What’s changing?
There are two key changes taking place in 2023:
- The Department of Energy has developed a new procedure for testing heat pump efficiency called the M1 testing method. This testing method was designed to better reflect current field conditions and provide more accurate efficiency ratings. Many heat pump manufacturers have or are in the process of having their equipment re-tested and re-rated. As a result of this testing, equipment Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings has been replaced with SEER2 ratings and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings has been replaced with HSPF2 ratings.
- ENERGY STAR has developed a cold-climate certification that includes a standard for cold-climate performance. The Sponsors of Mass Save have updated heat pump minimum efficiency requirements to align with these new standards and ratings.
When do these changes go into effect?
These changes were effective January 1, 2023.
How will this affect my installation?
To ease the transition to the new standards, the Sponsors of Mass Save have implemented a one-year transition period to the new minimum efficiency requirements. If a heat pump system met the program efficiency requirements in 2022, it will continue to be eligible for rebates for equipment installed through December 31, 2023. A complete list of units eligible for residential rebates can be found at MassSave.com/HPQPL.