How the new DoE regulations may affect you.
With the 2023 year kicking off, we'll be seeing a lot of new changes in the HVAC industry. With the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act back in August of last year, the industry is turning its head toward more green and environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Raising The Bar
The Department of Energy has recently put into effect an increase in the minimum standards for the efficiency of central air conditioners and heat pumps. As of January 1st, 2023, the minimum SEER rating for the aforementioned equipment has been raised from 13.0 to 14.0 for the northern regions of the US and 14.0 to 15.0 for the southern regions.
SEER Rating?
For those that may not know what the SEER rating is, think of it like your car's miles per gallon. It measures how well your A/C or heat pump can produce and distribute cool air and compares it to the amount of energy it uses.
What Will It Change?
This change can bring some confusion as to how it will be implemented across the country. Of course, the DoE will not require homeowners to go out and replace their existing units just to meet these new standards. It will, however, restrict manufacturers and contractors from selling and installing certain equipment.
Looking Forward
This new DoE regulation affects everyone in the HVAC industry, both consumers and businesses. We're excited to see some more green initiatives being put in place and we're looking forward to be a part of this change! We, as a contractor, will be sure to follow the strict guidelines that have been put in place to ensure that your equipment is up to code. As a consumer, it may be important to understand that manufacturers may slow down on producing the necessary parts for older equipment. As your equipment gets used over time, there may come a time when an upgrade to the new industry standard may be necessary.
You can learn more about the new restrictions using the link below:
If you wanted to read further into the new regulation, you can use the link below:
Comentários