Upcoming Changes to Efficiency Standards for AC Units and Heat Pumps

On Jan. 1, 2023, new minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners and heat pumps will go into effect across the United States.

Federal standards for equipment efficiencies are implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975. This is the first time since 2015 DOE is updating air conditioner and heat pump efficiency standards.

All new units will be required to meet the updated standards. Home builders and HVAC contractors should be getting ready for the transition as equipment meeting older standards will be phased out.

For the Southeast and Southwest regions (see map below), the Jan. 1, 2023 deadline will also apply to the installation of air conditioning systems at the building. Because the indoor and outdoor units must be paired to achieve the rated system efficiency, but can be installed at different stages of construction, it’s important that HVAC contractors and builders plan accordingly to meet the January 1 installation deadline. The installation deadline applies only to the AC units (not to heat pumps and not to other specialty systems). The installation deadline does not apply to the North region for any equipment.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute

In addition, the metrics used to designate systems’ efficiencies will change to reflect updates to the underlying testing protocols. The new efficiency designations will be referred to as SEER2 and EER2, replacing the outgoing SEER and EER designations. With the simultaneous changes to efficiencies and designations, home builders are encouraged to work closely with their equipment suppliers to ensure a smooth transition.

Key developments to know:

Split systems air conditioners: The minimum efficiency regional standards for split system air conditioners will change based on the geographical location and system capacity:

Notes:

1. A 3.5-ton system will fall below the 45 kBtuh threshold whereas a 4-ton system will exceed it.
2. Contact your HVAC supplier for details where the lower rating applies.

Split System Heat Pumps: The minimum efficiency of split system heat pumps will increase uniformly throughout the country:

Single Package AC systems: The minimum efficiency of single package heat pumps will remain the same, but the new designations of HSPF2 and SEER2 will apply:

The installation deadlines for air conditioning systems in the Southeast and Southwest regions will require additional planning and coordination between HVAC designers, HVAC contractors, equipment manufacturers, and home builders. Existing stock of single and two-stage split system AC units tagged using the outgoing SEER and HSPF rating will be allowed after January 1, 2023 deadline provided that the FTC label meets the 2023 efficiency standard. For example, a 3.5-ton AC unit labeled as 15 SEER will be allowed. To verify if the condensing unit is compliant, check the SEER and region on the FTC label.

The regulation defines installation of a central air conditioner as the connection of the refrigerant lines and/or electrical systems to make the central air conditioner operational.

The new efficiency standards do not affect furnaces or water heaters.

For additional details on energy standards that govern equipment efficiencies, refer to the Code of Federal Regulations.