SEER2, EER2, HSPF2: The Subsequent Technology of HVAC Power Effectivity

As our world progresses, so does know-how, and our residential HVAC tools is not any exception. As of January 1, 2023, the United States Division of Power (DOE) up to date the minimal power effectivity necessities for a central air conditioner and warmth pump from a SEER, EER, and HSPF to SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2.

The DOE believes this new score criterion will higher replicate our real-world circumstances, that means that each manufactured air conditioner or heating unit has a particular testing process to qualify your new system as an power star-rated equipment. 

As a matter of reality, upgrading your A/C or warmth pump that makes use of the brand new score system will assist owners maximize their system’s power effectivity and the consolation of their house whereas saving cash, which is a win for you and the atmosphere!

On this article, we’ll cowl the place SEER, EER, and HSPF got here from, what each means, the variations between the primary model versus the brand new one, and the advantages of utilizing SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2.

The place Did SEER, EER, and HSPF Come From?

Earlier than we get into the place these phrases got here from, it’s vital to know what every acronym stands for:

SEER: Seasonal Power Effectivity Ratio

EER: Power Effectivity Ratio

HSPF: Heating Seasonal Efficiency Issue

Now that that is out of the way in which let’s discuss the place they got here from. Curiously sufficient, these generally used HVAC effectivity phrases got here from the added stress from the U.S. in the course of the first oil disaster in 1973 and the next inventory market crash in 1973.

Throughout this time, President Henry Ford enacted the Power Coverage and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975. The EPCA created and established a federal program that consisted of a number of take a look at procedures and power effectivity targets for autos and home equipment.

From there, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) created these energy-efficient requirements for HVAC techniques that we’ve used for many years, which paved the way in which for the second model of air conditioner and warmth pump effectivity requirements.

Lastly, in 1977 to assist consolidate a number of main power commissions, corresponding to The Federal Power Administration, The Power Analysis and Improvement Administration, and The Federal Energy Fee, within the hope of creating a viable resolution to our nation’s power drawback.

Then President Jimmy Carter signed The Division of Power Group Act, and on October 1, 1977, the United States Division of Power (DOE) was born. In the present day, the DOE is chargeable for implementing and regulating the whole lot that comes from:

• The US Navy nuclear weapons program
• Nuclear reactor analysis
• Manufacturing laws
• Power conservation efforts
• Power-related analysis in home power manufacturing (ex: HVAC Techniques)

Will The SEER2, EER2, & HSPF2 Change Relying on The place You Dwell?

In brief, sure, the SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 will differ relying on which a part of the nation you reside in. To make sure your HVAC system meets the brand new minimal efficacy requirements (relying in your geographical location), the US was cut up into three areas: the North, Southwest, and Southeast.

The northern area covers U.S. states that have chilly climates all through elements of the yr, whereas the Southern areas cowl U.S. states that have extraordinarily excessive temperatures. Let’s dig a little bit deeper into every area:

North Area

Ohio is a good instance of how dwelling within the north area impacts your HVAC system’s total power effectivity score. For instance, in case you dwell within the north area, the DOE has a minimal effectivity SEER2 requirement of 13.4 or an HSPF2 of seven.5 or increased.

Southeast Area

The southwest area contains most states from the underside of the east coast over to Texas. On this area, the DOE has a minimal effectivity SEER2 requirement of 14.3 or an HSPF2 of seven.5 or increased.

Southwest Area

The southwest area contains California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. On this nook of the US, DOE has a minimal effectivity SEER2 requirement of 14.3, an EER of 12.2, and an HSPF2 of seven.5 or increased.

SEER vs. SEER2: Adjustments When Calculating Your A/C’s Power Effectivity

As talked about earlier, the SEER2 score is an acronym for Seasonal Power Effectivity Ratio, which the DOE most ceaselessly makes use of to measure the general cooling effectivity of residential air conditioner items. This contains measuring how effectively an AC unit converts the power it makes use of and turns it into cooling energy.

Many HVAC professionals evaluate a SEER score to your automotive’s miles per gallon (MPH).

