Lisa E. Crosley, President, Lifestyle Comfort Solutions, explains new federal HVAC energy efficiency standards and what they mean to you.
The cost of running your home’s heating/cooling system makes up a significant part of your energy budget. Beginning January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy replaced current standards and mandated new minimum efficiency standards, to be demonstrated under a new, more stringent manufacturing testing procedure.
Testing Changes
Prior to January 1, 2023, home heating/cooling systems were tested using the M standard. Manufacturers reported cooling equipment efficiency using the term SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate). Heating efficiency was measured in HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor.)
Starting January 2023, equipment will be measured using a new standard, called M1. Mandated testing conditions changed. Moreover, minimum energy standards now differ according to region of the country.
To help you determine if your equipment was tested under the new standard, the SEER rating will say SEER2 and the HSPF will say HSPF2.
Generally, the rating under M2 conditions will be lower than under former M standards. For example, a 16 SEER cooling unit under M conditions will now be ranked as 15.2 SEER under M2 conditions.
Cost to You
Lifestyle Comfort Solutions will work hard to keep prices affordable. However, consumers can expect to see price increases. Consumers may need to step up to a more costly model to satisfy government-mandated energy efficiency requirements. In addition, manufacturers will build the increased cost of testing into the wholesale price of each unit.
Be aware! In some instances, your home or workplace may require changes/additions to support more energy efficient equipment.
Lifestyle Comfort Solutions is proud to offer its clients a variety of financing options to help create homes and workplaces which are comfortable, safe, healthy, and energy efficient.
To learn more, visit www.lifestylecomfortsolutions.com or call us at 937.202.4520.
Lifestyle Comfort Solutions is an award-winning, family-owned heating and cooling (HVAC) company serving Dayton and its surrounding communities: Kettering, Centerville, Springboro, Fairborn, Xenia, Huber Heights, Englewood, Huber Heights, and Bellbrook.
