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what's this about 13 seer?Federal government raises the minimum efficiency of central air conditioners and heat pumps to 13 SEER by January 26th, 2006.This change, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the US Congress will impact anyone who owns or will own a central air conditioner or heat pump. Today, over 90% of systems installed are the minimum 10 SEER efficiency. This change will represent over a 30% increase in efficiency in all new construction, replacement and add on systems. Units with less than 13 SEER may still be sold and installed after January 26th 2006, but cannot be manufactured beyond this date.
This potentially affects consumers in several ways. One is an obvious reduction in energy usage by the central air system. The minimum efficiency of today has been in place since 1992 and with improving technologies this forced upgrade is reasonable. The second is an increase in upfront cost on new installations and replacement systems. It simply costs more to manufacture these units as they require a larger quantity of materials and more advanced technology than todays standard units.
Here is a link to the EPA's final ruling and a great deal of info on this subject. http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2001/January/Day-22/i1790.htm
Some of the data in this article is questionable in the minds of many experts in our field. The EPA bases figures on an increased cost of about $175.00 per system, but most manufacturers are not comfortable with that low figure and it should not be taken as a given. Secondly, the EPA estimates the life expectancy of a central AC at 18 years. You will have a difficult time finding many units this age still functioning in the Southern Climates of the United States. Somewhere between 8 and 12 years would be a more likely life span for a air conditioner in the South.
If the need to replace your system arises before or after this date you will have the opportunity to upgrade to 13 SEER and more. Ask your Air Conditioning professional to evaluate your home and your needs to find the best system for you. Keep in mind that when upgrading to a 13 SEER you will need to change the indoor coil to match or you will not see the full impact in energy savings and may put your system at risk for damage.
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