The Low-Cost AC Option Going Away In 2023
Over the past two decades, the U.S. Department Of Energy (DOE) has raised the bar for HVAC equipment efficiency twice – in 2006 and 2015. That will happen again at the end of this year.
On Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for split systems with indoor and outdoor components will increase from SEER 14 to SEER 15 for southern states. But there’s more.
What’s Different: Not only are the minimum required SEER values increasing, but equipment already rated by current methods will receive lower SEER ratings under the new method. That means current equipment will require retesting or rerating.
The new rating methodology has been adopted to better measure the efficiency of AC systems in homes instead of under controlled laboratory conditions.
- What It Means: The minimum AC efficiency required for new systems will increase by 8-10%. As a result, more than 70% of current products will fail to meet the new requirements.
- Where You Live Makes A Difference: In northern states, equipment manufactured before Jan. 1, 2023, can still be sold if it met the requirements in place when it was manufactured. In the southern states, equipment manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 2023, cannot be sold or installed after Dec. 31, 2022.
- Why It Matters: As of Jan. 1, 2023, you will not be able to buy the low-cost, fully compliant SEER 14 AC systems that have been the residential standard since 2015. As measured by the new standards, virtually all 15 SEER AC systems and some 16 SEER systems will fail to meet the new standards.
The HVAC Industry Is Evolving
Introducing SEER2: Because seasonal energy efficiency ratios will be calculated differently, the industry refers to the new efficiency ratings as SEER2. This is more than a technicality.
- What’s Happening: Manufacturers have been redesigning HVAC system components to meet the new requirements. Prices will increase substantially because of that and because you will have no choice but to buy higher-efficiency equipment. Supply, demand and materials cost increases also will push up prices.
- The Redesign Includes furnaces, which also must meet new standards, and air handlers. In some cases, additional equipment may be required to qualify. Supply, demand and materials cost increases will push up prices as well.
Record Keeping: There are no compliance requirements for consumers, but manufacturers, dealers and contractors must keep records regarding purchase dates, names and addresses of equipment purchasers, serial numbers and more.
- Dealers will be able to sell their existing inventories next year, but only as long as that equipment meets 2023 requirements. Some current 16 SEER equipment will not meet the new 15 SEER2 standards.
- Dealer Calculations must use the “least efficient combination of indoor and outdoor units,” which also is referred to as the “coil only” rating posted on the energy guide on the product. This number usually is lower. Some current equipment will qualify, and some will not.
Act Now To Beat The 14 SEER Deadline
Manufacturers are cutting back production of current equipment to avoid getting stuck with it at the end of the year. We have a limited supply of 14 SEER inventory that we will sell and install before the end of the year.
- If Your Current Equipment is running well and it is fairly new, there’s nothing to worry about. But if your AC has been struggling or getting more expensive to maintain, now is the time to act. You will not see prices this low again.
- Get A Second Opinion: If you have been told you need to replace your central air conditioning but aren’t sure it’s necessary, billyGO will be glad to give you a second opinion and provide a free AC system estimate.
- Financing: 0% financing for six, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months – you have a wide range of financing plans, whether you want to pay off fast or keep monthly payments low over a longer period.
What They’re Saying: BillyGO saved us! Our AC went out in these 100-plus temperatures. Mike came to our house, on time, and showed us some maintenance we should have been performing, then fixed our AC. We love billyGO!" - Wendy Marietta, AC system maintenance
Get A Free Estimate: We encourage you to schedule a free AC system estimate now before you make a decision this important.
