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SEER to SEER2 Conversion in 2023
As we look towards an increasingly green future, it’s becoming more important than ever to understand the different standards of efficiency being set in the HVAC industry. The Department of Energy (DOE) has significantly changed the energy efficiency requirements of air conditioners and heat pumps as of January 2023.
All equipment installed in 2023 must meet the new SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 standards. All three of these ratings measure the energy efficiency of an HVAC system, with the higher ratings indicating a more energy-efficient system. This new rating system is quite different from the previous rating system that used SEER, EER, and HSPF.
What is the Difference Between SEER and SEER2 Ratings?
The key difference between the original ratings and their improved versions is that they are based on more realistic conditions. By taking into account factors like the amount of time the system runs, the number of start-up cycles, and the amount of maintenance performed, the improved ratings are a much more accurate indication of the system’s energy efficiency than their original counterparts despite having a lower rating.
However, older HVAC systems can still be used as long as they are the equivalent of the SEER2 rating. A split-system air conditioner with a 14 SEER, for example, would equal a 13 SEER2. Therefore, if your HVAC system is 14 SEER or higher, you can rest assured that it is still energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Not only do these ratings provide a more realistic measure of energy efficiency, but it also offers homeowners an idea of how much your HVAC system will cost them over time. So, if you are considering upgrading your HVAC system, make sure to keep these factors in mind. And don’t forget that in California, equipment that doesn’t meet these new standards cannot be installed.
Calculating the Conversion of SEER to SEER2
Interested in seeing how we calculate the conversion ratings? Check out this chart:
| System Type | Equation |
|---|---|
| Split System Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | SEER = SEER2 X 1.05 |
| Split System Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | EER = EER2 X 1.04 |
| Split System Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | HSPF = HSPF2 X 1.17 |
| Packaged Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | SEER = SEER2 X 1.04 |
| Packaged Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | EER = EER2 X 1.04 |
| Packaged Air Conditioner and Heat Pump | HSPF = HSPF2 X 1.18 |
| Space Constrained System | SEER = SEER2 X 1.01 |
| Space Constrained System | HSPF = HSPF2 X 1.17 |
| Small Duct High Velocity System | SEER = SEER2 X 1.00 |
| Small Duct High Velocity System | HSPF = HSPF2 X 1.18 |
For more information and to determine the minimum efficiency ratings for the various systems, check out this article from CalCERTS, a leading Home Energy Rating System (HERS) provider in California.
How Marathon HVAC Services, LLC. is Helping Our Customers Navigate This Change
Here at Marathon HVAC Services, LLC. we are dedicated to being a source of education to our valued customers. We know that this is a lot to take in and you may have questions about whether or not your home’s air conditioning system is still up to par. Rest assured, our team is fully trained on all the new changes that 2023 has brought to the HVAC industry and we are here to guide you through this. We welcome you to call our office with any questions that you may have about your home’s HVAC system. Our friendly customer service agents would love to speak with you!
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