What Is SEER2 All About? What Happened to SEER?
In a Nutshell:
SEER2 is the new DOE mandated standard efficiency metric that goes into effect January 1, 2023 which requires more stringent testing procedures than SEER thus lowering the SEER2 number to better replicate installation environments. Compared to SEER, SEER2 is roughly 4.5% lower of a number. Smaller does not mean worse, you are not losing efficiency. The new standards are actually increasing efficiency.
Full Detailed Explanation:
SEER2=Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. Specifically, SEER2 is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season. The new testing procedure referred to as "M1" will increase the systems' external static pressure by a factor of five to better reflect actual install environments of the equipment during testing. The goal of new SEER2 testing procedures is to better represent external conditions seen in the real world. Current SEER testing doesn't accurately simulate the influence of ductwork and external static pressures on HVAC products. Due to this, it is not often representative of real-world installation environements. By increasing systems’ external static pressure from current SEER (0.1 in. of water) to SEER2 (0.5 in. of water), the new "M1" testing procedures more accurately reflect current field conditions.
Did Efficiency Actually Increase?
Yes! Efficiency Standards are broken out based on groups of States defined as regions. See Map and summary below. Split AC Systems have risen 1 SEER point in Southeast and Southwest regions. Heat Pump Split Systems have risen 1 SEER point nationwide.
Southeast Region Effective January 1, 2023:
AC Systems: 15 SEER or 14.3SEER2
Heat Pump Systems: 15 SEER or 14.3SEER2. HSPF 8.8 or HSPF2 7.5
Package Units: 14 SEER or 13.4SEER2. HSPF 8.0 or HSPF2 6.7
Southwest Region Effective January 1, 2023:
AC Systems: 15 SEER or 14.3SEER2 & EER 12.2 or EER2 11.7
Heat Pump Systems: 15 SEER or 14.3SEER2. HSPF 8.8 or HSPF2 7.5
Package Units: 14 SEER or 13.4SEER2. HSPF 8.0 or HSPF2 6.7
North Region Effective January 1, 2023:
AC Systems: 14 SEER or 13.4SEER2
Heat Pump Systems: 15 SEER or 14.3SEER2. HSPF 8.8 or HSPF2 7.5
Package Units: 14 SEER or 13.4SEER2. HSPF 8.0 or HSPF2 6.7
SEER to SEER2 Conversion Chart
How will this change affect purchasing equipment from Budget Heating & Air? We are still selling 14-20 SEER models until supply runs out. Please note: Manufacturers have begun phasing out SEER models since quarter 2 of 2022. Once out of stock you will need to purchase SEER2 as "older" SEER models are not returning. Manufacturers cannot produce any "old SEER models" after December 31st 2022 so manufacturers have stopped producing in advance of this date to satisfy demand.
14 -20 SEER cooling only condensers and certain air handlers will no longer be available after December 31st 2022 and will most likely be completely unavailable by early December.
14 -20 SEER heat pumps will begin their phase-out period January through June of 2023. Expect to see shortages and potential to have to purchase SEER2.
14-16 SEER Package units will also be affected and are already transitioning to newer models.
Most SEER2 models are on our website, so feel free to browse the new line of products by searching Seer2 in the search bar!
What About Returns? Effective immediately as of November 14th 2022 we have implemented a “no returns” policy on the older SEER AC equipment (not Heat Pumps) . As of November 14th 2022:
The following model series are NO LONGER ELIGIBLE for return:
Rheem: RA14, RA16, RA17, RH1P, RH1T, RH1V, RH2T, RH2V, RF1P, RF1T, RSPMA, RACA,
Goodman: GSX14, GSX16, GSXC16, GSXC18, CAPF Cased Coils, GPC14, GPC15, GPG14. GPG16, ARUF, AWUF, ASPT, AVPTC
Grandaire/EcoTemp: WCA4, WCA6, WAHL, WAPL, WAXL, FMA4
DiamondAir: D1418-D1460ACL, D1418-D1460HAEAL
**No Returns Policy does not apply to equipment damaged in transit by the trucking companies, however, please be aware that if an older SEER unit does get damaged, it may not be possible that a replacement is available. If this is the case you will be offered a SEER2 equivalent but the cost difference will be collected by Budget Heating & Air. For these reasons, we strongly recommend you notate and accept the shipment of minor cosmetically damaged units.**
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