A new federal testing standard will be implemented on January 1, 2023, for HVAC equipment sold in the residential sector. The new procedure, detailed by the US Energy Information Administration, uses higher external static pressure to simulate field conditions of a unit’s fan use more accurately. This additional layer of testing precision will provide more accurate energy efficiency ratings of evaluated units.
The nomenclature of the new standards will be Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (HSPF2), Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) and Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (EER2). As a result of these new standards, the following Energy Trust incentives will have updated requirements for units manufactured after January 1, 2023:
| Energy Upgrade | Incentive Amount | Requirement (unit manufactured before 1/1/2023) | Requirement (unit manufactured on or after 1/1/2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted Heat Pump | $700–$1,000 | HSPF must be 8.5 or greater. | HSPF2 must be 7.50 or greater. |
| Ductless Heat Pump | $500–$1,000 | HSPF must be 9.0 or greater. | HSPF2 must be 8.10 or greater. |
| Central Air Conditioner | $100 | Outdoor unit SEER must be 15 or greater. System EER must be 12 or greater. | Outdoor unit SEER2 must be 14.25 - 15.19. System EER2 must be 11.40 or greater. |
| $250 | Outdoor unit SEER must be 16 or greater. System EER must be 12 or greater. | Outdoor unit SEER2 must be 15.20 or greater. System EER2 must be 11.40 or greater. |
Energy Trust applications and program information sheets will be updated to reflect this federal standard change on January 1, 2023.
For more information, contact the Home Retrofit team at 1.866.365.3526 or speak with your trade ally account manager.