Advocacy
CEE Releases New Energy Efficiency Specifications for 2025 & 2026
October 28, 2024 | 3 minute read
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) has released its updated energy efficiency specifications for residential heating and cooling systems, effective January 1, 2025. These new standards set efficiency levels for central air conditioners (CAC) and air source heat pumps (ASHP) so consumers can take advantage of the 25C tax credit.
Central Air Conditioners (CAC) – 2025 Updates
The CEE's new specification divides CAC systems into two categories: split systems and packaged systems. These are evaluated based on two key metrics—SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio)— calculated per DOE test procedures.
Here are the updated efficiency levels for 2025 to qualify for 25C:
Split Systems
CEE Tier 1: SEER2 ≥ 17.0, EER2 ≥ 12.0
Packaged Systems
CEE Tier 1: SEER2 ≥ 16.0, EER2 ≥ 11.5
These specifications will help consumers choose high-performing air conditioners that reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort. The changes are also designed to prepare the market for the upcoming 2026 standards, including additional demand response requirements through compliance with AHRI Standard 1380.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) – 2025 Standards
CEE has also released updated standards for air source heat pumps (ASHPs), which provide both heating and cooling functions. These are evaluated based on three key metrics—SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)—which are calculated per DOE test procedures.
For 2025, the ASHP specifications include both split and packaged systems:
Split Systems (two paths available):
Path A (Heating Dominated): SEER2 ≥ 16.0, EER2 ≥ 9.8, HSPF2 ≥ 8.5, COP at 5°F ≥ 1.75, Capacity Ratio ≥ 60% at 5°F/47°F
Path B (Cooling Dominated): SEER2 ≥ 16.0, EER2 ≥ 11.0, HSPF2 ≥ 8.0, COP at 5°F ≥ 1.75, Capacity Ratio ≥ 45% at 5°F/47°F
Packaged Systems
CEE Tier 1: SEER2 ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥ 10.0, HSPF2 ≥ 7.2, COP at 5°F ≥ 1.75, Capacity Ratio ≥ 45% at 5°F/47°F
Path A and Path B replace the regional specification included in the 2023 version. Path A is meant for heating-dominated applications and whole-home electrification. Path B is intended for cooling-dominated applications or dual-fuel applications.
Preparing for 2026
CEE's 2026 specification for CAC and ASHP systems will bring additional requirements focusing on demand response capabilities, aligning with AHRI Standard 1380. This addition to the specification is meant for energy grid optimization, especially as more homes adopt variable-capacity systems that can adjust energy consumption based on grid demand.
What This Means for Consumers
Consumers planning to invest in new heating and cooling systems that qualify for the 25C tax credit should consider products that meet or exceed the 2025 CEE efficiency levels.
For more detailed information, including how these new specifications apply to specific systems, check out the official documentation from CEE.
Alex Ayers
Alex Ayers is the Vice President of Government Affairs for Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International. As a recovering political nerd and current policy wonk, Alex is HARDI’s primary lobbyist and regulatory expert. Growing up in Iowa, Alex was exposed early to local politics through the first in the nation Iowa Caucuses, participating as a county caucus delegate to develop the grassroots planks that go into creating the party platform. Since moving to Washington, DC, Alex has spent over a decade lobbying, publishing papers, and testifying in various policy areas, including taxes, energy, environment, agriculture, and economics. His research has been cited by organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Tax Foundation.
Expertise: HVACR Policy, Government Affairs, and Political Advocacy
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