Choosing a Heating or AC System
Current 13 SEER Energy Standards
To increase the energy efficiency of residential central air conditioners and heat pumps, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued updated mandated energy efficiency rating standards that went in to effect January, 2006. All A/C products manufactured since January, 2006 must meet the updated standards.
Air conditioners manufactured after January, 2006 must achieve a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 SEER or higher. That is 30 percent more efficient than the previous standard of 10 SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the equipment. The 13 SEER standard is forecast to save America 4.2 quadrillion BTU's of energy through the year 2030. That is the equivalent to the energy consumed by nearly 26 million Americans in one year. Environmentally the new standards will help insure that approximately 29 less electrical generating power plants will be needed and built. That translates to a decrease in the release of greenhouse emissions in to the atmosphere.
Additionally, EPA rules also require discontinuation of the production of air conditioning units that contain R-22 refrigerant (Freon) effective January 23, 2010. Units with the 410A (Puron) refrigerant will become the norm. Puron not only protects the ozone layer in the atmosphere, but also are much more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How does the 13 SEER standard effect my existing equipment?
A. It doesn’t. Homeowners do not have to replace or upgrade existing central air conditioners.
Q2. Does the DOE allow for just the inside cooling coil, or just the outside condensing unit to be replace individually and not as a combination?
A2. DOE encourages consumers to replace the entire system, inside and out. The standards, however, apply to new systems, i.e., indoor and outdoor matched combinations, so consumers are able to replace just the indoor or outdoor equipment by itself.
Q3. Will my system work properly if I replace only one piece of equipment?
A3. It depends on the age and efficiency of the other piece of equipment. As an example a new 13 SEER condensing unit will not operate properly with an existing older capillary tube indoor cooling coil. Fox Service Company can advise you of the proper match-ups.
Q4. Is it true that the new equipment is much larger in size order to meet the new 13 SEER standards?
A4. Most manufacturers have increased the size of their new equipment as much as 36 percent, which can cause some real problems if any of your equipment has any tight space restraints. Bryant, however, has reduced the size of its equipment an average of 22 percent thanks to their new patented micro-tube technology.
Q5. What is the average “lifespan” of an air conditioning system?
A5. The HVAC industry has recognized the average lifespan of a system to be 10 to 15 years depending on how well that it has been maintained. Routine, yearly maintenance is required in order to achieve the upper end of the lifespan scale.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How does the 13 SEER standard effect my existing equipment?
A. It doesn’t. Homeowners do not have to replace or upgrade existing central air conditioners.
Q2. Does the DOE allow for just the inside cooling coil, or just the outside condensing unit to be replace individually and not as a combination?
A2. DOE encourages consumers to replace the entire system, inside and out. The standards, however, apply to new systems, i.e., indoor and outdoor matched combinations, so consumers are able to replace just the indoor or outdoor equipment by itself.
Q3. Will my system work properly if I replace only one piece of equipment?
A3. It depends on the age and efficiency of the other piece of equipment. As an example a new 13 SEER condensing unit will not operate properly with an existing older capillary tube indoor cooling coil. Fox Service Company can advise you of the proper match-ups.
Q4. Is it true that the new equipment is much larger in size order to meet the new 13 SEER standards?
A4. Most manufacturers have increased the size of their new equipment as much as 36 percent, which can cause some real problems if any of your equipment has any tight space restraints. Bryant, however, has reduced the size of its equipment an average of 22 percent thanks to their new patented micro-tube technology.
Q5. What is the average “lifespan” of an air conditioning system?
A5. The HVAC industry has recognized the average lifespan of a system to be 10 to 15 years depending on how well that it has been maintained. Routine, yearly maintenance is required in order to achieve the upper end of the lifespan scale.
Contact Fox Service Company for the most current information concerning equipment efficiencies and rebates from your utility provider. Call Fox at 448 - 9239.