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What is SEER2? Everything to Know About the New Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Maintaining compliance with up-to-date energy-efficiency standards is crucial for HVAC professionals, handymen, and consumers looking to purchase or install a safe HVAC system that meets the necessary standards.

Knowing the new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) guidelines is essential to select a compliant system. This article will cover the SEER2 requirements for HVAC professionals and homeowners looking to purchase a new unit.

What is SEER2?

HVAC professionals often ask: what is SEER2? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) describes the heat removed from a conditioned space during cooling seasons. SEER2 equipment is recommended by the Department of Energy and can increase an HVAC system’s external static pressure to emulate the conditions of HVAC equipment. SEER2 is essential for fostering a more sustainable HVAC future.

What Are the New Efficiency Standards?

Knowing the recent updates in energy efficient compliances is straightforward when considering SEER vs. SEER2 standards. There are region-specific requirements for the updated efficiency standards to consider when learning about the new efficiency standards for HVAC units. Below is a breakdown of new efficiency standards for the north, southeast, and southwest regions.

Seer2 North Region Standards

Split system 13.0 SEER air conditioners in the north region can be installed on or after January 1st, 2023. Below is a breakdown of the new SEER standards for the northern region.

System TypeNew SEERNew SEER2
Split System AC14.0 SEER13.4 SEER2

The north region will also have new standards for heat pumps and single package units. Below is a breakdown of the new national standards for these systems in 2023.

System TypeNew SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
(HSPF)
New SEER2 and HSPF2
Split System Heat Pumps15.0 SEER
8.8 HSPF
14.3 SEER2
7.5 HSPF2
Single Packaged Units14.0 SEER
8.0 HSPF
13.4 SEER2
6.7 HSPF2

SEER2 Southeast Region Standards

SEER2 rating standards will also shift in 2023 for the southeast and southwest regions. AC systems that do not meet compliance standards for SEER2 requirements in these regions cannot be installed on or after January 1st, 2023.

Below is a breakdown of the new standards for these regions depending on different systems.

System TypeNew SEERNew SEER2
Split System ACs
(AC < 45K Btu/h)
15.0 SEER14.3 SEER2
Split System ACs
(AC ≥ 45K Btu/h)
14.5 SEER13.8 SEER2
System TypeNew SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
(HSPF)
New SEER2 and HSPF2
Split System Heat Pumps15.0 SEER
8.8 HSPF
14.3 SEER2
7.5 HSPF2
Single Packaged Units14.0 SEER
8.0 HSPF
13.4 SEER2
6.7 HSPF2

SEER2 Southwest Region Standards

System TypeNew SEERNew SEER2
Split System ACs
(AC < 45K Btu/h)
15.0 SEER
12.2 EER*
14.3 SEER2
11.7 EER2**
Split System ACs
AC ≥ 45K Btu/h)
14.5 SEER
11.7 EER*
13.8 SEER2
11.2 EER2**

* 10.2 EER if SEER ≥ 16.0 SEER / ** 9.8 EER2 if SEER2 ≥ 15.2 SEER2

System TypeNew SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
(HSPF)
New SEER2 and HSPF2
Split System Heat Pumps15.0 SEER
8.8 HSPF
14.3 SEER2
7.5 HSPF2
Single Packaged Units14.0 SEER
8.0 HSPF
13.4 SEER2
6.7 HSPF2

How Can I Tell if My New HVAC Unit is SEER2 Compliant?

If you purchase a new HVAC unit in 2023, you should be able to tell if it is SEER2 compliant by the packaging. All 2023 compliant systems must include compliance information and ratings for EER2, HSPF2, and SEER2.

What if an HVAC Manufacturer Doesn’t Offer Compliant Equipment?

If you’re purchasing a new HVAC system but can’t find a manufacturer that fully meets the new compliance requirements, there’s no need to worry. Polar Air Heat & Supply can assist when selecting your new HVAC equipment. Contact Polar Air Heat & Supply today to learn more about SEER2 compliance.

When upgrading your home’s HVAC system, you have two main options: split system HVAC Units or all-in-one HVAC package units. We’re here to help you learn about the critical differences between these two systems types and choose the best one for your home or business.

What Are Split System HVAC Units?

A complete split system HVAC Unit includes a condenser and compressor unit outside the home, connected to an evaporator coil and air handler inside the house. A line set runs between the indoor and outdoor units to allow for transferring refrigerant. This type of HVAC system is most common in homes with existing ductwork.

What Are Mini-Split Systems?

A mini-split system is a complete split system HVAC unit with smaller units that are easier to install. These systems are most common in homes without existing ductwork. They’re also ideal for room additions, home offices, and other areas where a complete HVAC system isn’t practical.

Benefits of Split System HVAC Units and Mini-Split Systems:

Why should you choose a complete split system HVAC unit? One of the most significant benefits is that you can better customize the indoor and outdoor units to meet your home’s specific heating and cooling needs. You also have more control over the individual parts of the HVAC system, so you can make repairs or replacements as needed.

What is an HVAC Package Unit?

All-in-one HVAC package units are most common in homes without existing ductwork. Installation techs typically install these units on the roof or ground level outside the home. An all-in-one HVAC package unit includes everything you need for heating and cooling in one compact unit.

Benefits of Packaged HVAC Units:

One of the significant benefits of an all-in-one HVAC package unit is that it takes up less space than a complete split system. These units are also typically easier to install, lowering installation costs. And because they contain all the parts in one unit, repairs and replacements may be more straightforward and less expensive.

How to Choose the Right HVAC Unit for Your Home or Office:

Now that you know the critical differences between HVAC split systems, mini-split HVAC systems, and all-in-one packaged HVAC units, how do you choose the right one for your home or office?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your space, whether you have existing ductwork, and your budget.

Mini-split HVAC systems or packaged HVAC systems are an excellent option if you have a small space and no existing ductwork. These systems are easier to install and don’t require ductwork, saving you time and money.

A complete split system HVAC unit may be your best choice if you have ample space and existing ductwork. This system gives you more control over the individual parts to customize them to better meet your heating and cooling needs.

Choose Polar Air Heat & Supply for all your HVAC needs for a quality selection. We offer a wide range of HVAC units, including split system HVAC, mini split systems, and all-in-one HVAC package units.