As a Tampa, Florida business owner, you must have a minimum SEER rating for 2023 HVAC systems. Recently, measuring AC efficiency has become a top priority, especially as global warming has resulted in dangerous and recurring heat waves. For those who live in hot climates like Florida, reducing your energy consumption is essential.
Previously, HVAC efficiency was determined using SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In 2006, all residential air conditioners were required to have a minimum SEER ratio of 13. SEER measures how well an AC system cools a space and the amount of electricity needed to do so. These numbers represent the ratio of an AC’s cooling output to its power consumption during a cooling season (i.e., the warm seasons). However, for homes in Tampa, AC is needed year-round.
Recently, as of January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) required all new units to be SEER2 compliant. If you are a business owner in Tampa, you should ensure your system meets these new requirements. That’s why Action Air Conditioning has provided you with detailed information on the minimum SEER rating for 2023.
What is SEER2?
SEER2 values represent the total heat removed from an air-conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in British Thermal Units (Btu). It is calculated by dividing the total eclectic energy consumed by the AC during the season, expressed in watt-hours.
The intention behind renewing these standards was to improve measurement accuracy and testing methods to make them more accurate in a real-world setting. Before 2023, HVAC professionals did not account for ductwork or other external static pressures that influenced heating and cooling systems, making the SEER values less precise.
After revising these methods, new HVAC units were required to have a minimum of 14 SEER2 in the northern United States and 15 in southern regions. Southern regions, including Florida, have higher cooling loads using a larger share of energy than northern states. Therefore, business owners must adhere to the minimum seer rating as of 2023.
How can SEER2 Benefit Your Business?
Currently, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) estimates that 76 million homes use central AC equipment. With the new standards, DOE estimated that households using central AC/heat pumps would save between $2.5 billion to $12.2 billion on their energy bills within 30 years after implementing these standards.
Based on their predictions, you, as a business owner in Tampa, could contribute to lessening your carbon footprint. In fact, the DOE projects that adopting SEER2 may result in cumulative emission reductions of 188.3 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide, 842.4 thousand tons of methane, and 2.114 thousand tons of nitric oxide.
Along with these benefits, business owners with Energy Star split systems (ductless mini-split) greater than a SEER2 of 16 are eligible for tax credits, saving up to $600, or 30% of the total cost.
Can Action Air Help Me Find a SEER2 Unit?
If you’re a business owner in Tampa, Florida, you can rely on Action Air Conditioning HVAC professionals to help you find a SEER2-compliant unit. Along with this, our highly-trained experts will assist with maintenance, installation, inspections, and repairs.
At Action Air, we also specialize in:
- IAQ Inspections
- Dehumidifiers
- Purification Systems
- Air Duct Sanitization
- UV Sanitizing Lights
Please contact us today to speak with a customer service representative or to receive a FREE estimate.