Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SEER rating and what does it mean to me?
US government SEER standards

SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing products. As of January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.

Today, it is rare to see systems rated below SEER 9 in the United States because aging, existing units are being replaced with new, higher efficiency units. The United States now requires that residential systems manufactured after 2005 have a minimum SEER rating of 13, although window units are exempt from this law so their SEERs are still around 10.

Substantial energy savings can be obtained from more efficient systems. For example by upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 13, the power consumption is reduced by 30% (equal to 1 - 9/13). It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to US$300 per year depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity.

With existing units that are still functional and when the time value of money is considered, most often retaining existing units rather than proactively replacing them is the most cost effective. Maintenance should be performed regularly to keep their efficiencies as high as possible.
But when either replacing equipment, or specifying new installations, a variety of SEERs are available. For most applications, the minimum or near-minimum SEER units are most cost effective, but the longer the cooling seasons, the higher the electricity costs, and the longer the purchasers will own the systems, incrementally higher SEER units are justified. Residential split-system Air Conditioners of 20 SEER or more are now available, but at substantial cost premiums over the standard 13 SEER units.
 

Why can’t you add coolant to my system without checking for a leak or repairing an existing leak?
As of July 1, 1992 it is illegal to release refrigerants into the atmosphere (intentional or accidental) because they can cause severe damage to the ozone layer. When CFCs are removed they should be recycled to clean out any contaminants and return it to a usable condition. Refrigerants should never be mixed together. Some CFCs must be managed as hazardous waste even if recycled and special precautions are required for their transport, depending on the legislation of the country's government.
 

R-22 Phase-Out - what is the Clean Air Act?
The Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement, requires the production phase out of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol is carried out in the United States through the Clean Air Act, which is a federal law implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to execute and enforce regulations that reduce air pollutant emissions

How does the Clean Air Act impact heating and cooling systems?
The portion of the Clean Air Act that applies to the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry encourages the development of ozone-friendly substitutes for chemicals that contain ozone destroying chlorine, which are called hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The chemical refrigerant of choice for more than four decades, referred to as R-22, is in the HCFC category. R-22 is widely used in heat pumps and AC condensing units to heat and cool homes.

Since the Clean Air Act ultimately requires the end of R-22 refrigerant production, what will the HVAC industry use?
R-410A is an ozone-friendly refrigerant designed to replace R-22. R-410A refrigerant does not contribute to ozone depletion.

What is the timeframe for the R-410A switchover?
The Clean Air Act mandates that all HVAC equipment manufacturers cease producing equipment with R-22 refrigerant on January 1, 2010, and chemical manufacturers cease producing R-22 refrigerant on January 22, 2020. Along with prohibiting the production of chemicals deemed harmful to the ozone, such as R-22 refrigerant, the Clean Air Act also mandates that no refrigerant be released into the atmosphere during installation, service or retirement of equipment.
 

How long will current R-22 AC and heat pump products be available?
Some HVAC Distributors, Contractors and Homebuilders will continue to sell and install R-22 AC and heat pump products manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, as long as supplies last.

What Does the R-22 phase out mean for consumers?
Cost and availability… Consumers should be aware that prices of R-22 may increase as supplies dwindle over the next 20 or 30 years. Consumers will have a difficult time replacing, repairing, or upgrading existing equipment.

Will I qualify for a Federal Tax Credit? 
The link below will take you to the latest information regularly updated by the Department of Energy.