Able Air

THE KEY TO YOUR COMFORT SINCE 1994

ABLE AIR IS PREPARED

Able Air has made a solid phase-in/phase-out plan, taking the appropriate measures to ensure we aren’t left with stranded residential air conditioner inventory that can’t be installed after December 31, 2022.  We have also arranged for residential system matches (old to new and vice-versa). We are mindful about last-call equipment orders and will STOP selling non-compliant systems by December 1, 2022.

This is especially important for you the CONSUMER, because starting January 1, 2023, only single split central air conditioners that meet the amended regional standards (SEER2, EER2), as applicable, will be installed by Able Air.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

All equipment manufactured or imported to the United States on January 1, 2023, or later must follow the new minimum standards. These additional efficiency requirements will cost consumers more when purchasing new equipment. However, it is important to note that in some instances equipment, regardless of compliancy, can still be repaired.

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES

Even though most of our sources are doing everything possible to ensure units are compliant before the 2023 deadline, there may still be a few hiccups regarding equipment availability. Thus if your unit is on its last breath, NOW is the time to replace, we can’t stress this enough. Usually Fall and Winter is the slowest season for HVAC companies, however, as more and more consumers are becoming aware of the new regulations, installations have risen significantly. Our inventories are depleting to meet these new standards prior to January 1, 2023 and manufacturers already stopped shipping non-compliant units.

 THE TECHNICAL DETAILS

There are three metrics used to measure HVAC systems, depending on the type: 

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): AC SEER ratings measure how efficiently your AC unit cools your home. The higher the rating, the better the efficiency.
Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF): Designed for heat pumps, this factor measures how much energy is used to heat your home.
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): Furnaces are rated by how much heat is produced per dollar of fuel that is used. 
 A of January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) minimum energy efficiency requirements go into effect. On the commercial side, this will mark the second efficiency increase in HVAC equipment in the last five years, while on the residential side, there will be separate efficiency standards and installation requirements for central air conditioners.

 

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RESIDENTIAL CHANGES

The new DOE standards will increase the minimum efficiency of residential equipment approximately 7%, or the equivalent of 1 SEER point and .6 HSPF for most equipment.

 

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The new SEER2 minimum will be 14.3 [15 SEER] in the Southwest regions which includes California. Air conditioners in the Southwest are date-of-installation products and must be completely installed no later than December 31, 2022; therefore, selling A/C’s is not permitted unless their Energy Guide labels meet the new 2023 SEER/EER minimums.

 

COMMERCIAL CHANGES

On the commercial side, DOE increased the efficiency of air conditioning systems for 2023 and require a total 25% increase in part-load (IEER) efficiency.