Beginning in 2023, manufacturers must comply with new, more stringent testing standards for efficiency ratings to more accurately represent field performance. The minimum efficiencies for heat pumps and central air conditioners are being raised, and the methods used to measure those efficiencies are being changed, as of January 1, 2023. Air conditioner and heat pump energy efficiency requirements help Canadians save energy and money on their energy bills. The efficiency requirements also serve to encourage manufacturers to utilize eco-friendly product designs by lowering energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial to stay updated about the changes to be prepared and evaluate your next steps.   

Download a free 2023 Regulatory Changes Infographic!

Here are the facts:  

According to the test process used today,

 

The minimum efficiency for air conditioners in the North will rise from 13.0 to 14.0 SEER.  

The minimum efficiency for heat pumps in Canada will rise from 14.0 to 15.0 SEER. 

All items must be rated beginning in 2023 using the DOE appendix M1 testing method, indicated by the letters SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. The external static pressure test is being increased from 0.3 to 0.5 ESP.  

All residential products 5 tons and under are affected by this regulatory change. New measurements and terminology, SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2, will be introduced in 2023. The new SEER2 ratings will be lower to accommodate the more challenging testing, and the minimum efficiencies will change and appear lower because of the new testing standards. The airflow set point for indoor blowers will change due to the revised test technique for fan coils and furnaces.  

The SEER2 and EER2 ratings are evaluated using the 2023 test technique with more significant external static pressures described below. SEER and EER ratings are assessed using the pre-2023 test procedure.

Deadlines to keep in mind  

Any 13.0 SEER air conditioner manufactured before January 1, 2023, may still be installed on or after that date.   

Visit Cooling equipment 

Heat Pump Ratings  

National guidelines govern the minimum efficiency criteria for heat pumps. The revised minimum efficiency requirements for heat pumps will rise to 15.0 SEER in 2023, an increase of 1.0 SEER. Additionally, split-system heat pumps must have a minimum HSPF of 8.8.  

Deadline for Heat Pumps  

Any 14.0 SEER heat pump built before January 1, 2023, can still be installed on or after January 1, 2023. Visit Heat Pump Equipment.

 

Single-Packaged Product Ratings  

Even though Small Packaged Products will be required to comply with the new test procedure, they will not increase in minimum efficiency from 14.0 SEER and 8.0 HSPF.  

Deadline for Single-Packaged Products  

Any 14.0 SEER SPP unit built before January 1, 2023, could still be installed on or after January 1, 2023.  

SEER, EER, and HSPF values shown are based on the current test procedure and are for reference only. Beginning January 2023, products must comply with the SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 values developed using the 2023 test procedure. Additionally, after January 1st, 2023, all products will only display labels with SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2.

 System Match Requirements  

The most impacted products by this modification will primarily be single-stage and two-stage split system air conditioners and heat pumps. The Regional Standard efficiency criteria for single-stage and two-stage split system air conditioner systems must be met with coil only matches, according to DOE testing standards. The National Standard efficiency standards for heat pump split systems as a whole system combination must be met (see AHRI.com for qualifying matches).  

Any unit’s least efficient match will not be permitted to be marketed or installed if it cannot fulfil the efficiency requirements of a specific area. This might lead to some manufacturers being forced to stop producing their present models or create new products that match the increased efficiency standards.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure above: Armstrong Air Allied Air Conditioners 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure Above: Armstrong Air Allied Heat Pumps 

With these changes in regulations, ECCO Supply provides a wide variety of HVAC products to make spaces more efficient. You can get heating equipment, cooling equipment, heat pumps, and more at ECCO Supply. Visit all products available.  

Visit AHRI for more information and clarification. 

For details on how regulations will change for the U.S. regions, Allied has released the following videos:

• Allied 2023 HVAC Regulatory Changes – North 
• NEW 2023 AHRI Ratings for the North Regions – ALLIED AIR 
• Benefits of Replacing HVAC Equipment Before 2023 Regulatory Changes
• 2023 Transition from SEER to SEER2