Meet Endeavor™, Rheem’s Regulation-Ready Product Line

On January 1, 2023, new energy efficiency standards went into effect that bring significant changes to efficiency criteria and the way both residential and commercial HVAC equipment are rated.

For contractors, these new energy efficiency regulations can make a big impact on business, especially when it comes to the products that they can sell and install.

Here’s a look at what’s changing this year—and how Rheem designed Endeavor™, an all-new product line to help make contractors’ lives easier, even as regulations get tougher.

New 2023 Minimum Efficiency Requirements

The Department of Energy’s 2023 efficiency regulations have changed the way HVAC equipment is tested and rated, complete with new terminology. Contractors will now see a shift from SEER to SEER2, EER to EER2 and HSPF to HSPF2.

The minimum efficiency requirements will vary by equipment and region. Heat pumps will follow a national standard, while air conditioners will vary by region across the North, Southeast and Southwest. The easiest way to keep track of efficiency requirements is to remember “3-2-1”:

• Three efficiency levels are in place for split air conditioners.
• Two efficiency levels are in place for packaged AC and gas/electric.
• One efficiency level exists for split and packaged heat pumps.

Let’s look at these energy standards more closely.

The national standard for heat pump equipment varies between split and packaged heat pumps. Split heat pumps must achieve 14.4 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2, while packaged heat pumps must meet 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2.

If you work in the North:

Split air conditioners must achieve 13.4 SEER2, while packaged AC/gas electric must meet 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2. Units manufactured prior to January 1, 2023, can be installed in the North if equipment was compliant at the time it was produced.

If you work in the Southeast:

In the Southeast, efficiency requirements for split air conditioners will be based on capacity. Units less than 45,000 BTU/hour must achieve 14.3 SEER2, while units greater than 45,000 BTU/house must meet 13.8 SEER2. Packaged AC/gas electric equipment must achieve 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2. In the Southeast, units manufactured prior to January 1, 2023, can be installed in the Southeast if the lowest label rating is at or above the new minimum efficiency requirements on a cross reference basis for SEER.

If you work in the Southwest:

The Southwest breaks down air conditioner requirements one step further. Units less than 45,000 BTU/hour must achieve 14.3 SEER2 and 11.7 EER for units less than 15.2 SEER or 9.8 EER2 for 15.2 SEER or higher. Units greater than 45,000 BTU/house must achieve 13.8 SEER2 and 11.2 EER2 for units less than 15.2 SEER or 9.8 EER2 for 15.2 SEER or higher. Packaged AC/gas electric equipment must meet 13.4 SEER2 and 10.6 EER2. Units manufactured prior to January 1, 2023, can be installed in the Southeast if the lowest label rating is at or above the new minimum efficiency requirements on a cross reference basis for SEER and EER.

If contractors install equipment that doesn’t meet the new efficiency standards, they will be required to cover all costs associated with replacing the equipment, and they may be subject to additional Department of Energy penalties.

Introducing the Rheem Endeavor™ Platform

To meet the new energy efficiency requirements, Rheem developed Endeavor™, an all-new, regulation-ready product line featuring furnaces, air conditioners, furnace coils, heat pumps, air handlers and residential packaged products. And not only was Endeavor™ built to meet the 2023 minimum efficiency requirements, but it’s also the most reliable, sustainable and innovative product line Rheem has ever designed.

So, what makes Endeavor™ stand out? Here are some of the design innovations and capabilities that help Endeavor™ deliver ultimate performance.

Easy fit. Endeavor™ was designed to increase energy efficiency without drastically increasing equipment size. In fact, Rheem was able to reduce the product size in some cases compared to previous designs.

Ease of installation. Endeavor™ is Bluetooth-enabled for increased connectivity, more accurate commissioning and more. Sync up to the new Rheem contractor app for seamless installation.

Quieter operation. Endeavor™ was built with acoustics-conscious design in mind. Brushless motors, swept fan blades, compressor sound blankets and more variable speed systems than ever before deliver maximum comfort quietly.

Smart home compatibility. EcoNet connectivity technology is available in more products across Endeavor™, letting homeowners control more products from their smart thermostats while offering comfort, flexibility and peace of mind from wherever they are.

Better serviceability. Bluetooth diagnostics increase unit accessibility and ensure faster, more accurate diagnosis in the field—saving up to 54% of the time it takes to troubleshoot a system.

Easy registration. Contractors can register warranties and claim rewards straight from the contractor app, no paperwork required.

More options. Endeavor™ features an industry-leading heat pump selection, plus all-electric solutions, fit for a variety of applications and needs.

Despite the regulation changes, keeping homes comfortable and sustainable has never been easier. Learn more about Endeavor™ and stay up to date on the latest regulation information at Rheem.com/HVACKnowZone.