Preparing Your Business for 2023
New minimum efficiency and testing requirements will begin January 1, 2023. These new regulations are an effort to reduce energy consumption which means that HVAC manufacturers will be required to produce central air-conditioning and air-source heat pump systems that meet new minimum 2023 energy efficiency standards. The minimum efficiency requirements are changing, but testing regulations that determine efficiencies have also been amended.
It is important that we inform, educate and equip you, our valued customer, with the tools to be successful with this transition to new efficiency standards and equipment requirements. Our goal is to ensure that you are being supplied with 2023 compliant HVAC products for your market and assist you in preparing for 2023.
2023 Minimum Efficiency Standards
The new minimum efficiency standards are based upon new metrics (SEER2/EER2/HSPF2) derived from a new test procedure (M1) rather than the historical metrics (SEER/EER/HSPF) from the old test procedure (M). Below are the new minimum efficiencies with the new metrics.
The NEW M1 2023 Testing Standards
Testing procedures and requirements for developing efficiency ratings will now be more stringent with the new 2023 DOE regulations. The current M testing procedure is being replaced by the M1 testing procedure for 2023 compliance.
| Current DOE M Procedure | 2023 DOE M1 Procedure | |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Static Pressure | 0.1 - 0.2” H2O w.c. | 0.5” H2O* w.c. |
| Coil Only | 365 W/1000 cfm | 441 W/1000 cfm |
| Test Conditions | Coldest test 17°F | Coldest test 5°F |
| Heat Load Beginning Point | 65°F | 55°F |
| Building Load Line Slope | .77 | 1.15 (1.07 for variable speed) |
For decades, the HVAC industry has used the classic metrics of SEER, EER and HSPF. As we prepare for 2023, you will hear the new metric terms SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2. These terms reflect equipment metrics tested under the new M1 testing standards.
| SEER | Ducted SEER2 | Ductless SEER2 |
|---|---|---|
| 14.0 | 13.4 | 14.0 |
| 14.5 | 13.8 | 14.5 |
| 15.0 | 14.3 | 15.0 |
| 15.5 | 14.8 | 15.5 |
| 16.0 | 15.2 | 16.0 |
| 17.0 | 16.2 | 17.0 |
| 17.5 | 16.7 | 17.5 |
| 18.0 | 17.2 | 18.0 |
| 19.0 | 18.1 | 19.0 |
| 20.0 | 19.0 | 20.0 |
| EER | Ducted EER2 | Ductless EER2 |
|---|---|---|
| 10.2 | 9.8 | 10.2 |
| 11.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 |
| 11.5 | 11.0 | 11.5 |
| 11.7 | 11.2 | 11.7 |
| 12.0 | 11.5 | 12.0 |
| 12.2 | 11.5 | 12.2 |
| 12.5 | 12.0 | 12.5 |
| 13.0 | 12.5 | 13.0 |
| HSPF | Ducted Split HSPF2 | Ducted Package HSPF2 | Ductless HSPF2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 7.7 |
| 8.2 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| 8.8 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| 9.0 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 8.6 |
| 9.5 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 9.1 |
| 10.0 | 8.5 | 8.4 | 9.5 |
| 11.0 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 10.4 |
Regional Compliance – Installation or Manufactured Date?
Compliance for 2023 equipment may be based on the installation date or manufactured date, depending on location. National standards dictate that both split heat pumps and package heat pumps be compliant as of the date of manufacture. The following detail 2023 regional compliance which apply to split AC, packaged AC and packaged gas/electric only.
- North Region (PA, NY, WV)
- When equipment, as part of an AHRI-rated matched system, is compliant on the day the manufacturer produced it, it can continue to be sold and installed in the North region.
- Southeast Region (MD, DE, VA)
- 2023 compliance is based on the installation date for AC split units and AC package units.
- 2023 compliance for all other product types is based on the date of manufacture.
- The SEER or SEER2 number on the yellow EnergyGuide label attached to the equipment can help determine compliance with the new regional standard.
Location, Location, Location
While heat pumps minimum efficiency standards apply on a national basis, it is important to remember that 2023 efficiency standards for AC products will continue to vary based on region. Some AC units will be able to be sold nationally, while other AC units will be restricted to installation in certain regions. These EnergyGuide labels will help to determine where an AC unit can be legally installed.
Non-Compliance
The DOE enforces efficiency standards across several industries, including the HVAC industry’s new 2023 efficiency standards. Similar to the 2015 standards, there will be consequences for 2023 non-compliance.
- Contractors installing non-compliant equipment could be forced to replace the equipment at their cost.
- Routine violators can be placed on a national do-not-sell list.
2023 Record Keeping
To confirm 2023 compliance, contractors and distributors in the Southeast and Southwest region must continue to maintain detailed split and packaged air conditioner records. Detailed records may help protect you in the event of a DOE audit or investigation. You could be required to provide details, including models, serial numbers, delivery or installation addresses, of every piece of equipment sold, delivered and installed.
NOTE: The information above does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information and content are for general informational purposes only.
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