Higher SEER Value Chart

National Standards Are Changing for Heating & Cooling Systems (again).

SEER Savings PhotoStarting in the new year, the type of heating and cooling system you can buy will be different for Indiana homeowners. You may or may not remember that back in 2006, in compliance with mandates from the Department of Energy (DOE), the heating and cooling industry moved from 10 SEER to 13 SEER as a standard efficiency rating for heating and cooling systems. These changes ensured that all heating and cooling systems on the market were more efficient and reliable. The good news is that more efficient systems cost less to run and will save you on utility bills. In 2015, the DOE has increased the minimum standard once again from 13 SEER to 14 SEER. The heating and cooling experts at Home Comfort Experts wanted to make you aware of these changes to SEER ratings in our area, and tell you how they will affect you.

 

Understanding SEER Ratings

First things first, what is a SEER rating? In the heating and cooling industry, a furnace or air conditioner is rated by SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER minimum rating requirements are changing around the country based on region. This is the first time the federal government has varied these standards depending on the region of the country. The current 13 SEER standard for air conditioners will move to 14 SEER in most areas, but 13 SEER air conditioning units can still be sold in the northern region. The biggest product change regarding the new regulations involves all split-system heat pumps. All three regions will move from 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), to the new national heat pump efficiency minimum of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF.

 

What Do You Have to Do When You Purchase a Furnace, Heat Pump or AC?

Essentially, you don’t have to take any special action. Your heating and cooling specialist will know which equipment qualifies and for how long. The majority of US manufacturers already offer 14 SEER heat pump systems, and many manufacturers may have beefed up 14 SEER designs to meet product demands for 2015. One area you may notice a change in is the familiar yellow Energy Guide label or hang tag attached to every furnace, air conditioner or heat pump unit. Instead of a single rating point, new labels for split-system air conditioners and heat pumps will now show a range representing the lowest and highest SEER ratings for all the condenser’s certified coil combinations. This will verify that all of the parts in the entire system meet the new SEER guidelines.

 

The team at Home Comfort Experts is dedicated to educating you on important changes in the heating and cooling industry that might affect you. If you have questions about these changes in efficiency ratings, or are in need of a new heating and cooling system, call Home Comfort Experts. We are here to help!