Is Your AC Working As Well As It Should? New Air Conditioner Efficiency Ratings

How old is your AC? Standards are changing for all air conditioning and heating systems installed after January 15, 2015, with new SEER air conditioner efficiency ratings going into effect. Although this is more of an industry and contractor regulation – meaning, all newly manufactured systems need to comply – at Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we think it’s helpful for our customers to understand some of the background as well to determine if your AC might need an upgrade.

Who regulates the industry? The Department of Energy regulates the HVAC industry, but works closely with other organizations to set standards. In this case, there is a settlement agreement with the American Public Gas Association on the implementation of new Federal Regional Standards.

What does SEER mean? SEER is an acronym for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” It’s a number (between 8-23) that describes how efficient an air-conditioning system works. A higher SEER means higher efficiency and lower energy bills. It is believed that higher SEER ratings also reduce fossil fuel consumption and limit air pollution by reducing the need for more power plants and the gasses and emissions associated with their use.

What is the new standard? Because AC efficiency can be affected by outdoor weather conditions, the new air conditioner efficiency ratings are now regional, divided by the north, southeast and southwest sections of the country. In our region, the new standard is for all newly manufactured air conditioner and heating systems to have a minimum 14 SEER rating.

What are the myths about SEER ratings? Some opponents have claimed that increasing SEER air conditioner efficiency ratings hurt low income families or prevent people from replacing their old AC because of the cost. However, most lower income families rent their homes, so they will not bear the brunt of the cost of a new AC, but will reap the rewards of lower utility bills. For those who look to purchase a new system, historically, prices of systems with higher ratings have not increased more than the average increase from year-to-year. Finally, the incremental cost of improved efficiency will offset the cost within a few years.

How do I know if my AC is inefficient? In addition to the SEER rating, basic maintenance issues can make your AC inefficient, including the age, wear and tear of the system, leaking ducts, and lack of routine maintenance. Some symptoms of an inefficient air conditioner include higher utility bills, uneven cooling throughout the house, a noisy system, and poor air quality inside your home.

If you are wondering if it might be time to improve your air conditioner efficiency and lower your utility bills, call Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for a free inspection and consultation. Our experts can help you decide if you need some repairs or if an upgrade to the new air conditioner efficiency ratings is best for you. For new systems, a variety of financing options might be available for you. Please contact us at 760.863.0832 to schedule an appointment, and we’ll ensure that your system is the most efficient it can be.