2023 Regional Standards
LENNOX
Regional Standards FAQs
Regional Map Overview
A map of the United States is displayed, illustrating regional differences in the implementation of the 2023 standards. States are colored red, yellow, and gray, indicating distinct regulatory areas.
Q: What changes?
A: First, a new minimum efficiency standard for split AC and HPs will be introduced. Second, a new test procedure will create new efficiency ratings for SEER, EER, and HSPF. Third, updated energy guide labels will display these new ratings. Finally, for air conditioners in the south and southwest, a mandate will prevent the sale of products built prior to the effective date of the standard.
Q: Why Now?
A: Approximately every six years, the Department of Energy (DOE) evaluates energy conservation standards for most appliances in homes and commercial buildings. When DOE evaluates the need for a new standard, they determine if there are significant national energy savings if the standard is increased.
Q: What are the new efficiency levels?
A: New minimum efficiency standards for split-system air conditioners and split-system heat pumps will increase approximately 0.5 to 1.0 SEER and 0.6 HSPF. Packaged unit minimum efficiencies will remain unchanged. More detailed information, by region, is available on Lennox's 2023 Regional Standards flyer.
Q: What are the new testing requirements and standard?
A: Known as the "M1 Standard", all manufacturers are required to re-test equipment to the new efficiency rating test requirements and publish equipment efficiency ratings using the new efficiency metrics of SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. Compared to the current test procedure, the new test procedure increases the external static pressure from 0.1-0.3 ESP to 0.5 ESP to better reflect field conditions. For heat pumps, a more representative heating building load line will also be implemented. Since the new testing requirements are more stringent, in 2023, there will be new metrics and nomenclature.
Q: Which units will be impacted?
A: All units will either need to be phased out if they don't meet the new minimum efficiencies or they will need to have all qualifying system matches re-rated to the new efficiency rating test requirements.
Q: What units will be phased out?
A: In the North, any of the 13ACX, XC13, 16ACX, XC21, ML14XP1, ML16XP1, EL16XP1, 16HPX, and XP21 built prior to the end of 2022 can be sold and installed in 2023, but all will be phased out when inventory is exhausted in 2023. In the South and Southwest, any of the ML14XP1, ML16XP1, EL16XP1, 16HPX, and XP21 built prior to the end of 2022 can be sold and installed in 2023, but all will be phased out when inventory is exhausted in 2023. However, the ML14XC1, EL16XC1, 16ACX, and XC21 will be phased out on December 31, 2022, and will not be eligible for sale or installation on or after January 1, 2023.
Q: What new units will be introduced and when?
A: ML17XC1, EL17XC1, and ML18XC2 in Late Summer 2022. ML17XP1 and EL17XP1 in Fall 2022.
Q: How much more will the new units cost?
A: The new air conditioners will be approximately 10-15% more than the ML14XC1, EL16XC1, and 16ACX. The new heat pumps will be approximately 20-25% more than the ML14XP1 and EL15XP1.
Q: What's the reason for the price increase?
A: This price increase is due to a more efficient compressor, a more efficient fan motor, a larger coil and cabinet size, and a higher refrigerant charge to achieve the higher efficiency.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Training is available on HVAC Learning Solutions, which can be found by searching for "2023 Regional Standards". Options include:
- Regional Standards Compliance Training: A brief overview (6/7 minutes) with some questions at the end of each section.
- 2023 Regional Standards Dealer Overview: A more detailed training (20 minutes) with no questions included.
