Big changes are coming to the HVAC industry this year. On January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) minimum energy efficiency requirements went into effect for all newly manufactured residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps.
In 2023, the new minimum efficiency standards for heat pumps will increase by 1.0 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) to 15.0 SEER. Split-system heat pumps must also achieve a minimum of 8.8 HSPF. What does this mean for homeowners? A homeowner should know that if they have an existing system or outdoor unit in need of replacement, your options today are very different than your options in 2023. Today, if you have a 14 SEER system you can likely replace just the outdoor unit saving you thousands of dollars in installation cost. When all of the 14 SEER equipment is gone, your system will need to be upgraded to a 15 SEER system capable of 8.8 HSPF. The new equipment will be more expensive than the 14 SEER equipment today. Also, the physical size of the equipment may be larger. Larger equipment can increase the cost of installation due to accessibility issues governed by the NC Mechanical and electrical codes.
Replacing a 14 SEER outdoor unit that is 6-10 years old on the beach and has significant corrosion on the outdoor unit could save you in excess of $3000 over replacing the entire system.
To schedule an inspection of your current system and discuss your replacement options, contact the team at AirHandlers OBX at (252) 491-8637.
