What Are the New HVAC SEER Rating Minimums in Florida?
2023 SEER2 Ratings in Florida
Florida’s heat and humidity make it extremely important to have an air conditioning system that’s reliable and energy-efficient. With so much energy dedicated to cooling, even small improvements in AC efficiency can significantly impact energy consumption and utility costs.
That’s why the federal government is instituting new SEER rating requirements throughout the United States. In Florida, this will directly affect the types of air conditioning systems that can be installed after January 1, 2023.
What’s a SEER Rating?
An air conditioning system’s efficiency is characterized by two ratings: the EER and SEER. The EER, or energy efficiency ratio, indicates the amount of energy used by an AC unit during a controlled test that simulates an outdoor temperature of 95 degrees, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees, and relative humidity of 50%.
The BTU rating is then divided by the amount of energy used to determine the EER. For instance, a 15,000 BTU system using 1000 watts of power would have an EER of 15. A higher EER means greater efficiency and, in turn, lower costs to keep your home comfortable during a Florida summer.
The SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is an average of the EER over varying cooling conditions for an entire cooling season. It offers a better representation of the real-world performance of an air conditioning system. The rating makes it easier to compare different brands and models when choosing a new air conditioner to install.
Minimum SEER ratings for Florida and the southeast will increase on Jan. 1, 2023, so if you need to install or replace an air conditioning system soon, it’s best to choose a system that will meet the new rating requirements.
Why SEER Ratings Are Changing
Air conditioning takes significant amounts of energy, which is bad for your wallet and bad for the environment. By increasing HVAC energy-efficiency standards in the United States, energy consumption can be significantly reduced while helping the environment, lowering energy costs, and reducing the load on the utility grid.
The changes will differ by region. The northern United States, with its shorter, milder summers, will have less stringent requirements. The Southwest and Southeast regions will require more efficient air conditioners, as they can make a greater difference in energy consumption with their longer, warmer summers.
What Are the New SEER Regulations for Florida?
Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, any new central air conditioners or heat pumps installed in Florida or the Southeast will need to have a SEER of 15 or above, whereas the current minimum is 14. Any new single-packaged AC units will need to have a SEER of 14 or above.
Simultaneously, a new rating system is being introduced, SEER2, which changes how air conditioners are tested, with parameters like higher static pressures to better reflect real-world performance. This means an AC unit with a SEER of 15 will have a SEER2 of about 14.3.
The minimum SEER requirements are based on the original SEER rating, not the SEER2 rating.
Trust Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for Your HVAC Services
When you want the highest-quality, most energy-efficient air conditioning system for your Florida home, turn to Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical. Our company has been in business since 1969, and we serve Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding communities in the Florida Panhandle.
We feature exceptional service with expert technicians, upfront pricing, and great financing options for AC replacements or installations. With our quality work, great products, and friendly, trustworthy personnel, you can be sure your comfort is in good hands.
Ready to upgrade to an AC unit that meets the new 2023 SEER ratings?
Call Peaden today at (855) 557-7878 or contact us online to schedule an AC installation or replacement in the Florida Panhandle.
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