Stricter Air Conditioning Standard Effective January 2006

Since we have had some colder weather and with the rising cost of natural gas and propane, many area residents are looking into changing out their current heating and cooling systems with an energy efficient heat pump.

Before you invest in a new system you need to be aware of the coming changes in the minimum energy efficiency ratings.

Like many consumer products that use energy, air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. For nearly a decade, that minimum has been 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). On January 23, 2006, the minimum will jump to 13 SEER, a 30% increase over the current standard.

Much like miles-per-gallon (MPG) for a car, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product.

The 13 SEER minimum applies to everyone - consumers, your local HVAC dealer and all manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps. However, it only applies to new equipment manufactured on or after January 23, 2006. You can continue to use your current system indefinitely, even if it operates below 13 SEER. However, if you own an older system that often needs repair, or if it is simply time to replace your current system, purchasing a 13 SEER model now will give you two advantages:

·          You'll start saving money on your monthly utility bills with a newer, more energy efficient system.

·          You'll be able to make the switch at today's costs instead of tomorrow's.

 For many homeowners, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will represent money saved on each month's electric bill. The biggest expense over the life of a heat pump (or any heating and cooling system) is not the cost of buying and installing it. It's the accumulated monthly cost of running it year after year.

Usually, as the efficiency rating of a unit goes up, so does the initial cost. But the good news is – the monthly cost to operate the unit goes down.

You'll want to consider the importance of a high-efficiency system and the trade-off between your initial cost and the monthly operating costs. If you’re planning on living in the same house five years or more, consider installing a more efficient system.

Exactly how much you save will depend on the efficiency of your current system.

Here's a comparison:

·          13 SEER Efficiency Delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models

·           Delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 12 SEER models

Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced, but for anyone considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes a lot of sense to start saving now with a 13 SEER product.

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