Big changes are coming to the HVAC industry — and we’d like to help you stay ahead of them!
Starting January 1, 2023, all HVAC companies and manufacturers must comply with the new energy efficiency requirements established by the Department of Energy (DOE) on central air conditioners and air source heat pumps. These changes will apply to residential and commercial customers alike.
As a homeowner, you likely have a laundry list of questions as to how the new minimum efficiency standards can affect you. Will HVAC prices increase in 2023? What happens to the air conditioner you just purchased? Do you need new refrigerant for your HVAC unit? We cover all this and more below.
What Are the 2023 HVAC Efficiency Standards?
If you’ve ever taken a road trip across the country, you know that the United States has almost every type of climate. Most southern states have a humid subtropical climate, with the exception of a few southwestern regions that are hot and dry. Northern states, on the other hand, have a temperate climate and experience the best of what the winter and summer have to offer. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cooling systems.
As a result, the DOE has divided the 2023 HVAC efficiency standards into three regions: North, Southwest, and Southeast.
For those of us up north, the minimum efficiency requirements for AC systems will rise from 13.0 SEER to 14.0 SEER. Our friends in the south — both southwest and southeast — will see their minimum efficiency requirements rise from 14.0 SEER to 15.0 SEER. Heat pumps for all regions must be at least 15.0 SEER.
New Metrics for 2023 HVAC Efficiency Standards
Part of the new regulations includes updated testing procedures for manufacturers. For us, this means the metrics will be adjusted.
What we now know as SEER, EER, and HSPS will be relabeled as SEER2, EER2, and HSPS2. The ratings will also be adjusted. For example, 15.0 SEER will be equivalent to 14.3 SEER2. Here are the 2023 HVAC efficiency standards broken down by the new metrics:
Will HVAC Prices Increase in 2023?
Yes, we expect HVAC prices to increase 30-40% by the start of 2023 due to the new minimum efficiency standards put in place by the DOE.
High-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps have specialized equipment, like variable speed air handlers, that costs more to manufacture. As a result, the upfront price of the unit will be higher — but so will the energy savings! You can save hundreds, perhaps even thousands, over the years. In the end, a high-efficiency AC unit will end up paying for itself.
However, there’s no time like the present if you’re on a budget. Companies everywhere will be looking to sell any HVAC systems that don’t meet the 2023 efficiency standards between now and the new year. We expect the stock to move fast, so hurry!
At Mike Williams, we offer special financing options to make your new unit even more affordable. Address your old HVAC system before the prices increase, and you may be eligible to qualify for 0% for 60 months. Schedule an air conditioner service in Bloomington, IL, or any neighboring community, and one of our comfort consultants will be happy to discuss options with you.
Do You Need to Upgrade Your Brand New Air Conditioner?
If you recently purchased a new AC unit within the past few years, you might be worried about how the 2023 HVAC efficiency standards will affect you. The good news is that they won’t! These regulations will only go into effect for new installations starting on January 1, 2023.
Replace Your Outdated AC or Heat Pump While Supplies Last
The countdown for the new 2023 HVAC efficiency standards has started! If you’re holding on to a cooling system that’s over 15 years old, now’s the time to consider a replacement.
Mike Williams offers central air installations near Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding areas. Call us to learn about available financing options!