Air Conditioning Industry Regulations

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

In absence of regulatory certainty at the federal level, many states have adopted environmental regulations that seek to limit the negative impacts of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) such as HFCs. California was the first state to take official action. California Senate Bill 1383, also known as the Super Pollutant Reduction Act, was passed in 2016 and requires that Californians reduce F-gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030.  Another related bill, California Senate Bill 1013 was signed into law in Sept. 2018. Referred to as the California Cooling Act, this law mandated the full adoption of SNAP Rules 20 and 21 as they read on January 3, 2017. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) published the adoption of SNAP Rules 20 and 21 as state regulations at the end of 2018.

To reach the 40 percent reductions required by 2030, CARB also proposed an aggressive second phase of rulemaking that will further impact AC applications. This HFC rulemaking was published at the end of 2021 and entered into effect January 1, 2022.

In air conditioning applications, the CARB proposal targets a 750 GWP limit across multiple end-uses in the coming years:

• 2023: room AC and dehumidifiers
• 2024: AC chillers (consistent with SNAP Rule 21)
• 2025: residential and commercial AC
• 2026: variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems

CARB also introduced its Refrigerant Recycle, Recovery and Reuse (R4) program, which proposes new air conditioning equipment in 2023 and 2024 to use reclaimed R-410A refrigerant in an amount equal to 10% of equipment operating charge in California.

Other States Follow California’s Lead
 

With California taking a leadership role in environmental regulations, other U.S. Climate Alliance states have adopted a similar approach. The U.S. Climate Alliance, with a shared commitment to reducing SLCPs and HFCs, includes 24 states and Puerto Rico. Sixteen states have either adopted SNAP 20/21 into state law/regulation or are in the process of doing so.

To reduce the complexity of implementation, industry advocates, including the Air-conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), have asked for states to be consistent in their approach to adopting CARB’s rules. From an HVAC perspective, this prohibits chillers from using R410A, R134a, and other higher GWP fluids beginning January 1, 2024.

The HVAC industry is making significant strides toward sustainability. While the new 2023 HVAC regulations may not immediately impact your home, it’s good to know what to expect the next time you buy an HVAC system.

Heightened energy efficiency for air conditioners and eco-friendly-minded refrigerant requirements took effect at the beginning of 2023. We’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about the 2023 HVAC regulatory changes.

SEER Regulations

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It measures an air conditioner or air-source heat pump’s cooling output compared to the electrical energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling system.

Two SEER-related changes began on January 1, 2023. First, the minimum SEER rating increased on HVAC equipment. Previously, new air conditioners required a minimum SEER of 13 in northern states and 14 in southern states. In 2023, it changed to 14 and 15, respectively.

Meanwhile, in all regions of the country, split system heat pumps require a 15 SEER and 8.8 HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor), while a packaged heat pump requires a 14 SEER and 8 HSPF.

Additionally, the industry adopted the SEER 2 standard. SEER 2 is similar to its predecessor in that it measures the total heat removed from a specific space versus how much energy it uses in the process. The required testing conditions changed to better mirror real-life circumstances.

In 2023, HVAC equipment, including AC condensers and heat pumps, began displaying their SEER 2 rating on their packaging. This change doesn’t necessarily impact consumers beyond giving you a slightly better estimate of your potential energy usage when shopping for new HVAC equipment.

AC Refrigerant Regulations

In recent years, the industry moved away from R-22 (Freon) toward R-410 (Puron) refrigerant. It’s less damaging to the environment and human health and doesn’t harm the ozone layer.

Next year, the Environmental Protection Agency is likely to ban R-410 and require another move to a class of refrigerants called A2L by 2025. A2L has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than alternatives, but it’s also mildly flammable.

HVAC manufacturers are already designing new technology to accommodate A2L. This includes new technology to store and transport systems with A2L and equipment with automatic shutoff capabilities in case of a leak.

What are the benefits of these new HVAC regulations?

ProsCons🌎 Positive environmental impact🔧 More difficult to find replacement parts for older systems💰 Reduced utility bills📦 Initial inventory challenges

Most HVAC equipment, including central air conditioners and gas furnaces, require significant amounts of electricity to operate. This creates carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming.

As the world experiences extreme temperatures due to climate change, we rely on our HVAC systems to stay comfortable more than ever. If we don’t develop new eco-friendly standards and technologies, global warming will only intensify.

Most industry changes, including the 2023 HVAC regulations, move toward more energy-efficient, green products. These will not only positively impact the environment, but you’ll likely see a reduction in your utility bills.

Is There Any Downside to the 2023 HVAC Regulations?

While the impact of the 2023 HVAC regulations is positive overall, they may create minor inconveniences for individuals.

For example, you may need to wait a little longer for parts or replacement units. Local dealers may initially experience challenges obtaining inventory that meets the new requirements.

Additionally, if your older system needs repair, your heating and air conditioning technician may need help accessing compatible parts, as the industry phases outdated technologies.

Should I Upgrade My Old HVAC System?

If your HVAC equipment is in good condition and fulfilling your heating and cooling needs, there’s no need to buy a new one that meets the new industry standards. Make sure you’re scheduling spring and fall HVAC maintenance appointments to keep your system running at its most efficient.

As your system ages, it may be harder to find compatible parts, as dealers stock items that satisfy the new regulations.

When your system’s reached the end of its useful life or the cost of a repair exceeds the price of a replacement, it’s time to consider new equipment that meets the current standards.

FAQs on 2023 HVAC Regulations

What are the HVAC rule changes for 2023?

The biggest HVAC rule change for 2023 is an increase in the minimum SEER rating. In 2023, the minimum SEER rating increased from 13 to 14 in northern states and 14 and 15 in southern states. The HVAC industry also adopted the SEER 2 standard.

Are HVAC systems going up in 2023?

Yes, the price of HVAC systems is expected to go up in 2023 and for the foreseeable future. Higher labor costs, supply shortages, general inflation, and new regulations are expected to drive costs.

What are the new SEER 2 ratings?

The SEER 2 rating for central air conditioners is 13.4 in northern states and 14.3 in southern and southwest states.