What Are the Changes?

As a homeowner, you may wonder just what these changes are and how they will impact you. The below changes in the HVAC industry will have a positive impact on both you and the environment.

Higher SEER Rating Requirement

One of the main changes to HVAC regulations in 2023 is the increased requirement for a higher SEER rating for air conditioning systems. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures the efficiency of air conditioners. Currently, the minimum SEER rating for air conditioning systems is 13. However, in 2023, the minimum SEER rating will be increased to 16, and all systems manufactured from this year forward will be required to meet this standard. If your air conditioner has a SEER rating below 16, you may want to upgrade to a newer system to enjoy significant savings on your energy bills.

New Refrigerant Standards

Another significant change to HVAC regulations in 2023 is the phase-out of certain refrigerants that are harmful to the environment. Refrigerants, such as R-22, are currently used in many HVAC systems. However, these refrigerants contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Manufacturing and importing R-22 and other similar refrigerants is prohibited, and the only way to obtain these refrigerants is to purchase recycled supplies. Purchasing recycled supplies will eventually become more expensive as supplies are more difficult to obtain. All new HVAC systems manufactured in 2023 and beyond will use refrigerants less harmful to the environment, such as R-410A.

Increased Efficiency Standards for Heating Systems

In addition to increased SEER ratings for air conditioning systems, the new HVAC regulations also include increased efficiency standards for heating systems. Specifically, the minimum efficiency rating for heating systems will be increased from 80% to 92%. If your heating system has an efficiency rating below 92%, you may want to upgrade to a new system to enjoy significant energy savings.

Improved Fan Efficiency Requirements

The new HVAC regulations also include improved fan efficiency requirements for HVAC systems. The new regulations will require fans to have a minimum efficiency level of 70%, a significant increase from the current requirement of 65%. These newer fans will run more quietly so that your HVAC system is not disruptive.

What Should You Consider Before Upgrading Your System?

Before upgrading, you’ll want to consider the cost of a new system versus the long-term savings from energy efficiency. The size of your home is another factor to consider when selecting a new system because choosing the wrong size system can cause significant problems such as rising utility costs and poor air quality.

If your HVAC system is too large for your home, you will contend with a problem called short cycling that causes a significant amount of energy waste. Short cycling means that the unit will turn on and then turn off before finishing its cycle. Because the cycle cannot finish, the unit will not be able to achieve the desired temperature in your home. Additionally, the air in your home will be humid since the unit will not be able to run long enough to remove the humidity from the air. Short cycling will put a significant amount of wear and tear on your system because the system will quickly turn on and off multiple times in a day, and your system will eventually break down.

Choosing a system that is too small for your home will cause astronomical energy bills because it will constantly run to try and achieve the set temperature. Because the system is too small, your desired temperature will never be achieved, and you will also contend with humidity in your home because your system will not have the power to remove it. Eventually, your system will burn out from running too much.

Always work with an HVAC professional to ensure that you choose the correct system for your home. An HVAC technician can also help you choose a system that best suits your preferences, as there are a variety of HVAC systems on the market with a whole host of features.

What Are Your Options if You Have an Older HVAC System?

If you are using an older HVAC system and replacing your system is not in your budget, you have a variety of upgrade options available to you. For example, you can upgrade your system by installing a new condenser or air handler. You can also add insulation, upgrade or replace ductwork and add zoning controls. Working with an HVAC professional to determine the best option for your current HVAC system is essential because they can advise you on what will work best for your individual situation.

5 Benefits of Procuring a New HVAC System

Procuring a new HVAC system has numerous benefits. The following are the most common that homeowners enjoy.

1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Upgrading your HVAC system to one that meets the new standards enables you to enjoy increased energy efficiency, which will save you tremendous money on your electricity bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading your HVAC system will provide energy savings of up to 40% each month.

2. Lower Maintenance Costs: Upgrading your HVAC system can also reduce maintenance costs. Older systems often need frequent repairs and maintenance to keep them functioning, costing you money in repairs, emergency callouts from work, and replacement parts. By upgrading to a newer model, you can avoid these unnecessary expenses.

3. Enhanced Environmental Friendliness: Choosing to upgrade your HVAC system can also have a positive impact on the environment. Older systems emit greenhouse gases that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, causing air pollution. Upgrading to a new system that uses new refrigerants that meet the EPA standards can help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.

4. Increase in Property Value: A new HVAC system can increase the value of your home by as much as 10%. A new HVAC system is appealing to new buyers because they understand they will save more on energy bills and not have to make repairs anytime soon.

5. Potential Tax Rebates: Installing a new HVAC system can qualify you for federal, state, and local rebates. These rebates will help to balance out the installation costs.

By partnering with Apollo Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, you will always get expert guidance and service to ensure your family is comfortable and happy. In addition to HVAC services, we provide state-of-the-art air-quality solutions, and we can care for your plumbing needs by performing drain cleanings, pipe repair, and replacement, and much more. We proudly served Portland, Vancouver, Boise, OR, and have been faithfully serving our clients since 1984. Contact Apollo Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today to see how we can make life better for you.

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