What homeowners need to know about 2023 efficiency regulation changes for HVAC equipment

Posted on November 30, 2022 - HVAC, HVAC Equipment, Blog

As many homeowners make their plans for home improvements for the coming year, there are new 2023 efficiency regulations to consider.

Every six years the US Department of Energy (DOE) reanalyzes the effects of energy usage, sets minimum efficiency requirements, and manages testing standards by which HVAC equipment efficiency is measured.

On January 1, 2023, the DOE’s new minimum 2023 efficiency regulation standards for air conditioners and heat pumps will go into effect. The testing procedure for determining the efficiencies is changing as well. These new regulations are part of the DOE’s ongoing effort to reduce the overall energy consumption in the United States.

The Central Carolina team is here to help you navigate the changes in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Electricity meter on home

Pending 2023 HVAC Efficiency Changes

For air conditioners in the southeast, including North Carolina, the minimum efficiency increases from 14.0 to 15.0 SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio under today’s test procedure. The heat pump minimum efficiency also increases from 14.0 to 15.0 SEER. Learn more about efficiency ratings.

In addition to increasing the minimum efficiency standard, HVAC manufacturers will be required to comply with a new testing procedure, the M1 Standard, when developing efficiency ratings for equipment. Compared to current test procedures, the external static pressure used during testing will be increased to better reflect field conditions. Because these new requirements are stricter and reduce the resulting efficiency rating, new metrics and nomenclature will also be introduced in 2023. The new metrics homeowners should expect to see include SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2.

2023 Efficiency Rating Changes

The new 2023 efficiency standards will continue to follow the regional borders established in 2015. In North Carolina this means we follow the Southeast standards as shown below.

Split System Air Conditioner 2023 Efficiency Ratings

Split System Air Conditioners (including ductless) 2023 SEER Requirement New 2023 SEER2 Requirement
(<45K Btu/h) 15.0 SEER 14.3 SEER2
(>=45K Btu/h) 14.5 SEER 13.8 SEER2

Sell-Through Deadlines: In North Carolina any air conditioner that does not meet the requirements above cannot be installed on or after January 1, 2023.

Heat Pump 2023 Efficiency Ratings

Heat pump minimum efficiency requirements follow national standards. On January 1st, the new minimum efficiency standard for heat pumps increases to 15.0 SEER. At this time, split system heat pumps will also have a new minimum of 8.8 HSPF or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.

Split System Heat Pumps

(including ductless)

 2023 SEER/HSPF Requirement New 2023 SEER2/HSPF2 Requirement
15.0 SEER and 8.8 HSPF 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2

Sell-Through Deadlines: Any heat pump built before January 1, 2023, can be installed on or after January 1, 2023.

Packaged Product 2023 Efficiency Ratings

Single packaged air conditioners and heat pumps will not have an increase in efficiency from the current 14.0 SEER and 8.0 HSPF, but they will be required to comply with the new testing procedures.

Single Packaged Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Gas Electrics and Dual Fuel Heat Pumps 2022 SEER / HSPF Requirement New 2023 SEER2 Requirement
14.0 SEER and 8.0 HSPF 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2

Impact To Consumers

Fortunately, this brings good news to homeowners throughout Greensboro, High Point, and the rest of the Piedmont Triad. These new 2023 efficiency rating standards can result in significant savings on utility bills for consumers. If an air conditioner or heat pump is over than 15 years old, a homeowner may benefit from an upgrade to a new, higher efficiency model. Newer equipment can also offer more energy saving features, such as a two-stage fuel system or a variable speed compressors or motors. Ask a Central Carolina team member for more information to help you determine what options will fit your home and your comfort needs.

Next Steps

Want to set up a free consultation to discuss your options? Simply fill out the form below to get started.

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Efficiency Ratings: Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on August 30, 2022 - HVAC, Energy Efficiency, HVAC Equipment, Blog

Understanding different HVAC terminology and efficiency ratings and regulations can help homeowners make better decisions about their HVAC system. Here are a few frequently asked questions about efficiency standards for air conditioners and heat pumps.

What is a SEER rating?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER is the ratio of total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner during the same season. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy used by the air conditioner to cool the home.

Bag of repairman's work tools, gloves on top of two air conditioner units outside a brick home in a residential neighborhood. The air conditioners are in a back yard in the hot summer season. Service industry, working class.

What is a SEER2 Rating?

A SEER2 is also a measure of HVAC efficiency, but it is measured differently than SEER. A SEER2 rating measures the energy efficiency under test conditions that more accurately represent real world scenarios of installed air conditioners. Typically, SEER2 ratings will be around .5 lower than SEER ratings. Beginning with the efficiency standard changes on January 1, 2023, efficiency standards will be expressed in SEER2 ratings instead of SEER.

