The Federal Government raised the minimum efficiency of central air conditioners and heat pumps to 13 SEER effective January 26th, 2006.

The Environmental Protection Agency mandated this change, and it was approved by the United States Congress.  This will impact anyone who owns or will own a central air conditioner or heat pump. Prior to this requirement, over 90% of systems installed were a minimum of 10 SEER efficiency. This new requirement will create a 30% increase in efficiency in all new construction, replacement, and add-on systems. There still may be units with less than 13 SEER in the market, and they can still be sold until they are gone.  However, units less than 13 SEER will not be manufactured after January 26th 2006.

Consumers are affected by this change in several ways.  Consumers will see a reduction in energy usage with a minimum of a 13 SEER central air system. Since 1992, technologies have been constantly improving to create more efficient products.  The change to the minimum of 13 SEER is just a continuation along these lines.  Second, consumers will see an increase in upfront cost on new installations and replacement systems. It costs more to manufacture these units, because the units require a larger quantity of materials and more advanced technology than the units manufactured in previous years.  

The following is a link to the EPA's final ruling regarding 13 SEER:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2001/January/Day-22/i1790.htm.  It provides a vast amount of information on the subject.

The EPA figures that there will be an increased cost of about $175.00 per system.  However, most manufacturers are not comfortable with that figure.  Therefore, price increases differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.  The EPA estimates that the life expectancy of a central air conditioning unit at 18 years. Due to the hot climate in Georgia, there are not many units of this age that are still functioning.  The life expectancy of an air conditioning unit in the Georgia should fall in the range of 8 to 12 years.  

If you need to replace your system, you will have to upgrade to 13 SEER or higher.   Please contact SHAFER Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to evaluate your home and your needs.  We will help you to find the best system for your heating and air conditioning needs.  Please keep in mind that when you upgrade to 13 SEER or higher, you will need to change the indoor coil to match.  If you do not, you will not see the full impact in energy savings and may cause a risk of damage to your system.

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