Will AC units go up in 2023?
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In 2023, the HVAC industry will make big strides toward sustainability. While the new 2023 HVAC regulations may not have an immediate impact on your home, it’s good to know what to expect. Heightened energy efficiency and eco-minded refrigerant requirements will soon take effect. We’ll fill you in on everything you need to know. SEER regulationsSEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It measures an air conditioner’s cooling output compared to the electrical energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC. Beginning January 1, 2023, there will be two SEER-related changes. First, the minimum SEER rating will increase on HVAC equipment. Currently, new air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13 in northern states and 14 in southern states. In 2023, this will change to 14 and 15, respectively.  Additionally, the industry will adopt the SEER 2 standard. SEER 2 is similar to its predecessor in that it measures the total heat removed from a specific space versus how much energy it uses in the process. The required testing conditions will change to better mirror real-life circumstances. In 2023, HVAC equipment, including AC condensers and heat pumps, will have to display their SEER 2 rating on their packaging. This change won’t necessarily impact consumers beyond giving you a slightly better estimate of your potential energy usage when shopping for new HVAC equipment. AC refrigerant regulationsRecently, the industry moved away from R-22 (Freon) towards R-410 (Puron) refrigerant. It’s less damaging to the environment and human health and doesn’t harm the ozone layer. Next year, the Environmental Protection Agency is likely to require another move to a class of refrigerants called A2L by 2025. A2L has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than alternatives, but it’s also mildly flammable. HVAC manufacturers are already designing new technology to accommodate A2L. This includes new technology to store and transport systems with A2L and equipment with automatic shutoff capabilities in case of a leak. What are the benefits of these new HVAC regulations?
Most HVAC equipment, including central air conditioners and gas furnaces, require a lot of electricity to operate. This creates carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming. As the world experiences extreme temperatures due to climate change, we rely on our HVAC systems to stay comfortable more than ever. If we don’t develop new eco-friendly standards and technologies, global warming will only intensify. Most industry changes, including the 2023 HVAC regulations, move towards more energy-efficient, green products. These will not only positively impact the environment, but you’ll likely see a reduction in your utility bills. Is there any downside to the 2023 HVAC regulations?While the impact of the 2023 HVAC regulations is positive overall, they may create minor inconveniences for individuals. For example, you may need to wait a little longer for parts or replacement units. Local dealers may initially experience challenges obtaining inventory that meets the new requirements. Additionally, if your older system needs repair, your technician may not be able to access compatible parts easily, as the industry phases out dated technologies. Should I upgrade my old HVAC system?If your HVAC equipment is in good condition and fulfilling your heating and cooling needs, there’s no need to buy a new one that meets the new industry standards. Make sure you’re scheduling spring and fall maintenance appointments to keep your system running at its most efficient. As your system ages, it may be harder to find compatible parts, as dealers stock items that satisfy the new regulations. When your system’s reached the end of its useful life or the cost of a repair exceeds the cost of a replacement, it’s time to consider new equipment that meets the current standards. Connect with an HVAC technician now 🧑🔧 Are you shopping for a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in Oro Valley, AZ, or the surrounding area? If so, you will want to read this first. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will raise the minimum efficiency requirements for central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps starting in 2023. Systems sold in the U.S. beginning January 1, 2023, must meet those minimum standards. Additionally, in 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin phasing down the manufacture and importation of R-410a, a commonly-used refrigerant for residential cooling systems. The two changes will create a new generation of HVAC systems designed to be more efficient and eco-friendly. But you’ll also pay more to enjoy these new features, a factor to consider if you plan to replace your equipment in the next few months. ACS Air Conditioning Services is a trusted name for providing quality HVAC service to Oro Valley households and businesses. Give us a call for any questions you have about your next home improvement project! What Is SEER and How Does it Impact HVAC Systems?The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures cooling system efficiency. The higher the number, the better the efficiency. Beginning next year, SEER ratings for AC units and heat pumps will increase from 13 to 14 in northern states and 14 to 15 SEER in the South and Southwest regions of the country. In terms of heating efficiency, air-source heat pumps will increase from 8.2 to 8.8 HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor). The increase in efficiency means you will use less electricity for the same amount of cooling. Your Oro Valley home’s carbon footprint will shrink, and so will your utility bills. But you can expect manufacturers to increase prices to accommodate the new SEER ratings. Is your cooling system more than eight years old and less than 15 SEER? Now is the perfect time to replace it before prices increase next year. Why keep outdated, obsolete equipment that will drive up your electric bills? Call ACS Air Conditioning Services today for a free consultation and upfront pricing. What Is SEER2?SEER2 represents new testing standards for cooling systems beginning in 2023. The testing standards give consumers a more accurate picture of how an installed HVAC system will perform. Similar to the changes in the SEER rating, these new testing standards do not impact your current system. But they will drive up purchase costs in the future. The new testing requirements mean any equipment the manufacturers produce must now adhere to SEER2 standards. New Refrigerants in 2023Since 2010, residential cooling systems have contained a refrigerant called R-410a, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that has high global warming potential and could harm the environment if it leaks from a cooling system. For that reason, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing down the manufacture and importation of HFCs by 85 percent over the next 15 years. Beginning next year, new cooling systems will contain a refrigerant called R-454b with a lower global warming potential.This refrigerant is more environment-friendly than its predecessors but also mildly flammable. You can rest assured our ACS Air Conditioning Services technicians know how to handle it safely. What If My Cooling System Uses R-410A?Although R-410a will be available for equipment repairs over the next few decades, no new air conditioners or heat pumps will contain R-410a beginning in 2023 [LINK: epa.gov]. You do not have to replace any equipment because of the new refrigerant changes. A well-maintained AC system will last 15 to 20 years. If you need a new unit, buy it this year. There should be enough R-410a to last the life of your system, but the cost of replacing the refrigerant might creep up eventually if you need a repair. Can I Retrofit My AC to Use R-454B?No. Refrigerants operate at different pressures. An R-410a air conditioning or heat pump system will not be calibrated to use R-454b. Even if you could retrofit your equipment to handle different refrigerants, the cost of doing so would likely approach the price of a new system. Plus, you would more than likely void your existing warranty. You can save money immediately on utility bills by upgrading today to a high-efficiency system. Plus, you’ll pay less in purchasing costs. Otherwise, wait until 2023 to buy a system with the new refrigerant and SEER ratings. Our trained professionals can walk you through the pros and cons. Call Your HVAC Experts TodayOur team at ACS Air Conditioning Services looks forward to sharing new information about HVAC systems with all our customers in Oro Valley, AZ, and the surrounding areas. That includes changes to refrigerants and SEER ratings. Schedule a free consultation today—call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online. Is the SEER rating changing in 2023?The minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating in 2023 is increasing from 13 to 14. This transition to “SEER2” also includes efficiency increases for split systems in air conditioning and heat pumps.
What will be the new refrigerant in 2023?In 2010 when I started my venture into the HVAC industry, I was coming in during a time of transition. Our industry was changing from systems that had R-22 refrigerant circulating through their lines to R-410a.
Are AC units getting more expensive?Heating & Air Conditioning Equipment Costs Soared in 2021
Homeowners who purchased new AC & heating units in 2019 and early 2020 saved hundreds, even thousands of dollars. The same equipment (and ancillary items) today in late 2021 has increased in cost by as much as 38% from some manufacturers!
Will HVAC prices go down in 2022?Recent trends and HVAC manufacturers' announcements indicate that the prices for new systems will go up in 2022. There are several reasons for this, aside from the current price increases in construction industries.
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