HVAC Energy Efficiency Standards will change in our region in 2023.
With new regulations coming in 2023, there is no more affordable time than now to replace your heating and air equipment. Starting January 1, 2023, the DOE (Department of Energy) will implement new regulations on split system air conditioners (AC) and heat pumps (HP) as an ongoing effort to reduce overall energy consumption across the country. Based on regions, HVAC dealers and contractors will only be able to sell customers the new minimum energy efficient standard equipment for air conditioners and heat pumps.
So, if your system is over ten years old or giving you problems, take advantage of the lower prices now!
Who is Affected by the New Regulations?
The DOE Minimum Efficiency Standards by Region:
• Southwest: Arizona, California, Nevada, or New Mexico
•Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories
•North: The remainder of the United States
Why are the Regulations Changing?
In 2017, Consumer Federation of America completed a report showing that the current standards have saved consumers over $1 trillion dollars. Every six years, the DOE, reanalyzes the effects of energy usage on HVAC systems and sets minimum efficiency requirements for manufacturers and consumers. Because the climate needs of customers living in the North, Southeast, and Southwest regions vary, minimum requirements will be based on how often people use their heating and cooling systems and consume energy.
For example: people living in southern climates use their air conditioners more often, so they require more energy efficient systems.
However, the rules are not all cut-and-dry and can be complex for each region. Since Top Quality Heating & Cooling customers are in Georgia, we are going to only talk about the Southeast Region and its new minimum efficiency standards.
Helpful Definitions:
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) - The rating for minimum efficiency standards for split-system air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)- The rating for minimum efficiency standards for heat pumps and other types of central air conditioning. The higher the HSPF rating, the less electrical energy your heat pump uses to heat your home.
One British Thermal Unit (BTU) – This represents the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs.
To keep things simple, here is what you need to know:
Current 2015 Southeast Efficiencies for AC Units and Heat Pumps-
AC Seer 14
HSPF 8.2
New 2023 Southeast Efficiencies for AC Units and Heat Pumps-
Split < 45K BTU 15 SEER
Split ≥ 45K BTU 14.5 SEER
HSPF 8.8
To learn more in detail, you can research EIA U.S. Energy Information Administration.
What This Means for Our Customers:
At Top Quality Heating & Cooling, we are always prepared when it’s time to meet new, federally mandated minimum efficiency standards. Selling HVAC systems that are not in line with your region’s current ratings is illegal, so we make sure our customers are well informed.
As an HVAC contractor, our inventory plans for the rest of 2022 will be updated accordingly so our customers can have the option to replace their systems with current regulations or with the upcoming 2023 regulations.
With the new regulations for 2023, we want to ensure our customers that we offer affordable options when replacing your HVAC system. Now is the time to purchase your replacement before the new regulations go into effect and can include an increase in pricing. Fortunately, with improved performance from a more high-efficiency heating and cooling system, our customers will benefit with lower utility bills and money back in your pocket. With the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy stating that heating and cooling expenses account for 55% of the energy used in residential homes, we’re proud to help our customers save money on their energy expenses each month with a more energy-efficient system.
The professionals at Top Quality Heating & Air offer affordable solutions for your home’s comfort. There has never been a better time than now to replace your AC system and stay cool all summer long. Avoid the new regulations next year and possible higher prices and take advantage of the affordable AC replacements we have available now.
If your HVAC system is due for an upgrade, now is the time to install a high-efficiency HVAC system. Contact Top Quality Heating & Cooling today for a free quote on your AC replacement, and full system replacements. Call or text us anytime at 678-928-1728.
We Are the Change You Want to See in the Service Industry