SEER2, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, is a measurement used to determine the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the unit. In the past, the minimum rating for air conditioning units under SEER1 was 10. However, SEER2 recently changed the minimum rating to 14. This change has a significant impact on homeowners and their air conditioning.
Why Was SEER2 Implemented?
SEER2 was implemented to increase the energy efficiency of air conditioning units and reduce the amount of energy consumed by these units. The higher SEER2 rating means that air conditioning units will use less energy to cool a home, which in turn will lead to lower energy bills for homeowners. Additionally, the reduction in energy consumption will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Benefits to Homeowners
For homeowners, the change to SEER2 means that when they replace their old air conditioning units with new units the new system must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14. This can be a significant expense, but it is important to consider the long-term savings that will be achieved through lower energy bills. Additionally, many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who upgrade to more energy-efficient air conditioning units, which can help offset the cost of the replacement.
SEER2 Implications for Contractors
The change from SEER to SEER 2 will have a significant impact on air conditioning contractors and the installation of new equipment as well. The higher SEER2 rating means that all new air conditioning units installed must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14, which could impact the availability of certain models and may require contractors to update their inventory.
It’s also important to note that, to comply with the new standards, contractors will have to ensure that they are only installing units that meet the new SEER 14 requirements, which may require them to update their processes and procedures. This could have an impact on the time and cost of air conditioning installation and could also affect the pricing of new equipment. Contractors will have to adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the industry. Those who do not abide by the new regulations could face stiff penalties, be declined permits, be forced to replace non-compliant equipment, or all the above. Be wary of contractors who claim that used equipment predating 2023 will satisfy new SEER2 regulations.
Overall, the change to SEER 2 will bring some challenges to air conditioning contractors, but it will also provide an opportunity for them to increase their knowledge and skills and offer more energy efficient and advanced equipment to their customers which will bring more savings and satisfaction to them.
In summary, the higher SEER2 rating means that air conditioning units will use less energy to cool a home, which in turn will lead to lower energy bills for homeowners. However, this change also means that homeowners will eventually have to replace their old air conditioning units with units that have a SEER2 rating of at least 14, which can be a significant expense. However, the long-term savings, the rebates and incentives from utility companies, the advanced features of the new units and the positive impact on the environment make it a worthy investment for homeowners and contractors alike. Call us today for all of your SEER2 questions!
