The Department of Energy’s new HVAC system regulations go into effect on January 1, 2023, and will affect all new air conditioning and heating system efficiency requirements, testing, and certifications.
Any HVAC systems installed in New Jersey on or after January 1, 2023, must comply with these new regulations.
The not-so-good news is that the cost of these new systems is expected to be higher than the standard increased pricing currently seen on the market.
The good news? Service Professionals has been chosen as a preferred vendor by two Central New Jersey utility companies and is participating in their new On-Bill Repayment Program that offers:
- Zero-percent APR financing for up to 120 months for qualified customers.
- Rebates up to $1,500 for select equipment.
If you’ve been considering upgrading or replacing your HVAC system with a new, more energy-efficient model, now is the time to invest before prices go up. Service Professionals can fill you in on all the qualifying details, walk you through the process, and answer any questions.
Want to learn more about how you can upgrade your system with Service Professionals? Contact our team at (908) 585-4526 today.
What’s a SEER Rating?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) relates to how much energy an air conditioning unit uses annually. Think of it like the gas mileage of your HVAC unit. To calculate SEER, you divide the total energy required to run your unit by its total cooling capacity.
The current minimum standard is 13 SEER, but in 2023, the minimum rating is increasing to 14. This “SEER2” transition includes AC units, split systems, and heat pumps. While heat pumps are going through a nationwide efficiency increase, split-system ACs are experiencing regional increases.
2023 SEER2 Changes in New Jersey
New Jersey must follow North Region regulations regarding the new minimum SEER efficiency guidelines. Compliance is determined by each system’s manufacturing date, which allows contractors sufficient time to sell their 13-SEER inventory.
To meet SEER2 requirements in New Jersey:
- Residential cooling systems below 45,000 BTU must have a minimum SEER rating of 13.4 (14.0 SEER).
- Residential central AC systems 45,000 BTU and above must have a minimum SEER rating of 14.
- Heat pumps must meet 14.3 SEER2 (15.0 SEER) and 7.5 HSPF2 (8.8 HSPF) (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) requirements.
- Gas furnace rating standards will be 81% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for all regions.
In the North Region, SEER 13 AC equipment and 14.0 SEER heat pumps built before January 1, 2023, may still be sold and installed after January 1, 2023. However, HVAC equipment manufacturers will start producing equipment that complies with the new guidelines and will label the units SEER2 and HSPF2.
Along with the stricter energy efficiency guidelines, all equipment must pass new, more rigorous testing and certification processes.
Choose Service Professionals for Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Remember that homeowners don’t need to install new HVAC equipment to meet the 2023 guidelines, which apply to newly manufactured equipment installed after January 1. But if your home’s existing unit is aging out or not performing as efficiently as it used to, the time to upgrade is before the coming price increase.
When it’s time to replace your Central New Jersey home’s HVAC system, Service Professionals can help. For over 25 years, our certified technicians have delivered on-time service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
We offer same-day service and care for your home as if it were our own.
Contact us online or call (908) 585-4526 to learn more about all our home services, including heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and pipelining.
