Therefore, it is likely that you will spend more money than ever before if you need to buy a new HVAC unit in 2023.
In case you were unaware, the HVAC industry will see some significant changes starting on January 1, 2023, thanks to the federal government. All new HVAC systems will need to have a higher SEER rating as part of a national effort to combat climate change. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, calculates how energy-efficient each HVAC system is during the given season. A minimum SEER2 rating of 14 is required for new HVAC units in the northern part of the country and a minimum of 15 for units in the southern states under the new regulations. The minimum number of states needed in the North was 3, and the minimum number in the South was 14. The higher SEER rating will change how this new HVAC equipment is made, even though the change may not seem significant because the rating only increased by one digit. Unfortunately, this will result in higher manufacturing costs for new HVAC equipment, which the manufacturers will then pass along to the HVAC service providers, who will then increase prices for consumers. Therefore, it is likely that you will spend more money than ever before if you need to buy a new HVAC unit in 2023. The good news is that you are not required to upgrade your unit to comply with the new rating if your HVAC does not need to be replaced. It’s possible, though, that finding replacement parts for an older HVAC system will be difficult. I have an old, highly effective HVAC system, but I’m aware that I’ll soon need to replace it. Until it loses efficiency, I’ll keep using my current unit as long as I can before upgrading.