The New Government Efficiency Standards & What it Means for You:
Beginning January 1st, 2023, new government efficiency standards are going into effect that will drastically affect the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. Advance Mechanical wants to make you aware of the coming changes and let you know how they will affect you in the future.
The new standards promise drastic savings in energy, carbon emissions, and overall savings for HVAC unit owners.
The overall breakdown of savings according to the Department of Energy (DOE):
- Over the next 30 years, there is an estimated $15 billion in overall savings.
- An estimated 2.2 quads of energy saved in one year – the amount of energy it takes to power 13 million homes for one year.
- It is predicted that over the next 30 years, carbon emissions will be reduced to the equivalent of 14.4 million homes.
- Households can plan to save $100 a year with the new regulations.
- The total savings for all utility bills in 30 years is $244 billion.
- In 30 years, 40 quads of full-cycle energy and 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions will be saved.
- The equivalent of the savings is shutting down 10 coal power plants or reducing cars on the road by 7.9 million every year for the next 30 years.
The main change in 2023 is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) standards. The government initiative requires a 7%, or one point, increase in the minimum efficiency of HVAC units. This means that units in the southern region will mandate a SEER total of 15. There will also be an update on how SEER will be tested, effectively re-branding SEER as SEER2 in 2023.
SEER Equation:
HSPF Equation:
What do these changes mean for you?
- These new regulations are causing a sharp increase in prices on new equipment to come 2023, ranging from 20% to 25% depending on the unit.
- New HVAC units will rise in price by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Manufacturers are no longer producing units with a SEER rate below 15 and are having to redesign most units.
- Any HVAC unit manufactured after December 31st, 2022, will be under the new government energy guidelines.
Advance Mechanical recommends checking in on your AC unit to see if it is 10 years or older. If it is, it may be worth considering getting a quote before the new standards are in place and you end up paying significantly more for your unit. Don’t wait – time is running out! If you are looking for a quote or have any other HVAC troubles, contact Advance Mechanical today at 252-355-9191.