How are the new SEER2 standards going to affect you?

Bottom Line: New energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces are going into effect this January 1, 2023 and that means air conditioning prices are going up so, if you’re about due for a new air conditioning system, there’s really no time like the present!

If you’ve purchased an air conditioning unit in the past 30, you’ve probably noticed the big yellow sticker labeled “ENERGY GUIDE” that points down to an “Efficiency Rating” or SEER.

SEER (which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the ratio of cooling output (the BTUs) of a particular HVAC system, over a typical cooling season, divided by the electricity input (the watt hours) used in the same time period. Similar to your vehicle’s MPG rating, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioning unit.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has enforced minimum SEER requirements since 1992, but starting January 1, 2023, they’re changing the way HVAC systems are tested.

Why are they changing the way HVAC systems are tested now?

Well, just like your MPG ratings, SEER ratings are affected by real-world conditions (you’re probably not getting the MPG rating on the window sticker if most of your driving is in stop-and-go traffic).

Current SEER testing does not accurately reflect real-world conditions (like poorly designed ductwork). SEER2 uses a new testing procedure that more accurately reflects real-world conditions and it demands a lower energy efficiency rating so, essentially, you have to get a better grade on a