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HVAC FAQs

What is the minimum energy efficiency standard for air conditioners in my state?

Effective 1/1/2015, the U.S. Department of Energy changed from a national standard for air conditioning, to regional standards. As a result, the required SEER of an air conditioning system differs by Region. Specifically:

  • The minimum SEER for Northern states is 13 SEER for split system air conditioners and 14 SEER for single package air conditioners.
    • Northern states consist of AK, CO, CT, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT,NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT,WA, WV, WI and WY, as well as the U.S. Territories.
  • The minimum SEER for Southeastern states is 14 SEER for both split system air conditioners and single package air conditioners.
    • Southeastern states consist of AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA and the District of Columbia
  • The minimum SEER for Southwestern states is 14 SEER for all air conditioners with a minimum EER of 12.2 for split system air conditioners with capacity less than 45,000 BTU/hr, a minimum EER of 11.7 for split system air conditioners with capacity greater than or equal to 45,000 Btu/hr, or a minimum EER of 11.0 for single package air conditioners.
    • Southwestern states are AZ, CA, NM and NV.
  • Heat pumps are a national standard, with a minimum 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF for split system heat pumps and 14 SEER and 8.0 HSPF for single package heat pumps. Full information on Regional Standards can be found here. Definitions of SEER and EER can be found here.
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