Supercharging AC & Heat Pump Efficiency: New ENERGY STAR Rules

In a world increasingly concerned about energy consumption and environmental impact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to champion energy efficiency with its ENERGY STAR program. As of 2023, the EPA has unveiled updated efficiency requirements for ENERGY STAR air conditioners and heat pumps, targeting systems with a capacity below 65,000 BTU/h. These new standards take advantage of the SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings, which have been in effect since January 2023. Additionally, the program has introduced federal tax credits for qualifying equipment, further incentivizing the adoption of energy-efficient solutions.

The Evolution Of Efficiency Ratings

A pivotal change accompanies the updated efficiency requirements: the introduction of the M1 testing procedure for air conditioners and heat pumps. Unlike its predecessor, this new procedure increases the static pressure from 0.1 to 0.5 inches of water during testing, resulting in an improved evaluation of HVAC equipment performance. The resulting energy efficiency ratings now rely on the SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 nomenclature, setting them apart from previous standards (SEER/EER/HSPF).

These advancements have come into effect since January 2023, marking a significant shift in the certification process for ENERGY STAR air conditioners and heat pumps. Consequently, the US EPA has revised the essential product criteria in accordance with the new efficiency ratings.

Elevated ENERGY STAR Certification Requirements

ENERGY STAR appliances have long represented a commitment to energy performance beyond standard federal requirements. Reflecting this commitment, the certification requirements for HVAC equipment have been elevated to match the new efficiency standards and ratings. To illustrate these changes, let’s delve into the specific requirements for central air conditioners and heat pumps, applicable to units below 65,000 BTU/h in capacity, covering both split and packaged systems. Notably, the ENERGY STAR Certification is not available for equipment using three-phase electric power or exceeding 65,000 BTU/h capacity.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps Defined

An intriguing aspect of the new ENERGY STAR program lies in the definition of cold climate heat pumps. These specialized air-source heat pumps exhibit the following attributes to qualify under the program:

1. A minimum Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1.75 when operating at 5°F.
2. A heating capacity of at least 70% at 5°F compared to 47°F.
3. Successful demonstration of achieving 1.75 COP and 70% heating capacity at 5°F using native controls in a customer’s home.
4. Notably, gas/electric packaged heat pumps, despite meeting the performance criteria, are excluded from being designated as cold climate heat pumps.

Federal Tax Credits: Incentivizing Energy Efficiency

The US government has ushered in an era of increased incentives for adopting energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Commencing in January 2023, new tax credits are available for eligible ENERGY STAR air-source heat pumps and central air conditioners, serving as an additional boost to their adoption. These tax credits are outlined as follows:

1. Air-source heat pump: 30% of costs, up to $2,000.
2. Central air conditioner: 30% of costs, up to $600.

It’s important to note that the acquisition of an ENERGY STAR Certification is a prerequisite for claiming these tax credits. Further specifications apply to different equipment types. For instance, in the case of air conditioners, all ENERGY STAR packaged systems qualify for the 30% tax credit. However, split systems are only eligible if they possess a minimum efficiency of 16 SEER2.

The complexity of requirements increases for heat pumps:

• Ducted heat pump (non-cold climate): All ENERGY STAR models qualify.
• Ducted cold climate heat pump: Minimum 10 EER2.
• Mini-split heat pump (non-cold climate): Minimum 16 SEER2, 12 EER2, 9 HSPF.
• Mini-split cold climate heat pump: Minimum 16 SEER2, 9 EER2, 9.5 HSPF.

Broadened Horizon Of Eligible Equipment

Beyond air conditioners and heat pumps, the range of ENERGY STAR equipment eligible for the newly introduced tax credits is expansive. These encompass boilers, biomass fuel stoves, furnaces, heat pump water heaters, combustion water heaters, insulation, windows, skylights, exterior doors, and electric panels.

Conclusion

The transformation of the ENERGY STAR program’s efficiency requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps in 2023 heralds a new era of energy-conscious cooling and heating solutions. Through the implementation of updated testing procedures and the utilization of SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings, the program ensures that certified appliances far exceed basic federal efficiency standards. Furthermore, the introduction of federal tax credits underscores the nation’s commitment to rewarding individuals and businesses for choosing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient options. This comprehensive approach not only benefits the environment but also empowers consumers to make informed choices while enjoying increased comfort and savings.