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 Type | New SEER | New SEER2 |
|---|---|---|
| Split System AC | 14.0 SEER | 13.4 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 Type | New SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) | New SEER2 and HSPF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Split System Heat Pumps | 15.0 SEER 8.8 HSPF | 14.3 SEER2 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Single Packaged Units | 14.0 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 Type | New SEER | New SEER2 |
|---|---|---|
| Split System ACs (AC < 45K Btu/h) | 15.0 SEER | 14.3 SEER2 |
| Split System ACs (AC ≥ 45K Btu/h) | 14.5 SEER | 13.8 SEER2 |
| System Type | New SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) | New SEER2 and HSPF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Split System Heat Pumps | 15.0 SEER 8.8 HSPF | 14.3 SEER2 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Single Packaged Units | 14.0 SEER 8.0 HSPF | 13.4 SEER2 6.7 HSPF2 |
SEER2 Southwest Region Standards
| System Type | New SEER | New 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 Type | New SEER and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) | New SEER2 and HSPF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Split System Heat Pumps | 15.0 SEER 8.8 HSPF | 14.3 SEER2 7.5 HSPF2 |
| Single Packaged Units | 14.0 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.