With the new government efficiency standards going into place for HVAC units, there is one significant change that everybody keeps talking about – the switch from SEER to SEER2. But what is SEER2 and why should we care about this switch? Advance Mechanical is here to help explain the difference and importance of SEER2.
SEER2” stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. Specifically, SEER2 is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season. The new M1 testing procedure will increase the system’s external static pressure by a factor of five to better reflect field conditions of installed equipment. With this change, new nomenclature will be used to denote M1 ratings (including EER2 and HSPF2).
M1 Testing Requirements
To meet new testing requirements, manufacturers are redesigning system components. In fact, all air conditioning and heat pump systems must be renovated by January 1, 2023, even if they meet current SEER ratings. In addition, matching components such as furnaces and air handlers will be redesigned to meet changes in the airflow setpoint. Depending on your region, additional field installation equipment, such as Thermal Expansion Valves (TXVs), may also be required.
M1 Testing Procedures
The goal of new SEER2 testing procedures is to better represent external conditions seen in the field. Current SEER testing does not accurately emulate the influence of ductwork and external static pressure on HVAC products. Because of this, it is not often representative of real-world applications. By increasing the systems’ external static pressure from current SEER (0.1 in. of water) to SEER2 (0.5 in. of water), new M1 testing procedures more accurately reflect current field conditions.
If you’d like to know more about the purpose of the government efficiency standards or how they will affect you as a home or business owner, read our blog, The New Government Efficiency Standards & What it Means for You. If you have any questions about what the new standards mean for you, check out our blog, FAQs About the New Government Energy Efficiency Regulations.
If you have additional questions about the upcoming efficiency changes, or if you’d like to request a quote on a new system, call the professionals at Advance Mechanical today at 252-355-9191.