Why Is An Energy Efficiency Rating Important?

HVAC systems with a higher SEER rating reduce carbon emissions and have a positive impact on the environment. Equipment with a higher SEER or SEER2 rating will also help homeowners save money on utility bills.

Why Are SEER Requirements Higher In North Carolina?

Air conditioning in southern states is used more frequently due to the significantly higher outside temperatures during the warm months in spring, summer, and fall. As a result of increased use, there is a higher impact on the environment. As a result, the Department of Energy (DOE) places more stringent regulations on residential HVAC equipment in these areas.

Interested in upgrading your HVAC system?

Set up a free consultation to discuss your options? Simply fill out the form below to get started.

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Understanding Inverter Technology

Posted on October 26, 2021 - HVAC, HVAC Equipment, Blog

Heat pumps have been an efficient and versatile option to condition homes throughout North Carolina for many years. Now, thanks to inverter technology, they are even better.

What Is Inverter Technology?

In a traditional system, the equipment cycles on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Each time the system cycles on to provide cooling or heating, the motor runs at full speed (100%).

In a system utilizing inverter technology, the temperature is maintained by adjusting the speed of the motor only what is required to efficiently condition the air. Instead of cycling on or off, the system analyzes the temperature and conditions and adjusts the speed of the motor (anywhere between 0% and 100%) to provide maximize efficiency and comfort.

Benefits Of Inverter Technology

Increased Consistency

Thanks to inverter technology, the heat pump can self-adjust and provide consistent room temperatures. (Compared to traditional systems that cycle on and off, resulting in temperature fluctuations throughout a home.)

Energy Efficiency

The system only uses the energy needed to produce the exact amount of hot or cool air required to reach the desired temperature, maximizing comfort and minimizing costs.

Reduced Wear And Tear

Inverter technology allows for a smooth ramp up operation, avoiding spikes in energy use, and unnecessary wear caused by the on and off cycling found with a traditional system.

Ready To Trade Up With Inverter Technology?

Simply fill out the form below and someone from our office will be in touch with you within one business day to set up your free consultation and estimate.

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Types Of HVAC Systems

Posted on October 25, 2021 - HVAC Equipment, Blog

Do you know what kind of system you have in your home? If you live in the Piedmont Triad, chances are you probably have one of these systems in your home.

Air Conditioning and Gas Furnace System

The most common type of HVAC system pairs an exterior air conditioner with an interior air handler or furnace. These two pieces of equipment work together to circulate air throughout your home. When the air conditioner is matched with a compatible air handler or furnace it will result in optimum efficiency and ideal system performance.

AC and furnace-02 white background-02

How The Air Conditioning And Gas Furnace System Works

  1. When it gets warm inside your home, your thermostat automatically activates your air conditioner to compensate.
  2. The air conditioner on the outside of your home circulates refrigerant that absorbs heat from the indoor environment through the coil as it travels between the indoor coil and the air conditioner outside.
  3. As refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, a blower in the furnace moves the warm air across the coil surface, removing heat and dispensing the cooled air through your home's ductwork.
  4. The captured heat is then sent back to the air conditioner outside- to be release into the outside air, cooling your home comfortable and efficiently.

Heat Pump System

Another common type of HVAC system pairs an exterior heat pump with an interior air handler to circulate air throughout your home. When a heat pump is paired with a furnace, it is referred to as a dual system. (Learn more about duel fuel technology.) Matching your heat pump with a compatible air handler or furnace will ensure maximum efficiency and system performance.

Heat pump-04

How A Heat Pump System Works

  1. The heat pump on the outside of your home circulates refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the heat pump and the air handler inside.
  2. When its cold outside a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air through the refrigeration process and transfers the heated refrigerant to the indoor system.
  3. The refrigerant flows through the air handler's evaporative coil. The blower moves air across the coil surface to warm air that is sent through your home's ductwork.
  4. The cold refrigerant is sent back to the heat pump outside so the process can repeat itself and keep your home comfortable. When it's warm outside, the heat pump reverses direction and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home.

Packaged Unit

A packaged unit is a complete HVAC system that conveniently packs heating and cooling into one box and is optimized for performance and efficiency.

How A Packaged Unit Works

  1. When your home gets too warm, the air conditioner component of the packaged system cools it down by removing heat from the air inside.
  2. To warm your home comfortably and efficiently on cold days, the packaged heat pump reverses the refrigeration cycle and transfers heat from the warmed coils.
  3. Rather than attaching to individual components within the home, the packaged system connects directly with ductwork to disperse warm or cool air in every room.
  4. Gas-electric packaged units- which combine an electric air conditioner with a natural gas-powered furnace- offer the best of both worlds for outstanding energy efficiency and performance.
packaged system-03

Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

If it's time to replace your system, no need to worry. Check out these money saving tips before calling the first HVAC contractor.

