must have a minimum 13.8 rating. An important detail to note is that HVAC equipment in the southeast must meet these requirements regardless of their manufacture date.

How the SEER 2 Changes Will Affect the Industry?

HVAC manufacturers, dealers, and installation contractors must all abide by the new 2023 regulations as of January 1, and failure to comply will result in serious legal penalties and fines. In order to meet these new regulations, manufacturers will have to design systems that are larger and heavier. 

As a result,  increases in manufacturing, shipping, and installation costs will get passed on to customers. Some homeowners might choose to install new systems sooner to avoid having to deal with the SEER 2 changes.

Get Ahead with a New HVAC System Today!

Vital Heating & Air can help you install a new HVAC system, so if it’s time to upgrade your system or if you just need maintenance for your existing unit, don’t hesitate to contact us today.