Now that we are in 2023, you may or may not have noticed that the air conditioner efficiency ratings are changing. All SEER ratings will be replaced with SEER2 ratings as of January 1st, 2023. Due to their enhanced efficiency, these new regulations will vary by region and positively impact the environment. Many things regarding utility bills, energy consumption, replacement part availability and more will change as we move to SEER2 ratings. Everything you need to know about upcoming SEER rating changes is what we at Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share today. This information should be of aid to you when you need to make informed decisions when purchasing a new unit for your home.
Basics of SEER Ratings
The SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio is attached to all units. Generally, the number can be found on the yellow energy guide sticker on your unit. By dividing your home’s annual cooling output during the cooling season by the total electric energy input you get the calculations for the SEER. It results in lower monthly utility bills when air conditioning units with higher SEER ratings often use less energy to cool your home effectively. Most modern units fall between 13 and 21, though the standard minimum SEER rating for air conditioners was 13. For central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps, the U.S. Department of Energy will raise the minimum efficiency requirements beginning 2023.
New SEER Ratings Changes
An updated method of measuring your unit’s efficiency that uses a different testing procedure is SEER 2. The updated rating can be calculated by dividing the cooling output by the total electric energy input of your unit. The minimum SEER rating will increase by different amounts based on the region in the United States beginning in 2023. SEER2 ratings are based on your unit’s number of British Thermal Units (BTU). To determine the BTU is a measurement of your unit’s cooling power, contact an AC professional. With a cooling output below 45,000 BTU, the minimum SEER rating will increase from 14 to 15 for AC units. In 2023, a minimum of 14.5 SEER rating will be on units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity. For the same amount of cooling, this increase in efficiency will allow homeowners to use less electricity. These changes could result in price increases on new units as homeowners go to make a replacement though greater AC efficiency will have its benefits. This also suggests replacing parts on older, outdated systems can be challenging with the older units.
Central Air Conditioning Diagnosis, Repair, Replacement, Maintenance & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Centennial, Enterprise, Lone Mountain Village, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Peccole Ranch, Silverado Ranch, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Now is a great time for homeowners to invest in a new unit with improvements to new unit efficiency in the new year. You can reduce utility bills, increase efficiency, as well as improve the indoor air quality in your home by investing in a new unit. A new unit with a higher SEER2 rating will reduce your energy consumption overall. Upgrading the latest technology will decrease your risk of breakdowns or costly air conditioning maintenance in addition to environmental benefits. Call Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more today!