13 SEER Dispelling the Confusion

What is SEER? SEER stands for Season Energy Efficiency Ratio.  This is a rating system used by the US Government to establish the efficiency level of cooling equipment.  The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity the equipment uses and the more efficient it is.  As of January 23, 2006, the standard for Air Conditioning Equipment manufactured in the United States is 13 SEER.  The previous standard of 10 SEER was established by congress in 1987.

What's the difference in energy efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER?

The 13 SEER system is 8% more efficient than a 12 SEER unit and 30% more efficient than a 10 SEER unit.  If you have a 10 SEER system now and your power bill is $100.00 per month, installing a 13 SEER system could theoretically reduce your power bill by $30.00 per month.

Aren't 13 SEER systems bigger?  What if they're too big for people to install in their homes?

13 SEER systems are larger than 10 SEER systems but only by about 10% depending on the manufacturer.  The condenser (the outdoor section) is normally not an issue because outdoor space is virtually unlimited.  The problem begins inside the home with the evaporator coil or air handler (the indoor section).  Unless you are remodeling a home, the designated mechanical area has some very rigid dimensions with little flexibility for expansion.  In most cases, smaller homes will be affected very little by the new standard; however, larger homes with larger AC systems may feel the sting.  Manufactures have found it to be more difficult to meet the new standard with their bigger units (3.5 ton and above) without "super sizing" (in some cases by as much as 15% to 20% larger).  If size becomes an issue inside, the contractor may have to research different manufactures.  The industry does not have a standard dimension for its equipment, so one manufacturer's equipment may be too large while another manufacturer's equipment may fit just right.  The contractor's familiarity with product is the key to this problem.  However, there will be some cases where a major redesign of the mechanical area may be required.  This will be especially true if the indoor section is located in a closet area.

If my existing AC system has a SEER less than 13, does the new law make it illegal or obsolete?

Most certainly not!  The new law is enforceable only on the manufacturers.  They cannot manufacture any AC equipment with a SEER less than 13.  Your current system is not affected in any way.  If your system does need to be replaced and there is 10 SEER equipment available, that equipment can be installed.  But when the less efficient equipment has been depleted from the supply system, only 13 and higher SEER equipment will be available.

Will parts be available to maintain my existing less efficient AC system?

YES!  Most manufactures will support their equipment for up to 20 years and in the case of some gas furnaces, for the lifetime of the system.

If one of the major components of my AC system goes bad, can I replace just that component?

Unless there is data to prove that a replacement component matches other components, then the answer would be no.  Your contractor should be able to make this decision.  In order to make sure that they have met the provisions of the 13 SEER law, manufacturers have meticulously designed system components that are precisely matched.  In an AC system, those components consist of the condenser (outdoor section) and the evaporator coil (indoor section).  Replacing a condenser without replacing the evaporator coil will, in about 95% of the cases, cause a mismatch.  A mismatch will cause a series of problems including low operating efficiency, shorter life span for the compressor and manufacturer's warranty issues that probably won't be resolved in favor of the homeowner.

Can I purchase AC equipment with a SEER higher than 13?

The answer is yes.  But there are facts that you should keep in mind such as how long will it take you to recover your additional investment.  A higher SEER does not mean a higher level of comfort, just less energy consumption to produce a certain level of comfort.

Rick Clark can be contacted by email : rclark@mastercomfort.com  or 5325-D Wares Ferry Rd. Montgomery AL, 36109 HVAC Contractor # 99004 Phone # (334) 277-2125  Fax# 272-7624  "Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is family owned and operated.  The company has been serving the Montgomery area for over 12 years.  'We are dedicated to providing quality service and 100% customer satisfaction.'  Clark offers a variety of services, including installation, maintenance and repair."