The New HVAC Efficiency Standards

SEER2

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. SEER2 is an updated version of SEER set by the Department of Energy that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. SEER2 mimics real world conditions more accurately than SEER by utilizing the M1 blower testing procedure.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, all air conditioners must have a SEER2 rating of 13.4 or higher in the North. In the Southwest and Southeast, split system air conditioners with a capacity less than 45k BTU must have a SEER2 of 14.3 or higher. Split system air conditioners with a capacity greater than or equal to 45k BTU must have a SEER2 of 13.8 or higher. All single-packaged air conditioners must have a SEER2 of 13.4 or higher.

As of the same date, split system heat pumps throughout the country must have a SEER2 of 14.3 or higher, while single-packaged heat pumps must have a SEER2 of 13.4 or higher. The SEER2 changes can be confusing, and the best rating for your HVAC system depends on a variety of factors, such as home size, number of occupants, outdoor climate, and more. That’s why it’s important to talk to your Braswell comfort specialist before investing in a system!

HSPF2

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and measures the efficiency of a heat pump over the fall and winter seasons. HSPF2 is an updated version of HSPF set by the Department of Energy (DOE) that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. The DOE created HSPF2 after refining HVAC system testing procedures to more closely mimic real world conditions.

Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Energy will require all split system heat pumps to have an HSPF2 rating of 7.5 or higher, and all single-packaged heat pumps to have an HSPF2 of 6.7 or higher. The best HSPF2 rating for your heat pump depends on a number of different factors, like home size and climate, so be sure to talk to your Braswell comfort specialist before investing in a system.