These new regulations set out by the DOE (Department of Energy) are being initiated as part of a program to implement more energy efficiency nationally, not just here in Virginia. There are two of them, and they will be implemented starting January 1, 2023. There will be a few regional roll-outs that may be confusing beforehand. For instance, the Northern states regulations are based on manufacture date whereas in the South they will be based on the install date.
What does this mean for us, you might ask? Have no fear, A-1 American Services is here! We can guide Hampton Roads folks through the regulations so that you're not left in the cold.
Heating Efficiency
First, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has raised the SEER rating on all new HVAC systems by 1 point to 14 and 15. Previously, they were set at 13 SEER for Northern states and 14 SEER for Southern states. This is a standard procedure and happens every six years.
What is SEER, you might ask? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and what this does is it measures how well an air conditioner cools as opposed to the energy it is consuming. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the system! This is a good thing as it will mean huge savings for homeowners.
Consumers won't need to worry about replacing their current units or being affected much—now, but if you're in the market for a new system, you will need to purchase one that meets the new standards of SEER 14. Consequently, when you're shopping for replacement parts for your older system, you may find it increasingly harder to do so as the industry switches to the newer models. If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 15 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with an updated one. Doing so will not only give you peace of mind, but it also allows you to benefit from the energy saving features that newer models offer. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that 64% of total occupied homes in the US are cooled by central air conditioning equipment and 11% use heat pumps for heating and/or cooling. This would mean that homeowners could collectively save anywhere from $2.5 to 12.2 BILLION dollars over the next 30 years with these changes in place!!
In addition to this change is the raising of the minimum rating for heating efficiency for air-sourced heat pumps. Otherwise known as Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), it will be raised from 8.2 to 8.8.
The Pros? Better Efficiency, Reducing Our Carbon footprint, Reduced Utility Bills.
Cons? Initially, there may be a shortage on parts for the new models as companies adjust and dealers try to meet demand. Likewise, as the industry phases out the old with the new, older parts will be harder and harder to source which brings us to the second change coming in 2023.
New 2023 Refrigerant
Any residential cooling system from 2010 to present day has been using R-410a, which is a hydroflourocarbon also known as an "HFC". Before that you may remember using R-22, otherwise known as Freon.
R-410a is not environmentally friendly. Roughly two pounds of it is equal to two tons of carbon dioxide which is the equivalent of running your car for 6 months! Starting 2023 this type of refrigerant will be replaced with one that has a lowered ability to contribute to global warming.
This class is called A2L, and it means "intermediate flammability". Don't let the flammable factor scare you, the potential for flammability is low. A-1 American Services can walk you through the process of switching over your HVAC, and it's likely you won't even notice the difference—except the savings in your wallet! There are six types of A2L, but the kind that most manufacturers are using are R32 and R454B. Unfortunately, we cannot retro-fit your old unit to be compatible with the new refrigerant. They simply wont work together.
Our technicians at A-1 American Services have undergone training and are certified to handle and install the new HVAC units as well as the refrigerant class that fuels them.
Give us a call when you're ready to switch. Our specialized techs can walk you through the process. And we're not just A-1, we're A-1 American! Call us 757-425-2400 with any questions you may have!
