What are 3 Big Changes in HVAC that I Should Know About for 2023?
Top 3 HVAC Changes to Watch for in 2023
Every few years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reassesses the use of HVAC products throughout the country. They will make mandatory changes based on the findings of their assessments. As we turn the page into 2023, the DOE has issued three major HVAC changes that will affect HVAC providers and their customers.
1. SEER Changes
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, known simply as SEER for short, describes how efficient an air-source heat pump or central air conditioning system is. The existing standard for heat pumps and central air conditioning units in the northern region of the country is 13 SEER, and 14 SEER in the southern regions.
As of January 1, 2023, the baseline standards have increased by 1 SEER. This means all northern heat pumps and central air conditioning systems will need to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. Units installed in the southern region must meet a minimum standard of 15 SEER.
2. HSPF
The heating seasonal performance factor, known simply as HSPF, helps to measure the heating efficiency level of air-source heat pumps. Traditionally, the HSPF minimum standard was set at 8.2. The DOE will increase this minimum standard to 8.8 starting at the beginning of 2023.
3. Refrigerant Changes
Another notable change for the HVAC industry is the type of refrigerants that manufacturers may use in their air conditioning and heat pumps. Since 2010, these cooling systems have utilized R-410A refrigerant. This refrigerant has since been noted to contribute to the global warning pandemic.
For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring both heat pump and air conditioning manufacturers to switch to 4-454B refrigerant. This new refrigerant is to be more environmentally friendly than R-410A refrigerant. It’s important to note that existing systems that run the R-410A refrigerant can still be serviced by HVAC professionals until they fail.
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