What Is A Dual Fuel System?

Posted on October 25, 2021 - Energy Efficiency, HVAC Equipment, Blog

A dual-fuel system is a home comfort system that combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The system is designed to alternate between the electric and gas to maximize efficiency while ensuring a comfortable home.

During the summer months, when you need cooling, the heat pump works like an air conditioner, cooling the home as needed.

During the mild weather in the spring and fall the heat pump continues to condition the home, providing heating as needed.

heat pump

However, when the temperatures fall as winter approaches, the heat pump turns off and lets the furnace take over. As long as the outside temperature is over approximately 35°F, a heat pump can pull heat from the outside air to condition the home for less than it would take to start the furnace. Essentially, the furnace is only used during the coldest times of the year to heat the home.

How Does A Duel Fuel System Work?

During the milder weather the comfort system transfers energy instead of making it by burning fuel. Using the furnace for air distribution only (no burners, no heat), the heat pump will send hot refrigerant through the air conditioning coil inside the furnace. The furnace’s fan takes the cooler air from the home via the air returns and blows it across the warm coil, warming the air. The warmed air is then circulated throughout the house to keep the home at the proper temperature.

It’s the same process used during the cooling season, just reversed, courtesy of a dual fuel heat pump. While an air conditioner can only move refrigerant through the system one way, a heat pump can force refrigerant in either direction – one way to cool and one way to heat.

Is A Dual Fuel System Right For My Home?

Here are a few things to review as you consider a dual fuel system.

Complete A Load Analysis

Despite your existing system’s specs, you may experience a difference in load if you’ve completed any improvement projects since installation or have an issue with system design. We recommend having a load analysis performed by a professional HVAC company to get started.

Compare System Options

The best way to compare different technologies is to rely on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. As a general rule, the higher the SEER number, the more efficient the equipment. While more efficient equipment can cost more to purchase, homeowners typically see a reduction in cooling costs by up to 15% for every two-point increase in SEER.

Review Utility Costs

If natural gas is increasing faster than electrical rates the payback period would be shorter than if you have lower priced natural gas and extremely high electrical bills. A key benefit of a dual fuel system is switching the utility load to a less expensive source in milder weather.

Confirm Project Scope

Dual fuel heat pumps work well as an air conditioning replacement as long as the furnace is compatible. Older furnaces may have to be replaced to work with a dual fuel heat pump which can add to the scope of the project.

Explore Savings Opportunities

Energy saving tax credits could help offset additional purchase costs. Be sure to add additional special discounts or rebates from the HVAC contractor as well as any expected energy savings to get a true view of the cost of the HVAC system upgrade.

Ready To Learn More?

To request a free consultation to explore your HVAC system replacement, simply fill out the form below. An associate will be in touch with you within one business day to set up an appointment time that is convenient for you and your family.

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How to save money when replacing HVAC equipment

Posted on April 7, 2021 - HVAC Equipment, Blog

Homeowners faced with HVAC equipment replacement have several strategies to find the best system for their home, the needs of their family, and their budget.  With the rising costs of HVAC equipment replacement, it can be helpful to know what saving opportunities are available. Here are a few options to consider when it is time to replace your heating and cooling equipment.

equipment replacement condenser

Reduced utilities

Heating and cooling costs homeowners over 40% of their utility bill each month. By installing energy- efficient equipment you could save up to $300 in heating and cooling costs each year. The more efficient your system is or the higher the SEER number, the more savings you can see over the course of year. Learn more about this Duke Energy study.

Financing options for equipment replacement

Many homeowners choose a financing option to help spread the cost of equipment replacement out over a given time period. The payback period is often related to the terms of the offer. Examples of offers we see in the marketplace include equal payment plans, plans that offer no interest in exchange for a shorter payback period, and reduced rate options for longer terms.  Request a consultation and learn about our financing options.

Rebate offers

Contractors Many residential service companies offer rebates on heating and air conditioning systems at certain times during the year. If you are preparing to replace your equipment soon it is important to check and see if there are any rebate options available for your system or any indoor air quality accessories you may add.

Utilities Many local utility companies also provide rebates for replacing your heating and cooling system with a high-efficiency option. In the Triad, many homeowners have options for rebates through their local utility provider. Here are some of the programs in this area:

Sometimes the contractor you select to replace your equipment will help you with the rebate process. At Central Carolina, we offer this as a service to our customers as a courtesy to our clients.

Get Started

Are you ready to discuss the replacement of your heating and air conditioning system? Simply send us your information below and someone from our office will be in touch to set up a free consultation at a time that is most convenient for your family.

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