The Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency requirements will begin on January 1, 2023. The changes affect all newly manufactured residential and manufactured housing air conditioners and heat pumps. There are new, more stringent testing procedures to determine the SEER rating of units. The new testing methods more accurately reflect field conditions. The change in testing procedures will reduce efficiency ratings versus the current SEER, EER, and HSPF ratings. As such, new metrics and nomenclature were developed.
Every six years, the DOE evaluates current technology, its efficiency, and the cost of technology to determine the balance between price and environmental savings. The goal of the new requirements is to reduce energy usage. Under the new guidelines, consumers should see a reduction in their utility costs.
The new Energy Efficiency Ratings will reduce energy usage and utility bills.
Effective January 1, 2023, all contractors must sell equipment that meets the new DOE minimum efficiency standards.
See charts below.
U.S. Department of Energy
EPA and DOE Energy Efficiency
U.S. Government's National Archives
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency