HVAC

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.

Who will this affect?
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. In other words, 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.

What does it mean to me?
For many homeowners, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will represent money saved on each month's electric bill. Exactly how much you can save will depend on the efficiency of your current system.

Here's a comparison:

13 SEER Efficiency
bullet Delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models
bullet 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 currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes a lot of sense to start saving now with a 13 SEER product.

Turn to the Experts
In more than a century, we’ve seen it all. Today’s 13 SEER minimum efficiency law and R-22 refrigerant phase out are just the latest challenges in the history of an industry Dr. Willis Carrier helped create. Whether we’re following mandates of the U.S. Government, delivering superior comfort to homeowners nationwide, or simply developing newer, more innovative comfort technology, Carrier has been coming through since 1902. With the industry’s broadest and most comprehensive product line, Carrier already offers several air conditioner and heat pump models that meet or exceed tomorrow’s requirements.

To learn more about the 2006 13 SEER efficiency mandate, visit
www.energy.gov