AC System 14 SEER Will Be Discontinued on 2023
Did you know that 14 SEER AC systems will be discontinued in 2023? That’s right, on January 1st, 2023, 14 SEER AC systems will no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States. This follows the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) new SEER efficiency standards that will go into effect on the said date.
The new efficiency guidelines will see SEER ratings increase by one point. From the current 14 SEER, the minimum SEER rating will be 15. This might not seem like much of an increase, but it will have a significant impact on the cost of manufacturing and purchasing new 15 SEER AC units.
If you’re planning on buying a new central AC unit in the near future, we recommend doing so before the end of 2022. This way, you can take advantage of the current 14 SEER units that are still available in the market.
Once the new standards go into effect, the price of acquiring a new AC unit will be significantly higher.
What Is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling efficiency of your AC unit over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit is.
SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output of your AC unit during a season by the total energy consumed during that same season. For example, if you have a 14 SEER AC unit, it means that for every one watt of energy consumed, your AC unit will produce 14 watts of cooling output.
You can compare it to the miles per gallon (MPG) rating of a car. The higher the MPG, the more fuel-efficient the car is.
Advantages of a Higher SEER Rating
There are several advantages on having a higher SEER rating, including:
- Lower energy bills: A more efficient central AC unit consumes less energy, which means you’ll see lower electricity bills during the cooling season.
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions: Less energy consumption also means fewer carbon dioxide emissions, which is better for the environment.
- Increased home value: A home with a more efficient AC unit will have a higher resale value than a home with an older, less efficient AC unit.
- Quieter operation: More efficient AC units tend to operate at lower speeds, which results in quieter operation.
Why Is The DOE Discontinuing 14 SEER AC Systems?
Since 1992, DOE has been setting minimum efficiency standards for newly manufactured AC units. They have made several revisions to these standards over the years, with the most recent revision happening in 2015. This revision increased the minimum SEER rating from 13 to 14 and was the first to subdivide units by region.
The question you might be asking now is, why is the DOE making another revision to the standards? The answer is simple — it’s all about creating a sustainable future.
The DOE’s goal is to improve the efficiency of AC units so that they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. By increasing the SEER rating, the DOE is hoping to encourage the production of more efficient AC units that will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition, there’s a new M1 testing procedure that will increase external static pressure (ESP) requirements to better reflect real-world conditions.
How Expensive Will the New, More Efficient Units Be?
Higher efficiency comes at a hefty cost. Better technology and materials cost more to manufacture, so as the SEER rating goes up, so does the price of the AC unit.
Other factors that are contributing to the increased cost of the new SEER2 units include:
- The physical size of the units: The new AC units will be larger than the current units. They require larger coils, which means more steel, aluminum, and copper.
- Higher handling and shipping costs: The larger size of the new AC units will also result in higher handling and shipping costs.
- Complex design: The new AC units will need a redesign of various parts, such as the fan, to meet the new efficiency ratings. This will add to the overall cost of the unit.
Industry experts expect an increase of up to 30% for the new SEER2 units.
How Can Homeowners Prepare for the Change?
Now is the time to hire an air conditioning installer to analyze your home’s energy needs and the condition of your current AC unit. Consider factors such as:
- The age of your unit: If your unit is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
- The efficiency of your unit: If your unit is below a 14 SEER, it’s not as efficient as it could be, and you may want to consider replacing it.
- The size of your unit: If your unit is the wrong size for your home, it will not cool your home efficiently.
- Wear and tear: If your unit is showing signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
If you’re due for an air conditioning replacement, and you have the financial means to do so, it’s best to replace your unit with a new one from Bryant before the new standards go into effect.
You’ll not only be saving money on the initial costs of purchase, but you’ll also be saving money on your energy bills for years to come.
Why Choose Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning Systems?
Bryant air conditioning systems are some of the most energy-efficient on the market. That means you’ll save money on your energy bills every month.
In addition, Bryant offers a wide variety of AC units to choose from, so you can find one that’s perfect for your home. And, when you purchase a Bryant air conditioner, you’re getting a product that’s built to last.
Reach Out to Scott’s Air for All Your AC Needs
Scott’s Air is your trusted Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer. We can help you assess your needs and find the perfect AC unit for your home. We also offer financing for 9.99% APR or 0% APR if paid within 12 months. This is a great way to spread out the cost of a new AC unit and make it more affordable.
Don’t wait until the last minute to replace your AC unit. The price increase coming January 1, 2023 will be significant. Contact Scott’s Air today for a free estimate to replace and install your new air
Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!
Tags: air conditioner, Air Conditioning, Central Florida, energy efficiency, hvac system, orlando floridaCategorised in: Air Conditioning, Thing You Should Know
