April 2006
Save on energy costs
New energy standard adopted for central air conditioning systems
A new federal regulation will help rein in mounting energy costs. As of January 2006 manufacturers can no longer produce residential central air conditioners with efficiencies less than 13 SEER. The minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is up from 10, which was in place since 1992. Basically, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the central air conditioning unit and the less electricity you'll need to cool your home.
But there's a hitch. Currently, 10, 11, and 12 SEER systems can continue to be sold and installed until inventory of these products is depleted. Stephen Yurek, general counsel for the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), estimates that it will take 6 to 12 months to exhaust the stock of less-efficient units. So be sure to look for the yellow Energy Guide label to confirm any unit you buy is as efficient as your installer claims it to be.
Here are some guidelines on what the 13 SEER standard may mean for you:
Bigger systems, higher up-front cost. Air conditioners usually grow larger as the SEER rating is increased. In order to achieve a higher efficiency, manufacturers need to install more coils to more efficiently transfer heat. More copper, aluminum, and steel mean a higher-priced unit. Higher-efficiency air conditioners often use more advanced technology and have more features, so this makes them somewhat more complicated, and possibly more expensive, to install. But some of these technologies and features enhance comfort, convenience, efficiency, and reliability.
Lower operating costs. A central air conditioning unit rated at a 13 SEER uses up to 30 percent less electricity than a 10 SEER system. With higher energy costs predicted in many parts of the country, consumers will have that payback on the unit much quicker with less electricity being used. (For instance, Baltimore Gas and Electric's 1.2 million customers may be paying, on average, an extra $743 annually as a result of an expected energy rate increase in July.) The tips below can help you find the right hardware and technician to install your system, whether you're replacing an older air conditioner or installing one for the first time.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIT
If you're replacing an old central-air system, you can expect to pay $3,000 or more for the equipment. If you need ductwork installed because you're starting completely from scratch or are upgrading a forced-air heating system, expect to pay thousands more.
Improving the system's air-filtration capabilities is also easiest to do as part of a general upgrade. See our Ratings of air filters and whole-house units for those that combine value and efficiency.
Here are other factors to keep in mind:
New energy standard adopted for central air conditioning systems
A new federal regulation will help rein in mounting energy costs. As of January 2006 manufacturers can no longer produce residential central air conditioners with efficiencies less than 13 SEER. The minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is up from 10, which was in place since 1992. Basically, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the central air conditioning unit and the less electricity you'll need to cool your home.
But there's a hitch. Currently, 10, 11, and 12 SEER systems can continue to be sold and installed until inventory of these products is depleted. Stephen Yurek, general counsel for the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), estimates that it will take 6 to 12 months to exhaust the stock of less-efficient units. So be sure to look for the yellow Energy Guide label to confirm any unit you buy is as efficient as your installer claims it to be.
Here are some guidelines on what the 13 SEER standard may mean for you:
Bigger systems, higher up-front cost. Air conditioners usually grow larger as the SEER rating is increased. In order to achieve a higher efficiency, manufacturers need to install more coils to more efficiently transfer heat. More copper, aluminum, and steel mean a higher-priced unit. Higher-efficiency air conditioners often use more advanced technology and have more features, so this makes them somewhat more complicated, and possibly more expensive, to install. But some of these technologies and features enhance comfort, convenience, efficiency, and reliability.
Lower operating costs. A central air conditioning unit rated at a 13 SEER uses up to 30 percent less electricity than a 10 SEER system. With higher energy costs predicted in many parts of the country, consumers will have that payback on the unit much quicker with less electricity being used. (For instance, Baltimore Gas and Electric's 1.2 million customers may be paying, on average, an extra $743 annually as a result of an expected energy rate increase in July.) The tips below can help you find the right hardware and technician to install your system, whether you're replacing an older air conditioner or installing one for the first time.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIT
If you're replacing an old central-air system, you can expect to pay $3,000 or more for the equipment. If you need ductwork installed because you're starting completely from scratch or are upgrading a forced-air heating system, expect to pay thousands more.
Improving the system's air-filtration capabilities is also easiest to do as part of a general upgrade. See our Ratings of air filters and whole-house units for those that combine value and efficiency.
Here are other factors to keep in mind:
- Match new equipment. Since energy costs are not likely to drop in the foreseeable future, you should consider replacing your entire cooling system
when faced with a major repair of your old system. If you replace only the condenser (the outdoor unit that houses the compressor,
the condenser coil, and a cooling fan), you have a "field-matched" system that can be less efficient than advertised and that
may require more repairs because of undetected incompatibilities between the two. Replacing the cooling coil attached to your
furnace (sometimes called the indoor coil or evaporator coil), or the indoor blower coil (a blower and evaporator coil inside
a cabinet) if you don't have a furnace, add to the cost but is the only way to ensure you will get the efficiency you want.
- Consider compressor type. A reciprocating compressor is more trouble-prone than a scroll-type one, according to heating and cooling contractors we
interviewed. Scroll-type compressors also tend to be higher in efficiency and quieter than reciprocating compressors. Most
manufacturers offer both types of compressor. Check the product literature for compressor type.
- Inspect ductwork. Leaky ducts can dramatically decrease energy efficiency of your central cooling and heating systems. Sealing and insulating
ducts can cut cooling and heating costs by 40 percent per year. Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces with R-6 duct insulation.
Have a contractor seal all seams and joints in the duct distribution system.
- Zoned-system concerns. A large or multistory house is often divided into several heating and cooling zones to improve temperature control. However,
this type of system is complex and has many more moving parts and controls, so it may require more repairs.
GET THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
Finding a trustworthy and competent contractor to install and service an air-conditioning system is crucial. Improper installation can dramatically decrease the efficiency of even the best system and can increase the frequency of repairs.
Ask around. Seek referrals from neighbors, family, or business associates. It's wise to get detailed price quotes from at least three contractors.
Check the background. Contractors who bid on your installation should show you proof of bonding and insurance, plus any required contractor's licenses. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs office for complaint records. It's a plus if technicians are certified by a trade organization, such as North American Technician Excellence or HVAC Excellence, to service residential heating and cooling equipment. These and other similar programs assess the technician’s knowledge of specific types of equipment and its proper service methods. We believe that a contractor who has made the effort to get certified and has practiced this trade and learned from several years of service and installation experience, will be a better service provider.
Get specifics. Contractors who bid on your job should calculate required cooling capacity by using a recognized method like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Residential Load Calculation Manual, also called Manual J. An additional reference for assessing ductwork needs is Manual D. The calculations produce a detailed room-by-room analysis of cooling needs. Ask for a printout of all calculations and assumptions, including ductwork design. Be leery of a contractor who bases estimates merely on house size or vague rules of thumb.
