SEER2 Mandates

SEER2 is the newest protocol for SEER and will go into effect in Arizona in 2023. These new regulations are not only for air conditioners but also for heat pumps and gas furnaces. In effect, they are raising the minimum requirements to work on getting more air conditioning units to be more energy efficient in the long run.

The key reason why they are different is that the new SEER2 testing and rating system means that the energy efficiency standards will help Arizona consumers get a more accurate reading into how efficient the different HVAC units are on the market. In addition, there will be a more accurate testing environment for these units to better reflect how they run in a real-world setting, such as a home or business near you. For example, you’ve heard how there may be discrepancies between testing items in a manufacturing testing facility compared to the real world, so this updated testing ratio takes this into effect.

There are a few reasons why it matters. One is that SEER is one of the factors that some use to determine which air conditioner to install, so if it performs differently than what’s labeled, you may be making a choice based on false information. Another reason is that everyone wants to save on energy costs. Getting an air conditioner that’s the most energy-efficient helps you to save money while still enjoying the benefits of the unit. Finally, it’s also better for the environment to reduce your energy consumption.

Since the United States is a large country with varying climates, it makes sense that these regulations differ based on the area near you. For example, in the South Western region of the United States, Central Air Systems in residential homes below 45,000 BTUs needs to have a SEER2 rating of at least 14.3; in homes above 45,000BTUs, it needs to be 13.8. Any Arizona air conditioning units that no longer qualify because they don’t meet this minimum threshold cannot be installed or sold after the first of 2023.

A formula is used to calculate the SEER2 of an Arizona air conditioning unit. It’s done by taking the cooling output for the usual cooling season the system is in use during and dividing that by the amount of electricity used for that same period. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the unit is when it comes to cooling a space nearby.

You may be worried that you must rush to get your air conditioner installation appointment set up right away in fear of potential punishments for your old unit not being SEER2 compliant. That’s not the case at all. While manufacturers, dealers, and contractors must comply, Arizona customers don’t have to worry about compliance requirements. That being said, you can have some incentive to have your air conditioner replaced this year if you’re planning on replacing it before costs go up due to the new regulations.

You don’t need to have your air conditioner upgraded immediately if you’re not ready for a replacement. For example, if your air conditioning is running smoothly and is still relatively new, you won’t have to take any action to upgrade it now.

Have questions about the new changes to SEER2 or want to see if you can benefit by taking advantage of prices now? Contact Day & Night Air Conditioning today. Our experienced staff near you can help you determine if the time is right for you to upgrade your air conditioner now or if it would be more beneficial to wait for our installers to handle your new air conditioner unit when you can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Plan. Let us help you determine what needs to be done to help you save money and still stay cool during the hot months.