Understanding the Change in SEER HVAC Efficiency Regulations and What it Means for You

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are necessary for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment in residential and commercial buildings. Of course, like any piece of electrical equipment, heating or cooling your home is going to bring power. HVAC energy efficiency is the ratio of the total useful energy delivered to the HVAC system to the total energy it consumes. The higher this ratio, the better the HVAC efficiency and the lower your utility bills will be. The calculation itself is a little trickier than simply measuring energy in vs out. It comes with its own techniques and rules that need to be followed.

Read on to learn more about changes to the regulations surrounding HVAC efficiency and how San Antonio homeowners can prepare.

What are the new SEER2 guidelines?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER guidelines are a set of standards that measure the energy efficiency of an air conditioner or heater. Generally, the higher the SEER number, the more efficient the unit is at cooling or heating your home. A SEER rating system can be found on most units sold in North America, with ratings ranging from 10 to 20+. As of January 1, 2023, we will see new, more, which aim to represent and control the performance of HVAC equipment more accurately. These changes will also encourage manufacturers to use more energy-efficient, sustainable components in their designs – ultimately (and hopefully) lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The minimum efficiency rating of a portable or central air conditioner according to SEER2 guidelines will rise from 13.0 to 14.0 SEER in the North and 15.0 SEER in the South and South West United States.

For heat pumps, the minimum efficiency will increase from 8.2 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) to 8.8 HSPF (15 SEER).

These guidelines go into much more depth on the SEER website. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that in the 30 year period following implementation, the United States will save between $2.5 billion and $12.2 billion on energy bills.

Ideally, we want our HVAC system to provide us with the temperature that we desire, and make our homes comfortable while saving energy and money. But what makes an HVAC system energy efficient?

There are multiple factors that contribute to a high efficiency HVAC system:

• A higher SEER rating.
• Minimal power use.
• A smaller amount of natural gas or oil to produce heat.
• Greater air transfer efficiency
• Ability to operate at lower temperatures, thus saving on heating and cooling costs.

How do new HVAC efficiency ratings affect my air conditioner?

Although CPS Energy will not be knocking on your door to make sure your air conditioner or heating system are meeting energy efficient standards, these changes may help you make more educated decisions about your home’s energy usage. With the cost of living being at the top of many people’s minds, anything we can do to lower our utility bills while boosting the comfort of our homes is welcomed.

The entire rating system has been designed to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the home improvement industry. The system provides you with valuable information about the quality and integrity of your products, as well as guidance on how to make more informed choices about your purchases. When working with a repair and installation company, it’s prudent to be aware of the new SEER guidelines while you’re discussing their HVAC system with one of their experts.

If your house is at least 10 years old and your units haven’t been replaced yet, your HVAC units might fall below 15 SEER under the new guidelines. You can find your air conditioning’s SEER rating directly on the equipment. You should see a yellow ‘Energy Guide’ sticker that displays the SEER rating. You can also find it in your unit’s serial number; if the number begins with 14AC, for example, this means the AC is 14 SEER.

How does SEER2 differ from Energy STAR ratings?

STAR certified air pumps and AC units have been set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to gauge a unit’s energy savings. An HVAC system with a STAR seal will likely have a much higher SEER and HSPF rating than those without it. If your unit has one, it may be as high as 20 SEER or more, but the HVAC should still be checked to ensure it meets the elevated standards. STAR-rated equipment can decrease utility costs by an average of $115 on each bill.

Key considerations when combating HVAC efficiency

Remember, these new SEER ratings provide the bare minimum score required for all new systems. CPS Energy Rebates 2023 gives incentives for high efficiency system installations. You can find units that have well over 20 SEER, which should be a better rating if you want to see a noticeable improvement on your utility bill.

You can improve your own HVAC efficiency by incorporating smarter usage techniques into your home. These include:

• Turning off the units when not in use.
• Scheduling routine maintenance.
• Repairing your units early.
• Setting your systems to run on a timer.
• Using other methods for staying cool or warm.
• Reviving your AC system with AC Renew.
• Replacing your AC or heat pump with a more efficient model.

One of the biggest ‘suckers’ of energy is allowing your air conditioner to run at full-speed, around the clock. Most newer, smart devices can be scheduled to run lower during peak energy periods, while you’re not in the room or at night when you’re sleeping.

Turn to the HVAC specialists at Tiger Services

Tiger Services is proud to be a San Antonio based, family-oriented business that only hires people who are passionate about customer service and air quality. We can work with you to find the best AC replacement that will not only meet SEER guidelines, but also lower your utility bill and work within your budget. Our technicians are available extended hours each day to provide South Texas with repair services unmatched by our competitors. We can help you determine whether your current units meet SEER2 standards and can provide valuable advice for decreasing your home’s energy consumption.

Our technicians will often arrive the same day as your service request! This means you spend less time in an uncomfortable home, and don’t have to worry about overworking your HVAC system to make up for any downtime. Your family is important to you and you’re important to our family. Let’s chat!

Located in South Texas and ready to have your AC system reviewed to determine whether it meets these new standards? Get a quote.