As of January 1st the US Department of Energy has new efficiency standards for residential and commercial heat pumps and air conditioners. All new air conditioners installed after 1/1/15 must be at least 14 SEER. There is an exception to this rule though, that we happen to fall under here in the pacific northwest. What they have done is divide the country into “heating” or “cooling” regions. If you live in a Heating region, which we do, then the new minimum SEER does not apply.

Heat pump minimum ratings however, are changing for everyone. The new minimum SEER rating is 14 with a minimum HSPF of 8.2. The method of calculating a units minimum efficiency is also being updated. New standards rate a units SEER and HSPF on its match-up with an indor coil and furnace/air handler. So the system must achieve 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF in its installed state. Although these new regulations are already in effect, they did give distributors 18 months from January 1st to clear out stock of 13 SEER equipment. So it is still available, although who knows what there prices will look like or how much stock is actually available.

More info on what these efficiency ratings mean can be found here