Effective January 1, 2023
VASEY works with a variety of industry-leading HVAC manufacturers. As 2022 draws closer to its end, we are receiving regular updates about the new 2023 Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency standards for commercial packaged HVAC requirements.
Why is this Occurring?
These changes are a part of DOE’s ongoing efforts to reduce the United States’ energy consumption. ALL HVAC manufacturers will be required to comply with the new testing procedures and standards. While complexities exist during this transition, VASEY is here to help you navigate them smoothly.
Every six years the Department of Energy (DOE) reanalyzes the effects of energy usage, sets minimum efficiency requirements and manages the testing standards by which those efficiencies are measured. In 2018 the DOE started the first phase of their six-year plan requiring a 13% increase in energy efficiency for commercial packaged air conditioners, heat pumps and split systems. The second phase of this plan will start in 2023.
Starting on January 1, 2023 all commercial air conditioning and heat pump equipment from 65,000 btu/h to 760,000 btu/h will require an additional 15% efficiency increase from the existing ratings set in 2018. Combined with the efficiency requirements implemented in 2018 this will result in a 30% increase over the six-year period.
Additionally, all gas fired commercial air conditioners will be required to meet an 81% gas efficiency rating.1
How Does this Affect Future HVAC Unit Purchases?
After January 1, 2023, HVAC manufacturers will no longer manufacture any rooftop units that are not compliant with the new DOE energy efficiency mandates. According to 10CFR part 431.97, compliance is only on the date of manufacture — this means any three-phase product produced on 12/31/2022 or earlier is still able to be sold after the compliance date.
Bottom Line.
The DOE sets the minimum efficiency standards for ALL heating and cooling equipment manufacturers.
The more efficient the HVAC unit, the higher the purchase price. Depending on the efficiency of your old unit and actual energy consumption, the higher purchase price will be offset in the form of lower fuel costs.
The current efficiency rating is 80 percent. Effective January 1, 2023, the new minimum efficiency will be 90 percent.
Additional challenges, logistics, increased fuel costs, and labor shortages. Manufacturers are having trouble getting parts to fulfill orders. It is not a matter of finding another provider, because the shortage is industry wide. All these variables impact supply and demand.
Our Guarantee.
VASEY is here to help and guide you through the changes beginning on January 1, 2023. If you are unsure about your HVAC system’s current health, call us. We are here to help you navigate the situation and develop a strategy that will have the most beneficial outcome to protect your assets.
