SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 | Navigating the New HVAC 2023 Efficiency Standards

In this live recording of episode 29, we will discuss the new DOE minimum energy-efficiency standards for single-phase residential air conditioners and heat pumps known as expressed in the new terms EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2.

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All AHRI standards outlined in this podcast can be downloaded at: https://www.ahrinet.org/ Here is what you will learn from the episode:

1) Review of EER, SEER, and HSPF

2) DOE testing procedures for single-phase products under 65k Btu

3) EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2 and how they affect your business, whether you are a consultant, contractor, or owner

This does qualify for PDH credits, so please email me for your certificate.

Every six years, the Department of Energy (DOE) reanalyzes the effects of energy usage, sets minimum efficiency requirements, and manages the testing standards by which those efficiencies are measured. In 2018 the DOE started the first phase of its six-year plan requiring a 13% increase in energy efficiency for commercially packaged air conditioners, heat pumps, and split systems. The second phase of this plan will start in 2023.

The DOE has also reanalyzed and adjusted the minimum efficiencies of single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps, 5 tons or less. KEY DIFFERENCE: Single-phase and residential products must also comply with a new testing procedure for developing efficiency ratings.

Compared to today’s test procedure, the external static pressure used when testing will be increased by up to 5X, which will more closely represent actual field conditions. Since the new testing requirements are more stringent and reduce the resulting efficiency rating, there will be new metrics and nomenclature — SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. On the same system, compared to SEER ratings, the new SEER2 ratings will be lower, and the minimum efficiencies will be reduced to account for the more demanding test procedure required for 2023 products.

All “RESIDENTIAL” air conditioners AND Heat Pumps must comply with the Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standard requirements on January 1st, 2023.

The testing requirements will be more stringent but also more accurate, and the metrics will be referred to as SEER2, HSPF2, and EER2. These testing procedure changes ONLY apply for single-phase equipment less than or equal to 65,000 Btuh.

AHRI 210/240-2023 (2020), first published in May 2020, establishes a method to rate residential central air conditioners and heat pumps consistent with the new DOE test procedure. The energy efficiency metrics, expressed in terms of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2), are required for representations coincident with the compliance date of the new efficiency standards in the United States starting on January 1, 2023.

The primary changes in this edition of AHRI 210/240 are those required to align with the new performance metrics and requirements of Appendix M1 of 10 CFR 430 (Code of Federal Regulations), as issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (82 FR 1426, January 2017). A working group of many stakeholders (including but not limited to AHRI members, independent laboratories, energy advocates, and DOE consultants) met periodically over the course of two years to evaluate necessary changes and improvements in language.

Because compliance with the Appendix M1 test procedure and ratings are not mandatory until January 1, 2023, AHRI has chosen “2023” as the year version of this standard.