Minimum Efficiency Standards
Staying Ahead of Evolving Standards
Regulations in the heating and cooling industry are constantly evolving. The latest update increases the federally mandated minimum efficiency requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps. As the inventor of modern air conditioning and a leader in home comfort solutions, Carrier is always innovating to stay ahead of the curve. This commitment positions us to provide a robust selection of HVAC systems that meet these elevated efficiency standards.
Why the Change?
Every six years, the Department of Energy (DOE) evaluates the effects of energy usage, establishes new minimum efficiency standards, and refines the associated testing methods.¹ As of January 1, 2023, the DOE has raised the minimum efficiency for central air conditioners and heat pumps, while also introducing updated testing protocols to better measure performance.
What Does This Mean for You?
At Carrier, every product reflects a history of rigorous design, testing, and innovation with your family’s comfort as the top priority. This approach has enabled us to anticipate and exceed shifting industry benchmarks, including the new requirements. When you invest in Carrier's compliant systems, you gain access to the following:
Advanced technologies that offer increased energy efficiency, which can help lead to lower heating and cooling bills.
Elevated comfort with improved temperature consistency and better humidity management with variable-speed or two-stage compressors.
Products with exceptional quality and forward-thinking solutions developed well before these regulations became mandatory.
Current SEER2 Minimum Efficiency Standards
Air Conditioner Minimum Efficiencies: North Region = 13.4 SEER2; South/Southwest Region = 14.3 SEER2
Southwest
Southwest, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico
South
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories
North
Remainder of the United States
Heat Pump Minimum Efficiency
National Standard = 14.3 SEER2
A New Standard for a New Test
The introduction of SEER2 marks a significant shift in evaluating HVAC systems, incorporating new testing procedures to align with the DOE’s updated requirements. SEER2 ratings now appear on all air conditioner and heat pump units sold and installed in the United States as of January 1, 2023.
SEER2 serves as the successor to the pre-2023 SEER standard, providing a comparative measure similar to miles-per-gallon for cars. Higher SEER2 ratings indicate greater energy efficiency Once an air conditioner or heat pump is installed, the SEER2 rating can be easily identified on the unit’s yellow EnergyGuide label.
NOTES:
1. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/standards-development-and-revision