July 2015:

 

In accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, air conditioners sold in the United States are ready for the next round of government regulated standard efficiencies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s new efficiency standards went into effect January 1, 2015.

 

These new efficiency standards are specific to regions within the United States: Northern states, Southeastern states, and Southwestern states.

 

Northern states require heat pumps must be increased to 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF to comply with the new national standard.

 

Southeastern states are required to be at 14 SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps. Heat pumps must also be 8.2 HSPF.

 

Southwestern states require a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER for air conditioning. However, there is a new standard for EER that calls for 12.2 EER for systems less than 45,000 BTUH and 11.7 EER for systems over 45,000 BTUH. Heat pumps require the national standard.

 

All new structures will have a change in the FTC energy guide label. The new label will now be conducive with split-system air conditioner and heat pump structures showing the lowest and highest SEER ratings.

 

Previous HVAC standards have the largest impact on manufacturers. With the 2015 regulations, manufacturers have been able to continue building structures with only minor design changes in accordance with regions. Contractors will need to be familiar with each geographical standard in order to avoid installing an indoor and outdoor unit that is not efficiently compatible.

 

Questions about a structure’s certification can be answered in the AHRI directory.