New Maryland AC SEER Ratings for 2023
November 1, 2022
Have you heard the news that SEER rating guidelines are changing for Maryland (and the US) in 2023? The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires the Departement of Energy (DOE) to periodically amend energy conservation standards for certain equipment to reduce energy demand and provide energy efficiency among other goals.
The most recent updates happen in January 2023 and will affect the sale and installation of HVAC systems.
We wanted to keep you updated and shed some light on what this means for your current and future HVAC systems.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us.
What are the new seer rating guidelines?
The new energy efficiency standards will go into effect January 2023. These new standards require a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of no less than 14 SEER for residential systems in the northern part of the US and 15 SEER for us in Maryland and the rest of the southern part of the US.
In addition, the new standards require an increase in the heating efficiency of air-source heat pumps—measured by the equipment’s heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). The minimum HSPF will be 8.8 HSPF compared with the 8.2 HSPF required by the current standard that went into effect in 2015.
Details can be found on the US energy information administration website.
How will this affect Maryland homeowners?
The immediate effects of the new guidelines are felt by HVAC companies and not homeowners. Because HVAC companies are unable to sell equipment with SEER Ratings of 14 or less they will need to replace their older equipment if they do not already have high-efficiency systems.
Most homeowners on the other hand will not feel the effects of these changes until they need to replace their current HVAC systems. Homeowners can keep their current models regardless of SEER Ratings. It is not until your AC system needs to be replaced that these new guidelines will impact you.
Fortunately, HVAC companies can still repair systems that do not meet these specific standards.
Rebates are available for models that meet energy efficiency standards
Are you expecting to replace your AC unit in 2023? Fortunately, there are rebates available for energy-efficient models.
Not only do we offer rebates for select systems but our Carrier products are some of the highest-efficiency AC units available on the market.
If you are looking to install a higher-efficiency AC unit or furnace in Maryland then give us a call. We can help you find the right solution and provide rebates for your new installation.
Freeze in the Summer Causes Air Conditioning Repairs
June 22, 2018
These hot summer days and humid nights can take a toll on your trusty HVAC units, causing some hefty air conditioning repairs.