Updated MEPS - Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Last updated: 13 October 2020

This policy applies to residential central air conditioners and heat pumps installed as part of a home's central heating and cooling system. Residential central air conditioners and heat pumps include split system central air conditioners and heat pumps; single package central air conditioners; single package heat pumps; small-duct high-velocity products; and space constrained products.

 

The minimum performance standard is set within the 10 CFR § 430.32 - Energy and water conservation standards and their compliance dates.

 

Central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, must have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 and a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 not less than:

 

(i)(A) Split systems - air conditioners with a certified cooling capacity less than 45,000 Btu/hr - SEER2 13.4

(i)(B) Split systems - air conditioners with a certified cooling capacity equal to or greater than 45,000 Btu/hr - SEER2 13.4

(ii) Split systems - heat pumps - SEER2 14.3 - HSPF2 7.5

(iii) Single-package units - air conditioners - SEER2 13.4

(iv) Single-package units - heat pumps - SEER2 13.4 - HSPF2 6.7

(v) Small-duct, high-velocity systems - SEER2 12 - HSPF2 6.1

(vi)(A) Space-constrained products - air conditioners - SEER2 11.7

(vi)(B) Space-constrained products - heat pumps - SEER2 11.9 - HSPF2 6.3

 

In addition to meeting the applicable requirements above, products in product classes (i) and (iii) (i.e., split systems - air conditioners and single-package units - air conditioners) that are installed on or after January 1, 2023, in the southeast* or southwest** must have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 and a Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 not less than:

 

(i)(A) Split-systems - air conditioners with a certified cooling capacity less than 45,000 Btu/hr

Southeast*: SEER2 14.3

Southwest**: SEER2 14.3 - EER2 11.7 (products with a certified SEER2 less than 15.2) or 9.8 (products with a certified SEER2 greater than or equal to 15.2)

(i)(B) Split-systems - air conditioners with a certified cooling capacity equal to or greater than 45,000 Btu/hr

Southeast*: SEER2 13.8

Southwest**: SEER2 13.8 - EER2 11.2 (products with a certified SEER2 less than 15.2) or 9.8 (products with a certified SEER2 greater than or equal to 15.2)

(iii) Single-package units - air conditioners

Southwest**: EER2 10.6

 

* “Southeast” includes the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories.

** “Southwest” includes the States of Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

 

This policy will replace Policy number 8465 when it comes into force in 2023.

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