Department of Energy Mandated Rules: Air Conditioning

Though it’s still freezing in many parts of the country, there’s big news when it comes to air conditioning that we believe you should know about before it’s time to crank up your home cooling system.

OnJanuary 23, 2006 the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is required manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps to produce equipment that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of at least 13. SEER is the number that the DOE uses to measures the efficiency of air conditioning equipment. SEER is to air conditioning what R-Value is to insulation and, like insulation, the higher the SEER rating the more energy efficient the equipment.

Prior to January 23rd, 2006 the minimum efficiency standard was 10 SEER – meaning that manufacturers were required to produce equipment that met or exceeded the 10 SEER rating. If you’re in search for professionals, make sure that they are well-knowledgeable with concepts such as HVAC Evaporator Coils.

The US Government wants Americans to use less fuel to cool their homes and the nearly one-third increase in the minimum standard is projected to reduce energy bills for homeowners up to 30 percent over the current 10 SEER units.

Will the new 13 SEER rating affect you? It won’t if your air conditioner has a SEER rating of 13 or better. However, if your system has a SEER of 12 or less you will definitely be affected – if not now, eventually. There’s no need to panic given that existing systems may remain in use and air conditioning repair can be done when needed, however, keep in mind that replacement parts for 12 SEER and lower units will become increasingly sparse, thus eventually requiring system replacement with a more energy efficient model. 

There is one obscure detail that you should be aware of when it comes to replacing or upgrading your air conditioner – you may also be required to alter or upgrade your old furnace. 

The most common type of air conditioning installation consists of two major components; the outdoor unit; referred to as the “condensing unit” or “compressor,” and the indoor component called an “evaporator coil” or “coil case,” which is part of the furnace. The size of the coil case at the furnace has a direct relationship to the SEER rating and the condensing unit. Thus, if the inside and outside units are not compatible, you may need to replace both units in order to maintain system compatibility. This really isn’t necessarily bad news since it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to have a new, more energy-efficient air conditioner and a gas-guzzling furnace.

Regulations aside, you may not want to wait for your old energy-guzzling air conditioner to fall apart before upgrading to a new more energy efficient model. Depending upon the climate where you live, how often you use your air conditioning and how long you expect to live in your home — there may be lots of money (and energy) to be saved over the long haul. A 13 SEER unit will deliver about 23% energy savings compared to a 10 SEER model and about 8% energy savings compared to a 12 SEER model.

Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced.

Therefore, if you live in a warm and/or humid climate, you use your air conditioning often and you expect to live in you home for a while, the higher the SEER rating, the better. Even though equipment costs increase as SEER ratings rise, you’ll be money ahead in the long run. And as a bonus you’ll be consuming less of our precious natural resources.

How do you determine which SEER is best for you? A good place to begin is by consulting your local utility company. They can help you determine the approximate portion of your utility bill is devoted to cooling. A professional air conditioning installation contractor can use this information to determine payback and what makes the best economic sense. To get the best bang for your cooling buck, look for equipment that has earned the Energy Star seal of approval and don’t forget to check with you local utility company for rebates for equipment upgrades.

In addition to saving money, new products are quieter than older, less efficient models to create a more relaxed home atmosphere. Some models have been tested at 69 decibels, which is quieter than an average running refrigerator. In addition, new models use environmentally sound Puron® refrigerant.

Another change you need to be aware of is the phase out of R-22, the refrigerant most commonly used in today’s air conditioners and heat pumps. By 2010, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will be required to use “environmentally sound” refrigerant, such as Puron®. This phase out has been mandated in an effort to help protect the Earth’s ozone layer.

For more home improvement tips and information visit our website at www.onthehouse.com  or call our listener hot line 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474 (ext 59)! All you need to do is leave your name, telephone number and your question.

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