What Is going on with the new 2023 SEER Regulation?
Did you know that 14 SEER AC systems were discontinued in 2023? That’s right, on January 1st, 2023, 14 SEER AC systems are no longer being manufactured. This follows the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) that will go into effect on the said date https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40232.
This affects the 14 SEER rating changing to be the minimum of a 15 SEER rating. This might not seem like much of an increase, but it will have a significant impact on the cost of manufacturing and purchasing new 15 SEER AC units.
If you’re planning on buying a new central AC unit in the near future, we recommend doing so now as the price index from all manufacturers is rising as we speak in 2023. https://www.northamerica-daikin.com/
Did You Know The DOE Discontinuing 14 SEER AC Systems?
Since 1992, DOE has been setting minimum efficiency standards for newly manufactured AC units. They have made several revisions to these standards over the years, with the most recent revision happening in 2015. This revision increased the minimum SEER rating from 13 to 14 and was the first to subdivide units by region.
The question you might be asking now is, why is the DOE making another revision to the standards? The answer is simple — it’s all about creating a sustainable future.
The DOE’s goal is to improve the efficiency of AC units so that they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gasses. By increasing the SEER, the DOE is hoping to encourage the production of more efficient AC units that will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
It’s Important to know the Advantages of a Higher SEER Rating
There are several advantages on having a higher SEER rating, including:
- Lower energy bills: A more efficient central AC unit consumes less energy, which means you’ll see lower electricity bills during the cooling season.
- Better Carbon Footprint: Less energy consumption also means fewer carbon dioxide emissions, which is better for the environment.
- Increased home value: A home with a more efficient AC unit will have a higher resale value than a home with an older, less efficient AC unit.
- Quieter operation: More efficient AC units tend to operate at lower speeds, which results in quieter operation.
How Expensive Will the New, More Efficient Units Be?
Industry experts expect an increase of up to 30% for the new SEER2 units.
Higher efficiency comes at a hefty cost. Better technology and materials cost more to manufacture, so as the SEER rating goes up, so does the price of the AC unit.
Other factors that are contributing to the increased cost of the new SEER2 units include:
- The physical size of the units: The new AC units will be larger than the current units. They require larger coils, which means more steel, aluminum, and copper.
- Higher handling and shipping costs: The larger size of the new AC units will also result in higher handling and shipping costs.
- Complex design: The new AC units will need a redesign of various parts, such as the fan, to meet the new efficiency ratings. This will add to the overall cost of the unit.
What Should You Do next?
Now is the time to hire an air conditioning installer to analyze your home’s energy needs and the condition of your current AC unit.
Consider factors such as:
- The age of your unit: If your unit is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
- The efficiency of your unit: If your unit is below a 14 SEER, it’s not as efficient as it could be, and you may want to consider replacing it.
- The size of your unit: If your unit is the wrong size for your home, it will not cool your home efficiently.
- Wear and tear: If your unit is showing signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
What Is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling efficiency of your AC unit over an entire cooling season. SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output of your AC unit during a season by the total energy consumed during that same season. For example, if you have a 14 SEER AC unit, it means that for every one watt of energy consumed, your AC unit will produce 14 watts of cooling output.
You can compare it to the miles per gallon (MPG) rating of a car. The higher the MPG, the more fuel-efficient the car is.
House Call Company is available for All Your Heating & A/C needs
House Call Company (https://housecallcompany.com/schedule-service/). We can help you assess your needs and find the perfect AC unit for your home. We also offer competitive financing packages to suit your present requirements. This is a great way to spread out the cost of a new AC unit and make it more affordable.
Call us today: (757) 926-5141