As businesses attempt to navigate the slippery slope that is energy consumption these days, rules and regulations continue to be created and updated in attempt to police said consumption. Going green is the next stage for most industries and HVAC/BAS is no different.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are leading the charge in advancing the industry standard by creating a greener and more energy conscious future.
A major way the industry monitors energy consumption industry-wide is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating:
The AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) defines ratings for SEER based on the AHRI 210/240 standard. A SEER rating is the measurement of a unit’s cooling output during a normal cooling season/time divided by the total amount of electric energy input during that same period. The higher a SEER rating is, the better and more energy efficient your unit is.
The DOE analyzes and reanalyzes appliances/energy usage and its effects every six years. Based on their last analysis when it comes to SEER etc., 2023 regulations will be looking a little bit different. Next year, the DEO will be increasing minimum efficiencies for central air conditioners and heat pumps. All testing procedures normally used will be having changes as well.
Minimum Efficiency Change for 2023
- Air conditioners in the North: minimum efficiency is now 14.0 SEER (adjusted from 13.0 SEER)
- Air conditioners in the South: minimum efficiency is now 15.0 SEER* (adjusted from 14.0 SEER)*15.0 SEER up to 45k BTU, 14.5 SEET at/above 45k BTU
- Heat pump: minimum efficiency is now 15.0 SEER (adjusted from 14.0 SEER)
Current testing procedures include SEER, EER (energy efficiency ratio, and HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor). The new testing procedures are SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. Stay vigilant when it comes to jobs in 2023 and make sure you’re staying up to date on the new changes to testing procedures.
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