How HVAC Efficiency Standards Are Changing in 2015 and What That Means to You

If you are installing a new HVAC system in 2015, you need to know about a law passed in April 2014 changing the efficiency standards for HVAC systems in residential homes. The new 2015 HVAC efficiency standards will dictate which units you can use in your home.

Higher Efficiency Rating Requirements

HVAC unit efficiency is measured in Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for air conditioners and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pumps. The current minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 13. In 2015 when the new standards are put in place this will increase to 14 SEER in most areas, although states in cooler climates up north may be able to keep the 13.

Split-system heat pumps, which some homes in North Carolina use, will change from 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF to a new minimum of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. This will be a new national minimum.

Changes to EnergyGuide Labels

The yellow tags attached to HVAC systems that show the FTC EnergyGuide label information are also going to change. Instead of just showing the SEER and HSPF ratings for the unit as a single rating point, these tags will now show a range of ratings possible for the unit and all of its components. This will ensure that all components of the system follow the new standards.

What the 2015 HVAC Efficiency Standards Mean for You

The good news about the 2015 HVAC efficiency standards is that you, as a homeowner, do not need to fully understand them. That’s the installer’s job. That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor who stays informed. When you call an informed HVAC contractor for your installation, the contractor will ensure that your new system is compliant.

If you are looking for an HVAC company that stays on top of these changes, contact Air Experts, your Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and Raleigh area air conditioning and heating experts.

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