The Department of Energy (DOE) is making some major changes to the minimum SEER rating for HVAC equipment in 2023. 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. So, what is the SEER rating? The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Index (SEER) is a measure of how much heat is extracted from a conditioned space during the annual cooling season compared to the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner during that same season. The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity your air conditioner will use to cool your home.
SEER2 is similar to SEER, but it is measured differently. It takes into account energy efficiency under test conditions that more accurately reflect real-world scenarios of installed air conditioning units. The DOE uses population-weighted number of days with degrees of heating (HDD) to determine which states are considered part of the northern or southern region. A hard drive counts when the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees (indicating that your home needs heating).
States with 5,000 HDDs or more are considered part of the northern region, while states with less than 5,000 HDDs are considered part of the southern region. Since HVAC companies will no longer be able to install units below the 14 SEER mark in most locations, the 13 SEER will be discontinued. To ensure that your home is ready for these changes, it's important to have your air conditioning system checked and maintained by a professional now. During maintenance service, our Sears technician will review and test your system's operation and discuss any potential problems with you.
It's also important to continue scheduling professional HVAC maintenance each year to keep your central air conditioner in top shape and avoid potential problems. If you need to replace your air conditioning system, you'll need to act quickly to get the best price and installation times for your new system. Consider taking advantage of financing options such as rent-to-buy if replacing your air conditioning system during the holidays wasn't something you planned. Finally, consider getting a Sears Protect home warranty plan to protect all your appliances for one low price. Understanding key aspects of current and new DOE HVAC regulations can help you make better decisions about your heating and cooling system.
Use this knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your system.
