The heating and cooling of homes accounts for the majority of energy use across the United States, according to the Energy Information Administration. Additionally, according to Comfy Living, the federal government imposed new energy-efficiency standards for HVAC systems in 2023. These standards are designed to lessen the growing demand for electricity, natural gas, and other types of energy commonly used for heating and cooling homes. Here's a closer look at how the new federal regulations might affect your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Standards

The federal regulations that affect your home's heating and cooling systems are the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which refers to the amount of energy used versus the heating and cooling provided by an HVAC system. New SEER regulations for the United States are divided between those for northern states, southern states, and the desert southwest. Northern states are less reliant upon air conditioning, but still use it during the hotter months of the year. Southern and Desert Southwest states are more reliant upon air conditioning, which is partly why more brownouts occur in traditionally hotter areas, like Texas, California, and the desert Southwest.

Most Current Systems Don't Meet SEER Standards

The new SEER regulations require about 10% greater energy efficiency from HVAC systems, according to industry expert FieldEdge. The most recently produced heating and cooling systems are based on prior standards, which makes most current systems non-compliant with the new SEER regulations. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about 70% of HVAC systems that are currently in use don't meet the elevated requirements for energy efficiency. That doesn't mean those systems must be replaced right away, but when the time comes, compliance is crucial.

New Regulations for Heating Systems

The new SEER standards are less impactful on the nation's heating systems because there are many more types of energy used to heat homes. However, a heating inspection could show where a heating system isn't working as efficiently as it could be. Some minor improvements could change that and bring the heating portion of your home's HVAC system into compliance with the new energy standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Energy. Doing so could also save you money by lowering your energy costs.

New Regulations for Cooling Systems

Cooling systems are fully dependent upon electricity to make them work. Their dependency on electricity makes air conditioning systems especially important for upgrading to meet the new SEER standards. After all, you can't chop wood or use alternative fuel sources to cool your home. While a heating inspection can help to improve your current heating efficiency, an air conditioning specialist can improve your home's AC system. A traditional unit that's contained in a single piece of equipment is generally less efficient, but a split system that has the compressor and condenser located outside and the rest inside your home is more efficient.

Heating Regulations Are National While AC Regulations Are Regional

The new SEER regulations apply equally throughout the nation for heating systems. No matter where you live, a heating inspection would be based on the same regulations as any other place in the nation. AC systems, though, have varying standards that are different in the north, south, and desert southwest regions of the United States. The systems also have different standards for single-unit AC systems and split-unit AC systems, which typically use more electricity than heating systems. HVAC companies across the nation will have to learn the new regulations and ensure the installation of compliant systems.

Compliance Dates for Improvements

The new SEER regulations don't automatically negate the installation and use of non-compliant systems that are already on the market. All systems manufactured after January 1, 2023 must meet the new regulations. Existing non-compliant systems, though, are eligible for installation in homes and commercial properties. Otherwise, the new regulations would punish the manufacturers of HVAC systems despite meeting the then-current SEER standards. Instead of financially harming and potentially bankrupting HVAC companies, the new standards enable them to stay in business while making new equipment that meets the new regulations.

You can schedule an air conditioning and heating inspection of your home's HVAC system and learn how you can make it more efficient. Upgrading whenever possible will make your home more comfortable while lowering the amount of your utility bills. To learn more about your system's SEER compliance, contact Incredible Hvac LLC today.