Emerson Survey Says Most Contractors & Wholesalers Are Aware of 2023 Regulations, Requirements
While more respondents have taken steps to prepare for upcoming changes, concerns over creating new marketing, inventory plans remain
SIDNEY, Ohio — In a new survey, Emerson followed up with HVAC contractors and wholesalers about their knowledge of and preparation for increasing federal minimum SEER/IEER efficiency requirements mandated for a/c systems and heat pumps by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) effective January 1, 2023. According to the results, most respondents (91%) are aware of the upcoming regulatory changes and the majority have at least a basic understanding of requirements (61%). Compared to last year’s survey results, there was a significant increase in the number of industry professionals who say they have an extensive understanding of these regulations and their requirements, from 9% to 21% of respondents.
The survey shows there was a significant decline in respondents who currently had no plans to act on the new ratings procedure and the change from SEER to SEER2 in central air conditioning (44% to 14%), as well as the upcoming changes on refrigerant regulations (37% to 14%). Additionally, most respondents said daily operations have already been affected by the 2023 regulations changes. Since last year’s survey, many respondents have talked to original equipment manufacturers, attended product information meetings, created a new inventory plan, trained service personnel, and developed new marketing plans for new standards. Additionally, there was an uptick in companies who said their operations are affected by the new standards, from 61% to 80%.