With the U.S. DOE putting 13-SEER requirements into effect in 2006, Amana is ahead of the game. The Amana RCE 14 SEER High-Efficiency Air Conditioner provides quiet, efficient cooling.

Improving the Environment One SEER at a Time

New Efficiency Requirements for Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Article provided by Amana Heating and Air Conditioning

Millions of Americans rely on and in fact expect the comfort provided by central air conditioning and heating systems, but they don’t spend a lot of time thinking about those “boxes in the backyard.” As long as it works, most people are perfectly happy knowing very little about their air conditioning and heating system. If the purchase of a new heating and cooling system is on the horizon for you, however, you may benefit from familiarizing yourself with a few of the changes that are about to take place in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

A Quest for High Energy Efficiency and Low Environmental Impact
While you may not think about air conditioning very often, organizations such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are constantly reviewing the HVAC industry’s options for energy efficiency, air quality, refrigerants, etc., and how industry standards can ensure that modern HVAC equipment provides consumers with the optimal balance of quality, technology and cost. Periodically, having assessed the available technology, these organizations get together and increase the minimum efficiency level of the various types of equipment, to help move the industry forward and create a positive aggregated impact in terms of both decreased energy consumption and decreased emissions, helping to improve air quality and the environment.

One such “uptick” occurred in October of 2001, when the United States Department of Energy (DOE) ruled that starting January 23, 2006, HVAC manufacturers can only produce cooling equipment that achieves an efficiency level of 13 SEER or higher. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the measure of an air conditioner or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The higher a unit’s SEER, the more efficient that unit is. Taking the explanation one step further, the higher a unit’s efficiency, the less energy it requires to run, which results in lower electric bills.

What does a 13 SEER Minimum Mean to Me?
You’re probably thinking, “All right—so now I know what SEER means. But how does the 13 SEER minimum impact me?” First of all, if you replace a 10 SEER air conditioner with a 13 SEER unit, you will see savings on your monthly energy bill of approximately 30 percent. That’s money that stays in your pocket, instead of going toward your utility bill.

But the value of 13 SEER to the average homeowner does not stop there. On a macro level, broad use of high-efficiency HVAC equipment means that overall energy consumption is reduced, which is essential avoiding some of the energy problems that states like California have experienced in recent years.

The one drawback of the transition to 13 SEER for consumers is that 13 SEER units are more expensive to produce than equivalent 10 SEER units. The additional cost is for good reason. To achieve a higher efficiency level, the condensing coil housed within the unit is much larger than that used in a 10 SEER unit. Then, a larger cabinet is needed to protect the larger coil. Finally, the compressor required to achieve a 13 SEER level of efficiency is a more advanced compressor than those used in most 10 SEER products. All of this adds up to a higher manufacturing cost, and a higher cost to the consumer.
Depending on which manufacturer’s product you purchase, a 13 SEER unit can be up to two times as expensive as a 10 SEER unit. Combining unit cost with the cost of installation (approximately the same for 10 and 13 SEER units), the total cost of installing a new unit will likely increase approximately by 50 percent. However, you can find high-quality HVAC products in a wide range of price points, so be sure to shop carefully to get the best value. Also, be sure to consider the warranty on the product that you are purchasing. Air conditioning compressors are expensive, and if you have a problem with your unit at some point in the future, you’ll experience a lot less stress if it is protected by a good warranty. Look for a solid compressor warranty, especially one that would replace the unit should the compressor ever fail.

How 13 SEER Benefits the Environment
One of the most valuable benefits of the switch to 13 SEER is its positive impact on the environment. Widespread replacement of current equipment with higher efficiency HVAC units can mean a reduction in the amount of electricity required to run the same number of units, which means an overall reduction in the amount of fossil energy used to create electricity. This reduction in energy use results in a decrease in the level of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted from power plants.
Since R-22, the refrigerant previously used in HVAC equipment, contains HCFCs, a phase-out schedule has been set for 2010. R-410, the chosen replacement refrigerant, is a blend of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances that do not contribute to depletion of the ozone layer.

Make An Informed Decision
The good news is, when you install a quality high-efficiency cooling unit with a strong warranty, not only are you doing your pocketbook and the environment a favor, you also won’t have to think about buying a new unit for a long time. So if your old air conditioner or heat pump starts to go “on the blink,” call a trusted local HVAC contractor and ask about installing a high-efficiency unit with a rating of 13 SEER or higher. You’ll enjoy the benefits of your investment for years to come.

For answers to questions about 13 SEER requirements or information on quality Amana Heating and Air Conditioning brand products, please contact Tony Bullard at 770-425-5131, ext. 2101, or via email at tony.bullard@goodmanmfg.com. Amana Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to be a partner in the EarthCraft House program.