The SEER2 has the identical underlying requirements; nevertheless, it’s an enchancment on the unique rationing system as a result of it provides new elements into the combination, corresponding to:

• Adjustability
• Power Effectivity Capabilities (at totally different temperatures)
• Humidity Ranges
• Location 

Typically talking, the upper the SEER, the extra power environment friendly your HVAC system is; nevertheless, with the brand new SEER2 measurements, your present SEER score could also be much less environment friendly in response to the brand new SEER2 standards, largely as a result of it doesn’t take humidity and temperature into consideration just like the SEER2 does.

That stated, all sorts of AC should have a minimal of a SEER or 13.4 or extra. Understanding the SEER2 and recognizing the variations from the earlier ratio will assist owners make extra knowledgeable selections when investing in a brand new air conditioner unit.

EER vs. EER2: Variations in Figuring out Your Techniques Power Effectivity by Local weather

As beforehand said, the EER score stands for the Power Effectivity Ratio score, which measures an HVAC unit’s regular effectivity price when the temperature exterior is at a better diploma or humidity share, corresponding to

• An out of doors temperature of 95℉
• An indoor temperature of 80℉
• A relative humidity of fifty

The brand new EER2 score was developed to reinforce power effectivity by enabling air conditioners to operate with the least doable power consumption. The EER2 score takes varied temperatures that may happen in a particular local weather. By doing so, the EER2 provides owners a extra correct reflection of how power environment friendly their AC is, particularly over a given period of time and temperature fluctuations.

Remember that these components are features that ought to be thought-about when selecting a brand new energy-efficient HVAC system in your residential house. That stated, it’s vital to notice that with a better EER2 score, you may anticipate better power financial savings and even a lower in your month-to-month power prices.

HSPF vs. HSPF2: Adjustments to Figuring out Your Warmth Pumps Power Effectivity

Then again, the HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Efficiency Issue. The HSPF2 was created to maximise your private home’s power effectivity by assuring your residential warmth pump system can function correctly with the bottom power consumption.

Sometimes, with a better HSPF2 score, you’ll discover a rise in your power financial savings, which is able to lower your month-to-month utility payments. The HSPF2 blends the power effectivity ratios with a coefficient of efficiency or COP.

A COP is your system’s relationship between the facility or kilowatts taken out of the warmth pump because the conditioned cool or heat air, in addition to the general energy equipped to the compressor to make it run extra effectively.  

Whereas each consider power effectivity in numerous methods, they’re used to succeed in the identical purpose: creating a snug dwelling area for you and your family members all yr spherical.

Do I Must Improve My Present HVAC System?

Don’t fear, owners; there isn’t a must panic! You do not want to improve your present HVAC system until it is dysfunctional or poorly put in. That stated, the brand new qualifying necessities solely apply to HVAC techniques bought after 2023.

However, in case you are considering investing in a brand new AC unit, warmth pump, or cut up system, preserving these new power effectivity requirements when making your closing choice is vital.

Remember that techniques with increased efficiency and elevated power effectivity will be pricey. In actual fact, for every improve within the SEER score, it’s best to count on a rise someplace between $350-$1,500. In some instances, this value will be increased, so discuss to your trusted HVAC skilled about your choices.

Though investing in an HVAC system with an elevated SEER will value you extra upfront; nevertheless, the Workplace of Power Effectivity & Renewable Power states that selecting a better power effectivity can truly save owners more cash in the long term. In actual fact, by upgrading your residential heating and cooling system, you may cut back your private home’s power utilization by 20% or extra.

What Does This Imply for Owners?

Whatever the area of the US you reside in, the SEER, EER, and HSPF minimal necessities have modified, and we hope this text helped you perceive the brand new customary, why the modifications have been made, and their significance, particularly on the subject of your private home’s consolation.

Total, these new score techniques will higher signify your private home’s power effectivity and assist preserve power utilization. That stated, when selecting a brand new HVAC unit, you need to get probably the most out of it, and these rankings allow you to weigh your choices and the way they have an effect on your private home particularly.

Do you’ve gotten questions in regards to the new modifications or anything HVAC associated? If that’s the case, give us a name or click on the hyperlink under to schedule a free estimate and think about investing in a extra energy-efficient HVAC system in your geographic area.

We stay up for making your day even higher!