13 SEER
The new standard in energy efficiency
New Law Requires Greater Efficiency For Air Conditioners
& Heat Pumps
WASHINGTON, DC – Starting in January 2006, the Department of Energy (DOE) enforced a 13 seasonal energy efficiency rating or “SEER” standard for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. This new standard results in an increase of 30 percent over the SEER standard 10 SEER that applies to models sold prior to 2006.
The difference between a 12 and 13 SEER for a 3-ton (36,000 Btuh), average size air conditioner is about three 75 watt light bulbs of energy use. Some of the older air conditioners installed were no better than 8 SEER when new and are even less efficient today due to mechanical degradation over time. It’s not unusual to get 6 SEER efficiency from a 15 year old system.
In some parts of the country where the annual cooling hours are minimal, it may several years for the increase energy savings of the 13 SEER equipment to payback the increased cost for the new equipment. In the South and Southwest, where the annual need for air conditioning may exceed 2000 hours a year, the payback will be much quicker.
To find our more on how these changes affect you, contact your local heating and cooling contractor, so go to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) website at ACCA.org to find a local member in your area.
What is S.E.E.R.?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is determined from a standard test with standard conditions, and is a function of both the outdoor (condensing) unit and the size of the indoor coil. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. The U.S. Government's minimum SEER rating for air conditioning equipment manufactureded after Janurary 2006 is now 13.
What is HVAC?
HVAC (pronounced either "H-V-A-C" or, occasionally, "H-VAK") is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. These three functions are all related, controlling the temperature, humidity and air quality within your home. In addition, HVAC also maintains pressure relationships between spaces, provides fresh air for the occupants. In residential and commercial buildings, the design, the installation and the controls systems are referred to as the HVAC system(s).
WASHINGTON, DC – Starting in January 2006, the Department of Energy (DOE) enforced a 13 seasonal energy efficiency rating or “SEER” standard for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. This new standard results in an increase of 30 percent over the SEER standard 10 SEER that applies to models sold prior to 2006.
The difference between a 12 and 13 SEER for a 3-ton (36,000 Btuh), average size air conditioner is about three 75 watt light bulbs of energy use. Some of the older air conditioners installed were no better than 8 SEER when new and are even less efficient today due to mechanical degradation over time. It’s not unusual to get 6 SEER efficiency from a 15 year old system.
In some parts of the country where the annual cooling hours are minimal, it may several years for the increase energy savings of the 13 SEER equipment to payback the increased cost for the new equipment. In the South and Southwest, where the annual need for air conditioning may exceed 2000 hours a year, the payback will be much quicker.
To find our more on how these changes affect you, contact your local heating and cooling contractor, so go to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) website at ACCA.org to find a local member in your area.
What is S.E.E.R.?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is determined from a standard test with standard conditions, and is a function of both the outdoor (condensing) unit and the size of the indoor coil. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. The U.S. Government's minimum SEER rating for air conditioning equipment manufactureded after Janurary 2006 is now 13.
What is HVAC?
HVAC (pronounced either "H-V-A-C" or, occasionally, "H-VAK") is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. These three functions are all related, controlling the temperature, humidity and air quality within your home. In addition, HVAC also maintains pressure relationships between spaces, provides fresh air for the occupants. In residential and commercial buildings, the design, the installation and the controls systems are referred to as the HVAC system(s).