YOUR GUIDE TOO SEER2

Your SEER2 Guide

New Department of Energy SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) efficiency regulations will take effect in 2023, bringing about significant changes for the HVAC sector. HVAC experts are responsible for keeping up with changes to the industry as they happen, however it can be difficult to keep up with the new SEER2 testing procedures due to their numerous complexities and requirements.


When the new SEER2 requirements go into effect across the US on January 1, 2023, CE is committed to assisting HVAC professionals in getting ready.

Please see our updated return policy below for the equipment models that will be impacted by the 2023 regulatory changes.

The New SEER2 Efficiency Standards in More Detail

The exterior static pressure testing parameters for all HVAC equipment will be increased by a factor of 5 under the new SEER2 testing and rating system to produce a more accurate and realistic testing environment. All HVAC equipment, including gas furnaces, evaporator coils, single-packaged units, air conditioning units, and heat pumps, will be impacted by these modifications.

The new SEER2 efficiency criteria are designed to give HVAC professionals and customers more precise perceptions of a system’s overall performance. The ability to develop more energy-efficient HVAC systems and technologies will follow. Even if they satisfy current SEER ratings, all air conditioning and heat pump systems must be updated by January 1, 2023.

Requirements for SEER2 by Region

The North, Southwest, and Southeast of the country are split into separate regulatory regions. Because each location has a unique temperature and set of heating and cooling requirements, the new SEER2 regulations will likewise have a different impact on each region. Remember that from 2023, certain regions will not permit the installation of HVAC systems that do not comply with the SEER2 requirements.

HVAC experts are urged to conduct in-depth investigation and comprehend how the new SEER2 regulations will directly affect the area where they conduct business.

SEER2 Rules for the North Region

Compliance for the North area, which includes the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, will be established by the production date of each system. New SEER2 specifications for this area will specifically include:
  • Every domestic air system must have a SEER2 value of at least 13.4
  • Heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14.3
Before January 1, 2023, single-packaged units, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems may still be installed and marketed in the North. After this date, all products must adhere to the new SEER2 standards.

SEER2 Regulations for the Southeast

Texas, Tennessee, and Florida are included in the Southeast region of the nation, which has its own SEER2 standards. These will consist of:

  • All household central air systems with a SEER2 value under 14.3 BTUs
  • All residential central air conditioning systems must have a SEER2 rating of at least 13.8. 50,000 BTU or more
  • All heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14.3.

Beginning January 1, 2023, systems that do not comply with these standards may not be marketed or installed in the Southeast region, similar to the Southwest region.

SEER2 Regulations for the Southwest Region

The Southwest area, which includes the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, is the smallest in the nation. The following are the SEER2 standards for this area:
  • All household central air systems with a SEER2 value under 14.3 BTUs
  • All residential central air conditioning systems must have a SEER2 rating of at least 13.8. 50,000 BTU or more
  • All heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14.3.
No matter when the equipment was manufactured, unlike in the North, it must comply with these new criteria by January 1, 2023 in order to be sold or installed there.

Amended Return Policy for 2022

Due to these new requirements, CE is altering its return policy for a few brands of HVAC equipment. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia are affected by this return policy.

CE will no longer accept returns of the models mentioned below after August 31, 2022.

These SKUs will no longer be included on the list of eligible returns after this date. The new and unused standard return policy for your region must be followed for any item returned before August 31.

With Changing Regulations, CE Has You Covered

As an HVAC specialist, you must be aware of how SEER2 standards may impact your state. This is particularly true when you take into account the harsh penalties for non-compliance, which range from being included to national “o-not-sell” lists to paying hefty fines.

Prior to the introduction of the new SEER2 regulations in 2023, HVAC companies are recommended to give all of their staff full training on the topic. Similar to this, proprietors of HVAC companies should retain thorough records of equipment sales for up to 60 months following purchase. This makes it possible to demonstrate compliance if needed.

At CE, we’re committed to giving HVAC experts the knowledge they need to make wise decisions.

The Most Recent SEER2 News From The Blog

The adoption of new SEER2 equipment testing processes is one of the most significant developments to occur within the HVAC industry in many years. It’s critical to understand what SEER2 certification includes and what these new standards mean to you as they will have a huge influence on HVAC professionals and the industry as a whole.
Read more: SEER2 Requirements — What HVAC Professionals Need To Know