2023 Efficiency Standards

October 10, 2022

Motor Minute™ Technical Tip – 2023 Efficiency Standards

Hi, Chris from Regal Rexnord here with your Motor Minute technical tip. Helping you become an HVAC motor pro one minute at a time.

Today’s motor minute topic is 2023 Efficiency Standards.

I am sure you are already aware of the changes coming to our industry in just a couple of months. The impending efficiency standards are likely to have the same effect on the equipment you install, service and maintain as the recent FER 2019 standards, and that is, new technology, or more new technology.

The FER 2019 standards influenced many fossil fuel appliance manufacturers to shift from PSC to constant torque ECM indoor blower motors. Constant torque ECM have been utilized in new equipment A/C and heat pump units since the 13 SEER efficiency standard went into effect in 2006.

The 2023 efficiency standards will likely cause the same technology shift, at least in some applications. ECM outdoor fan motors have been applied to new equipment A/C and heat pump systems, 15 SEER and above, since 2000. While they are not new to the industry, you will likely start to see more of them with the 2023 efficiency standards.

As a former technician, I can relate to the feeling of a service call where you take the panel off the unit only to find components you have never seen before, and no manual left on the site. So, I am encouraging you to take advantage of this shoulder season to get some training, specifically from the manufacturers that sell the products your company installs. At a minimum start collecting the manuals and RTM, Read The Manual.

And that’s a wrap on this segment of Motor Minute technical tips. Remember that we provide motor training and product information in multiple formats including videos, literature, podcasts, articles, of course Motor Minute technical tips and classroom education both online and face to face. All of this industry leading training is available at no charge to HVAC professionals at regalmmu.com. Thank you for taking the time to build your motor knowledge.

Below are some reputable sources for information on these standards.

Article titled “Prepare Now for 2023 Energy Efficiency Standards” from ACHRtheNEWS

Article titled “2023 Regulatory Overview New Minimum Efficiency” from Contracting Business.