Are you staying up to date on the latest HVAC industry changes? This year brings some exciting updates in terms of energy efficiency that can benefit you and your home.
One of the biggest changes you should know about is the adoption of new energy codes. These codes set standards for how energy efficient your HVAC systems should be, and the ultimate goal of these standards is to help homeowners like yourself save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
But what exactly are energy codes? They are guidelines that set standards for how energy efficient buildings, including homes, should be. And why should you care? Well, for starters, energy-efficient homes use less energy which means lower energy bills for you. And if you’re ever thinking of selling your home, energy-efficient homes also tend to have a higher resale value.
Now, you might be thinking, “How do these energy codes affect me as a homeowner?” If you are currently in the market for a new unit, you will be required to make sure that it meets the new energy standards. Also, if you are going to be buying or selling a home, it’s important to know the updated requirements so that you can get the most value from your sale.
These energy code updates impact the required SEER ratings of new units. These are used to compare the energy efficiency of different air conditioning systems. It’s a simple calculation, where the rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of the system (measured in BTUs) by the energy input (measured in watts). So, a system with a SEER rating of 16 means that it can deliver 16 BTUs of cooling for every watt of energy it consumes.
Why should you care about SEER ratings? A more energy-efficient air conditioning system can save you money on energy costs. An air conditioning system with a high SEER rating will use less energy to cool your home, which can translate into lower energy bills for you. And, if you have a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, you may be eligible for energy-efficient tax credits or other incentives.
As of January 1, 2023, there are new energy codes for HVAC systems.The SEER rating has increased from 13.0 to 14.0 in the north part of the country and 14.0 to 15.0 in the south. This means that the energy efficiency requirements for new units have gone up in an effort to continue optimizing energy efficiency in buildings. Virginia falls into the south category so the new SEER rating requirement is 15.0. If you’re building a new home or replacing your HVAC system, make sure you’re following the latest energy codes. This could mean installing a more energy-efficient system, using energy-saving features, or making other changes to your home.
At Miller’s Services, we have a proven track record of providing excellent service and high-quality products to our customers. We’re dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction and providing the best value for your investment. So, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Miller’s Services today at (804) 758-4314 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you with your HVAC needs.