Regional Energy-Efficiency Standards

On January 1, 2015, federal minimum energy-efficiency standards for residential air conditioners, heat pumps and packaged units went into effect and are based upon the state (region) where they are installed.

Requirements by Region

NORTH

• Air Conditioners — 13 SEER
• Heat Pumps — 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF
• Packaged Air Conditioners/Gas Electric — 14 SEER/81% AFUE
• Packaged Heat Pumps/Dual Fuel — 14 SEER/8.0 HSPF/81% AFUE

SOUTHWEST

• Air Conditioners — 14 SEER/12.2 EER (<45 BTU/h) 14 SEER/11.7 EER (>45K BTU/h)
• Heat Pumps — 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF
• Packaged Air Conditioners/Gas Electric — 14 SEER/11.0 EER/81% AFUE
• Packaged Heat Pumps/Dual Fuel — 14 SEER/ 8.0 HSPF/81% AFUE

SOUTHEAST

• Air Conditioners — 14 SEER
• Heat Pumps — 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF
• Packaged Air Conditioners/Gas Electric — 14 SEER/ 81% AFUE
• Packaged Heat Pumps/Dual Fuel — 14 SEER/8.0 HSPF/81% AFUE

For cooling units manufactured on or after January 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy has changed the minimum efficiency from 13 SEER to 14 SEER for equipment installed in the Southeast and Southwest regions. For the North, heat pumps must be a minimum of 14 SEER, but 13 SEER split air conditioners can still be legally installed.

A limited quantity of 13 SEER cooling units manufactured before January 1, 2015 can still be legally installed in all regions for at least the next 18 months.

Higher Standards Can Offer Big Benefits

Ducane offers cooling products with efficiencies as high as 18.00 SEER. Switching to higher-efficiency cooling equipment like the 4AC18LT can help you lower monthly utility bills. They may also quality for government and utility incentives and rebates available in your area.