Federal energy efficiency standards for air conditioning and heat pumps can be confusing. Make sure you stay in compliance. Get answers to common HVAC regulation questions below or download this PDF.

What does EER stand for?

EER is an abbreviation for Energy Efficiency Ratio. Similar to SEER, it is a measurement of air conditioning efficiency. However, EER is rated at 95℉ ambient, whereas SEER is rated at 80℉ ambient.

SEER rating

What does SEER stand for?

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure relative to air conditioning efficiency. The larger the number, the more efficient the equipment. Identify System SEER Ratings and Obtain Product Rating Certificates

What is the new regulation regarding SEER ratings?

The new regulation states that condensing units produced after January 1, 2015 for the Southwest and Southeast markets must be rated at least 14 SEER. Southwest products must also meet a 12.2/11.7 EER rating depending on tonnage. Additionally, all heat pumps and packaged units must also be rated 14 SEER or higher. Distributors have 18 months to sell through their 13 SEER product produced before January 1, 2015 in the Southwest and Southeast regions. Units must also be installed by June 30, 2016 to comply with federal regulations. Learn More About the New Regulations

What changes occur on July 1, 2016?

The regulation states that 13 SEER products are no longer legal to be installed in the Southwest and Southeast regions.

Will 13 SEER products be available in 2015 in the Southwest/Southeast regions?

Yes, especially in the early part of the year. HD Supply is doing everything practical to ensure a supply of 13 SEER condensers is available for our loyal customers in the Southwest and Southeast regions of the country.

Will a 14 SEER Dry22 product be available?

At this time the Department of Energy (DOE) is reviewing test procedures, including this type of dry ship product, and will inform manufacturers whether they will be permitted to produce that platform. No date for the updated test procedure has been given.

What is the cost difference between a 13 SEER and 14 SEER unit?

Currently HD Supply is estimating a 15-20% cost increase from 13 SEER to 14 SEER condensing units.

Flushing Kit

When upgrading from a 13 SEER to a 14 SEER condenser, do I need to flush the system when installing the 14 SEER?

No, flushing the system is not required when moving SEER ratings. However, if you are converting from R-22 to R-410A, flushing the system is highly recommended. Shop our HVAC flushing kits.

Can I use my existing indoor coil with a new 14 SEER outdoor unit?

It is always recommended to change the indoor coil at the same time as the outdoor unit for optimal performance and reliability. Depending on the year the indoor coil was produced, there is a chance that it may be compatible with 14 SEER outdoor units. Units with 8 and 10 SEER ratings will most likely NOT work with a 14 SEER unit, causing issues with liquid returning to the compressor. Identify AHRI Ratings.

Metering Device

Do I need to change my metering device when going from a 13 SEER to a 14 SEER outdoor unit?

Yes, the metering device (piston or TXV) must be per the outdoor unit specification. It is very unlikely that the 13 SEER piston or TXV will be the same for 14 SEER.

What is the physical size difference between 13 SEER and 14 SEER condensing units or heat pumps?

The physical size change of the unit varies significantly depending on the capacity, but as a general rule of thumb, 14 SEER outdoor units are larger than 13 SEER units.

Will HD Supply hold inventory for an account if inventory is purchased in advance?

Unfortunately we cannot accommodate any hold requests. Inventory will be sold on a first come, first served basis, and when orders are placed, they must ship immediately.

Do I have to do anything to my existing systems after January 1, 2015?

No, any existing systems can continue to run until a replacement is needed.

If a property in the North has 13 SEER equipment, can they ship the product to a Southern property?

No. Shipping from one property in the North to a property in the South would be against the DOE's regulation. Only 13 SEER equipment manufactured before January 1, 2015 can be installed in the Southern portion of the U.S.

Is the furnace regulation still pending?

The furnace regulation has been pushed back to late 2020 at the earliest, pending a new DOE rulemaking procedure.

14 SEER

Do my installation practices or installation tools change when moving from 13 SEER to 14 SEER?

No, installing a 14 SEER unit uses the same tools and installation procedures.

If I reside in the Southwest, how do I comply with the 12.2/11.7 EER portion of the regulation?

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance has worked with manufacturers to get the correct lineup of 14 SEER/12.2/11.7 EER products for that portion of the country. All Southwest products 3.5 ton or less will have a 12.2 EER rating. All Southwest products 4 or 5 ton will have an 11.7 EER rating.

What states in the Southwest and Southeast regions are affected?

U.S. Southwest: Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada

U.S. Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Learn More About the New Regulations