2026 HVAC Standards and SEER2
SBS-NC, LLC Commercial HVAC • January 13, 2026
Dramatic Changes in the HVAC Industry
In 2026, the HVAC industry is completing its most significant transition in decades. For facility managers in Winston-Salem, these changes involve stricter efficiency metrics and a mandatory shift in refrigerants.
SEER2: A More Accurate Efficiency Metric
Introduced in 2023, SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) replaced the original SEER
standard to better reflect "real-world" performance.
- Realistic Testing: SEER2 tests are conducted at 0.5 inches of water gauge static pressure—five times higher than previous tests (0.1 inches)—to more accurately simulate the resistance of typical ductwork.
- Lower Numerical Values: Because the testing is more rigorous, a unit that was previously rated at 15 SEER might only earn a 14.3 SEER2 rating, even if the equipment itself hasn't changed.
- Regional Minimums for 2026: In North Carolina (Southeast region), new split-system air conditioners must meet a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 for units under 45,000 BTU and 13.8 SEER2 for larger units. Heat pumps must meet a national standard of 14.3 SEER2.
Commercial Standards for 2026
While residential systems focus on SEER2, commercial facilities utilize different benchmarks:
Efficiency Increase: All commercial air conditioning and heat pump equipment between 65,000 and 760,000 BTU/h must meet a 15% efficiency increase over 2018 ratings.
- IEER Focus: For three-phase commercial products, IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio) remains the primary metric, emphasizing part-load efficiency since commercial units rarely run at 100% capacity.
- Thermal Efficiency: Gas-fired commercial air conditioners and water heaters must now meet a 95% thermal efficiency (TE) rating (up from 80%).
The Mandatory Refrigerant Shift
As of January 1, 2026, all new HVAC installations must use low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants to comply with the EPA's AIM Act.
- New Standards: Manufacturers have phased out R-410A in favor of R-32 or R-454B, which reduce environmental impact by approximately 75%.
- A2L Classification: These new refrigerants are classified as A2L (mildly flammable). While safe for use, they require listed equipment with built-in sensors and installers specifically trained in A2L handling.
- Legacy Systems: You can still service existing R-410A systems, but expect the cost of that refrigerant to rise as production is restricted. New A2L refrigerants cannot be used as a "drop-in" replacement for older units.
Financial Incentives
Choosing high-efficiency equipment in 2026 can unlock substantial savings:
- Federal Tax Credits: The 25C Tax Credit offers up to $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for central air conditioners that meet high SEER2 thresholds (typically 16.0–17.0+).
- Utility Rebates: Many local providers offer additional incentives for installing grid-interactive equipment that supports Demand Response programs.
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