SEER is a measurement of cooling mode efficiency for refrigerant-based HVAC systems including air-conditioners and heat pumps. HSPF is the heating mode efficiency counterpart. The higher the SEER and HSPF, the more energy efficient the equipment. In Iowa, the minimum efficiency for a central air conditioner is 13.6 SEER. For a heat pumps, the minimum efficiency is 14.4 SEER and 8.2 HSPF.

Beginning next year, SEER and HSPF are being replaced by SEER2 and HSPF2. This change will allow for a new testing method that better represents actual operating conditions, and it will coincide with a 1% increase in baseline efficiency. That means a SEER2 and HSPF2 rating will be lower than the equivalent SEER and HSPF rating. As an example, a heat pump rated at 15 SEER and 8.8 HSPF equates to 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.

How does this affect IAMU Members? Members still offering a rebate for a 14 SEER air-conditioner should reconsider and all members should plan for a transition to SEER2. For heat pumps, members should also plan for a transition to SEER2 and HSPF2. However, this event may be less of a concern for heat pumps because most heat pump rebates are load-growth incentives or otherwise reward the inherent efficiency available through a transition to heat pump technology.

There is still plenty of time to enroll in MunEEBuck$, and have your rebate program fully launched by July 1st. Please contact Jeff Gorrie (309-678-5579) soon if you would like to move your current rebate program onto our shared platform or if you would like to consider launching a new program.