The SEER-13 air conditioning requirement is back. As of January 2006, air conditioner manufacturers must produce units with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of at least 13. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner. President Bush lowered the minimum to SEER-12 shortly after taking office, but a consumer lawsuit joined by several states forced a reversal back to SEER-13. Builders and re-modelers have typically installed the previous minimum SEER-10 units, and the new requirement could double or triple the equipment cost, HVAC contractors say. Plus, an upgrade change-out will no longer be a simple swap.
"You can't put a high SEER unit on an old evaporator coil and expect it to work," says North Carolina HVAC contractor Dwayne Akers, as reported by TexasRealEstate.com. Fans and coils must match the new appliance, he says, which usually means a new cabinet to fit the bigger parts, and possibly new ductwork.
Residential service contracts may not cover some of the additional costs necessary for a property owner to replace an older air conditioner with a new SEER-13 unit. The specific terms of the residential service contract will specify the extent of any coverage, as well as any costs to the property owner. In some areas, SEER-13 appliances can significantly reduce energy bills and strains on the electric grid.
But, says Akers, the switch will "drastically raise the cost to the consumer."
In mild climates, homeowners may never recoup the additional upfront cost.
Sources: TexasRealEstate.com and Find Articles.com.
