2006 Energy Standards

September 18, 2009

New DOE Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Efficiency Standard to Take Effect January 2006

All heating and air conditioning equipment is supplied with a manufacturer's rating of energy efficiency. The current minimum standard for air conditioners and heat pumps is a 10 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). This has been the standard for many years, and equipment with this rating represents the vast majority of residential air conditioning installed in the United States. Starting January 1st of 2006 the Department of Energy has ruled that any new equipment installed must meet a new minimum efficiency of 13 SEER. According to DOE studies, the change from a 10 SEER to a 13 SEER represents a 30% increase in air conditioning or heat pump energy efficiency. This is good news for your electric bill!

However, to achieve this new standard requires changes to the equipment.
Generally speaking, the new efficiency standard is going to be achieved in two ways. The first change is going to be in compressors. New technology compressors run quietly and provide excellent efficiency and durability. The second way to increase the equipment's efficiency is to increase the size of the evaporator and condenser coils in the system. The new compressors and larger coils will mean an increase in the cost of the equipment. Another factor in the cost of installation is the size of the line set in the equipment.

In many cases involving a retrofit, the old size line set may be inadequate for the larger coils and refrigerant charge of new equipment. Finally, another factor involving the cost of the installation could be the thermostat. Many new systems come with diagnostic control boards. A new digital thermostat can take advantage of the diagnostics and cut down on maintenance calls or diagnostic time. This means savings for the consumer and peace of mind to know their equipment is running properly.

As more manufacturers change from production of 10 SEER equipment to 13 SEER equipment the consumer should see some savings in the price, but the overall cost of all heat and air equipment will rise beginning this year. The price of metal continues to impact the cost of equipment and as stated in the paragraph above, the 13 SEER equipment is normally larger than the comparable 10 SEER equipment (i.e. more metal in manufacturing). So, in conclusion, there is going to be a trade-off facing builders, homeowners, and heat and A/C contractors shortly. The technology to save 30% on energy consumption will be the standard as mandated by the Department of Energy. But, to achieve that energy savings, it will impact the upfront cost of installation. If you have any questions on the standard you can give us a call or type in “13 SEER” on the search section of the DOE's website at www.doe.gov.