Oregon’s new energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems in 2025 focus on a shift to reduce the potential of global warming. Changes you may notice include phasing out certain refrigerants and replacing them with more environmentally friendly options. You’ll also see updates to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for the average homeowner in Tigard.
SEER and HSPF Rating Changes
Oregon is following the 2025 standards that the U.S. Department of Energy is implementing. They’re focusing on increasing energy efficiency ratings for many household systems, including HVAC units. The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. With these new standards in place, all new HVAC installations have to meet these stricter ratings.
How These New Standards Affect You
These changes aren’t a bad thing. In fact, the average homeowner will see a decrease in energy costs. The higher efficiency standards mean that your new HVAC system will use less energy to keep you comfortable. As a result, you’ll have lower utility bills.
These new standards don’t mean that you have to immediately replace your HVAC unit. If it’s functioning and you like it, you can certainly keep it. You won’t notice the change until the day arrives when you have to consider a replacement.
The higher efficiency standards mean that any future new HVAC systems will be better at heating and cooling your home. You’ll see more consistent temperatures in your house with fewer cold spots.
Once you have us install one of these new HVAC systems, your home’s resale value will increase. Energy-efficient systems are an attractive feature for potential buyers. They know they’ll be able to enjoy long-term savings and modern energy-conscious trends if they buy your property.
If you’re replacing your current heating and cooling system in the coming year, your new unit must meet these new standards. It may require a slightly higher initial investment, but you’ll be able to take advantage of these benefits that new HVAC units offer.
Understanding the New Efficiency Ratings
The SEER rating measures the cooling efficiency of your system. This rating is evolving into what they call SEER2. It has higher efficiency requirements. The SEER2 rating that Oregon requires for new HVAC systems is 13.4. All new installations must be at or above this rating because Oregon is part of the “Northern” region according to the Department of Energy.
When it comes to heating, the HSPF rating is now HSPF2. The HSPF2 rating the state requires is now at 7.5 or greater.
These ratings make it easier for you to recognize a high-performance system and make a better decision when choosing a new HVAC system. The higher these numbers are, the more efficient the system is.
The Refrigerant Phase-Out and Why
The HVAC industry is phasing out certain refrigerants that are harming the environment. It’s a regulatory change that reduces the contribution HVAC systems have to ozone depletion. Old refrigerants such as Freon (R-22) and R-410A have been a standard for many decades, but they’re known to add to the global warming potential. As the effects of climate change increase, there’s a great need to find alternatives.
Don’t panic if you have an older HVAC system. Due to recycling practices, many HVAC companies can still service older units, but you won’t find these refrigerants in new models.
They’re introducing low-GWP refrigerants for new HVAC systems. R-32 and R454B are examples of these new alternatives. R-32 has a significantly lower GWP than R-410A. It’s an efficient version requiring less refrigerant to reach the same level of cooling, which further reduces its impact on the environment.
R-454B is the best for the environment and more efficient than R-32. This increase in efficiency means that you’ll have lower energy costs. The HVAC industry is quickly accepting these changes as they develop new units. You’ll find that you’ll still have many options available when it does come time to find a new heating and cooling system for your home.
How to Know When to Upgrade Your Older System
It can seem confusing when it comes to deciding when it’s time to upgrade to an HVAC unit that meets these new standards. You can begin by determining which type of refrigerant your current system uses and if the phase-out will affect it. This information is usually on the system’s label, or you can ask us for assistance.
If your system is from 2010 or earlier, it more than likely uses R-22. Newer ones from 2010 until 2020 typically use R-410A.
Next, you need to think about the efficiency and age of your current heating and cooling equipment. Units that are 10 years of age or older aren’t likely to be very energy-efficient. If you’re noticing higher energy bills, it can be because your system is losing even more efficiency as it ages. This is especially common among units that rely on the old refrigerants.
Finally, we can evaluate your current HVAC system’s performance. We’ll use our findings to recommend whether or not it makes sense to upgrade at this time. We can also help you calculate the cost savings that can come with a new unit that uses low-GWP refrigerants and has higher SEER and HSPF ratings.
The Many Benefits of Meeting These New Standards
If you do decide that it’s time to upgrade to one of the HVAC systems that meet the new energy-efficient standards in Oregon, you’ll be able to enjoy several benefits. The most important one is that you’ll use less energy to maintain your home’s comfort whether you’re heating or cooling your house.
While the initial cost of a new HVAC system may seem higher than with past models, you’ll be saving money on your monthly energy bill. Changing to one of these units that meets the new standards also eliminates the rising expenses that come with keeping your older system. This includes the more frequent heating and AC repairs that older units often require.
Many homeowners appreciate the environmental benefits, too. You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by lowering your emission of greenhouse gases. Upgrading also ensures that your home is meeting the current environmental trends. As a side note, as old refrigerants are phased out, it will become more expensive to maintain and repair ACs that still use them due to decreased availability.
Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC is here to help you navigate your way through all of the HVAC energy efficiency standards for the coming year. We offer heating and air conditioning services like repair, installation, and maintenance. This includes working with ductless systems like mini-split heat pumps. Our team will do everything it can to ensure your Tigard home’s comfort. Our indoor air quality services encompass duct cleaning and air filter assistance as well as solutions like Halo in-duct air purifiers and aerosol duct sealing. To ensure that all of these systems are there when you need them, we can help you find the perfect generator. We have over 39 years of experience providing residential and commercial services. Due to our dedication to customer satisfaction, we’re an Angi Super Service Award winner, and we have an A+ rating from the BBB.
Call us today to learn more about all of our available services.
