By January 1, 2023, SEER2 product regulations will be in full effect! This includes new testing procedures, limited inventory, and a 1% SEER increase in our region. R410A will be phased out in 2023. What does this mean for you?
The Department of Energy (DOE) is changing how air conditioning and heating systems are tested. New testing procedures are more stringent, resulting in lower SEER2 ratings.
In the Southwest Region (California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico), any air conditioning system that does not meet SEER2 requirements cannot be installed as of January 1st, 2023. The new testing procedures mean that current SEER ratings will be about 4.5% lower than their current rating. A 15 SEER Split System AC will now have a rating of 14.3 SEER2.
Units that were manufactured prior to January 1st, 2023, will not be grandfathered into the new rating regulations. These systems will not be allowed to be installed unless they have the SEER2 rating on the yellow EnergyGuide sticker.
Unit Type | SEER | SEER2 |
Air Conditioning (Split System) | 15 | 14.3 |
Heat Pump | 15 | 14.3 |
Single Package Units | 14 | 13.4 |
HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants are used in air conditioning and refrigeration and were developed to replace ozone-depleting substances. in 2020, the AIM (American Innovation & Manufacturing) Act expanded the phase-out of HFCs and gave the EPA authority to set standards and manage reduction of usage. The EPA detailed guidelines that specified the reduction of HFC production beginning in 2022.
R410A, an HFC, is used in modern air conditioning units. Beginning January 1st, 2023, new HVAC systems will have to use alternatives to R410A, such as R32 or R454B.
Current systems cannot transition to the new alternative refrigerants. This means your service technicians must be up-to-date on best practices and how to work with different systems and refrigerants. Good thing at Brown's Heating and Air, we've got you covered!
We constantly research and train our installers and service technicians on the latest HVAC innovations and regulations. Our dedication to our craft is what makes us stand out! If you have any questions regarding the new regulations or the SEER2 changes, call us at (916) 402-8290.
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